Why I Took The Plunge and What Happened When I Did

When my General Assistance cash benefits ran out, Social Services sent me one last check for $140. I felt there would NEVER be a good time to start a business. I had been unemployed for years, my health was torturing me from the daily work activity that Welfare mandated, and I was miserable and depressed. Despite that--actually, because of it all--I decided to take the entrepreneurial plunge. Money or not, I'd had enough of the sorry path my life was taking.

In a plea for help, I sent a text to the NJSBDC counselor I had been meeting with months earlier and asked  "How am I ever going to start a business with NO money. He asked if I wanted to meet with him. Two weeks later, I had an opportunity to present to him my new skills (making handbags). Last time we spoke I was designing and making doll clothes, now, I had stumbled onto a niche that appeared lucrative and, for me, doable.

The SBDC counselor went over the process for filing for an EIN (Employer Tax ID Number) and a LLC (Limited Liability Company).

Seems crazy to start such an important venture with no real start-up cash (beyond the mere pittance I received from Welfare), but in this world people often say that God creates miracles. Okaaay . . . I sure do need one. Let me see what my Divine Father can do. I know He's good at pulling off the impossible. Gee, I can't wait. Currently, I am waiting for state approval for the LLC. Wish me luck!!

Last Updated:  March 30, 2014

STARTING A BUSINESS WITH NO MONEY?

Hello, everyone! 

I am chronicling my efforts to start a small business even though I have NO money. But I have plenty of talent, perseverance, and two great inspirations: kicking Welfare to the curb, and using my creative ability. I've been wanting to take the entrepreneurial plunge for 15+ years. There was never money to do so even when I was working. And I definitely did not have enough confidence in my skills.

How Did I Choose My Business Name?

I named my business Silk City Girl Crafts for two reasons. First, I was born in Paterson, NJ, USA, and waaay back in the day, Paterson used to manufacture silk. Thus, the town was called Silk City.  Second, my chief talents lie in the craft/sewing realm. Soooo, I'm the girl from Silk City whose chief talent is making crafts (home decor, doll clothes, and so on). Easy, right? Nah, I tried out some 150 names before I settled on this one.

Starting a Business With Zilch Dollars!?

Yes, believe it or not. Why should I delay my dreams because I'm financially poor? Even poor folk have dreams, and we have a right--a duty--to pursue that elusive, fading American Dream. All my life people have said to me "God is going to help you. Just have faith. Be patient." Well, I'm not known for patience (though I've gained plenty of it), and I fall short of the faith ladder. But I've always prayed to the Higher Being. His Presence has evolved in my mind and life over the decades, and I've had quite a few one-sided verbal battles with Him. Hope he has a really good sense of humor.

Just talking wasn't going to get me any closer to financial freedom. I felt it was time to step out of my turtle shell and test God (actually, I mean test myself). I needed to see what the Divine Father would do for me if I chose a goal and made attempts to accomplish it. Would doors open? Would my years of begging for a direction, for help, for money, for the moon and sun be provided if I stepped up to the plate?

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