How to Start a Business With No Money in Canada (as a Foreigner)

How to start a business with no money in Canada as a foreigner (2024)

Are you looking for easy ways to start a business with no money in Canada as a foreigner? If yes, I want you to know that you can do it if you work towards it – if you have dreamt of it, you can achieve it. 

People will always tell you that starting a business is an exciting journey to behold, yes they are right, but it often comes with so many financial challenges.

By the time you finish reading this article, you will be able to start a business with no money in Canada.

This will also help you to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality. Stick around as I walk you through this topic. 

How to start a business with no money in Canada as a foreigner

Just like we know that most businesses require money for startups, below are the ones that can be done with little or no money and how to start them: 

1. Car washing

Starting a car washing business with no money can be challenging, but it’s possible with a creative approach and a lot of hard work.

To start this business, make sure you have the necessary skills and knowledge to wash cars very well and nicely. If not, consider gaining experience through volunteering or working for an established car wash.

Start by using your own household cleaning supplies like buckets, sponges, and environmentally friendly detergents. Look for ways to improvise and be resourceful.

Approach local businesses, gas stations, or property owners and propose partnerships. You might negotiate using their space and water supply in exchange for a share of your profits.

Also, learn how to use word-of-mouth to tell people about your business and distribute flyers in your community to attract your first customers. Offer discounts to entice people to try your services.

2. Baby-sitting 

Babysitting is a great offer for you if you are looking for how to start a business with no money in Canada as a foreigner.  Start babysitting services to parents in your community. 

If you haven’t already, gain experience by babysitting for friends, family, or neighbors. This will help you build a track record and references.

Make people know about your job through social media advertisements like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc. You can also register with job platforms such as Upwork, indeed, LinkedIn to get clients. 

Reach out to parents in your community circles. Ask friends, family members, or acquaintances if they know anyone in need of a babysitter.

Join online babysitting platforms or apps where you can create a profile and connect with parents looking for childcare services. Some of these platforms offer free memberships.

Use your own toys, games, and materials for babysitting. You don’t need to buy additional supplies if you don’t have money.

Also, make sure you have a safe and child-friendly environment for babysitting. Childproof your home if you plan to babysit at your place.

3. House cleaning services

Start a residential cleaning business. You can begin with basic cleaning supplies and gradually expand as you generate income.

Begin by using the cleaning supplies and equipment you already have at home. You can use common household items like brooms, mops, buckets, detergents and cleaning solutions.

Create a professional name and logo for your cleaning business. You can design these yourself or learn how to design it from YouTube, it’s a free platform. 

Set up a basic website or social media profiles to tell people about your services and contact information. 

Also, attract your first clients by offering promotional discounts or package deals for your first cleanings.

As you earn money from your cleaning services, reinvest your earnings into better cleaning equipment and supplies to improve the quality of your service.

4. Mobile DJ

Are you a DJ and still wondering how to start a business with no money in Canada as a foreigner?

If you have DJ equipment and music knowledge, you should offer your services for events like weddings, parties, and local gatherings.

Starting a mobile DJ business with no money can be challenging, but it’s possible with a creative approach and determination.

Begin with the audio equipment you already have, such as speakers, headphones, and a laptop. You can gradually upgrade as you earn money.

Nurture your DJ skills by practicing regularly. There are plenty of online resources and tutorials to help you improve your mixing and song selection.

Design a simple logo and create a professional DJ name. This will help you appear more established to potential clients.

You can set up a free website or social media profiles to display your services and create an online presence. Share mixes, photos, and information about your DJ business on your social platforms.

Connect with event planners, wedding coordinators, and local venues. Attend local music events and introduce yourself to potential clients.

Consider forming partnerships with event planners, photographers, or caterers to refer clients to each other.

Also, rent DJ equipment to other aspiring DJs or small events. This can generate income and help you save for upgrades.

5. Jewelry making/crafts

Begin with jewelry designs that require minimal materials, such as beaded bracelets or simple earrings. These often require only basic beads, wire, and findings.

If you have the skill and knowledge, you should use any jewelry-making products you already have, even if it’s just a small collection of beads, wires, or tools.

Reuse old or broken jewelry pieces you have. Take apart old necklaces or bracelets to salvage beads and wire that you can use in your designs.

Trade your jewelry pieces for materials or services you need, such as additional beads or jewelry-making tools.

Look for free or low-cost sources of supplies, such as collecting beads from friends and family, attending bead swap events, or finding deals on online marketplaces.

Develop a unique jewelry style or theme that sets your creations apart from others. This can help you stand out in a competitive market.

Create your own packaging for your jewelry using materials like paper, cardboard, or fabric, reducing the need for costly packaging supplies.

Utilize free social media platforms to showcase your jewelry and connect with potential customers. Share high-quality photos of your creations to attract attention.

Participate in local craft fairs and markets to sell your jewelry directly to customers. Some events may offer free spaces.

Start selling your jewelry on online platforms like Etsy, which have a low initial setup cost and allow you to reach a wide audience.

6. Mobile car repair

You can start mobile car repair if you are looking for how to start a business with no money in Canada as a foreigner. It may not be easy, but it is worth doing. 

If you’re a skilled mechanic, start mobile car repair services to clients in your community. Make sure you have the necessary automotive repair skills and knowledge to offer quality services. 

If not, consider gaining experience through volunteering or working for an established mechanic. Begin with the tools and equipment you already have.

Set up a mobile workspace in your garage, where you can perform repairs and store your tools and equipment.

As you complete jobs, document your work with before-and-after photos and customer testimonials to build trust with potential clients.

As you start earning money, save a portion of your earnings to invest in better tools and equipment to improve the quality and efficiency of your repairs. 

How to Start a Business With No Money in Canada

7. Ironing/laundry services

Starting an ironing or laundry service with no money can be challenging, but it’s possible with hard work. 

Begin by using the laundry equipment you already have at home, such as a washing machine, iron, and ironing board.

Make sure you have the necessary skills for laundry and ironing. If not, practice and improve your skills to provide quality service.

Develop a simple business plan outlining your services, target market, pricing strategy, and marketing approach.

Create a basic website or social media profile to display your services and connect with potential clients. Many platforms offer free website builders and social media accounts.

Connect with other businesses, such as offices, clothing boutiques, or hotels, who may refer clients to your laundry services.

Focus on providing high-quality laundry and ironing services to build a positive image for your brand and encourage word-of-mouth referrals.

Always seek feedback from clients and use their suggestions to improve your services and customer experience.

8. Pet sitting

Pet sitting is also a great offer for someone looking for how to start a business with no money in Canada as a foreigner. 

Make sure you have the necessary skills and experience to take care of pets. If not, consider gaining experience by volunteering at an animal shelter or through pet ownership.

Begin with the pet care supplies you already have, such as leashes, food bowls, and pet toys. Use your own home for pet sitting, if possible.

Connect with local pet stores, veterinarians, and animal rescue organizations that may refer clients to your pet-sitting services.

Consider forming partnerships with other local pet-related businesses or individuals who may need your services, such as dog trainers or pet groomers.

Always provide high-quality pet care to your clients in order to build referrals, and positive and strong brands for your pet-sitting business.

Once you start earning money, save a portion of your earnings to invest in additional pet care supplies or marketing efforts to expand your pet-sitting business.

9. Courier/delivery service 

Start a local courier or delivery service in your area or town. You can use a bicycle, scooter, or car depending on your budget and location.

If you have access to a car, bike, or even a scooter, use it as your delivery vehicle. Starting with a small, fuel-efficient vehicle can save money on expenses.

Determine the type of courier service you want to offer, such as same-day delivery, local deliveries, or specialized deliveries for a specific industry (e.g., medical or legal documents).

Set up a free website or social media profile to showcase your services and contact information. Many platforms offer free website builders and social media accounts.

Connect with local businesses that may need courier services, such as small retailers, pharmacies, or restaurants.

10. Mobile phone repair

Do you desire safe ways on to start a business with no money in Canada as a foreigner? Mobile phone repair has come to help you get started. 

If you have technical skills, you can start offering mobile phone repair services. You may need some specialized tools and replacement parts.

Make sure you have the necessary skills and knowledge for mobile phone repair. If not, consider gaining experience through self-study, online tutorials, or volunteering at repair shops.

Begin by using the tools and equipment you already have. You may need to invest in a few essential tools as your business grows.

You can also learn hardware repair, and how to troubleshoot and repair software issues in mobile phones. This can expand your service offerings.

Set up a free website or social media profile to showcase your services and contact information. Many platforms offer free website builders and social media accounts.

Connect with local businesses, such as mobile phone retailers or electronics stores, who may refer clients to your repair services.

11. Tutoring

If you excel in a particular subject or skill, this is a time to offer tutoring services to students in your area. All you need is your expertise and study materials.

Identify the subjects or skills you excel in and can teach very well. Determine the age groups or grade levels you want to tutor.

Begin by using the educational materials, textbooks, and resources you already have. You can also utilize free online resources and educational websites.

Offer online tutoring sessions using free video conferencing tools like Zoom or Skype. Online tutoring eliminates the need for a physical location.

Set up free profiles on tutoring platforms or create a basic website to showcase your services and contact information. Many tutoring websites allow you to register for free.

Connect with local schools, teachers, and educational organizations that may refer students to your tutoring services.

12. Event planning

Event planning is a better option for you if you are looking for how to start a business with no money in Canada as a foreigner. You can plan small events and expand your business over time.

Determine the type of events you want to specialize in, such as weddings, corporate events, parties, or fundraisers. 

Connect with local vendors and other event professionals who can provide referrals to you. Building a network can be valuable for a startup with no resources.

Set up free social media profiles and create a basic website to display your services, previous event work (even if it’s personal events), and contact information.

When you start earning money from event planning, save a portion of your earnings to invest in marketing efforts or tools to enhance your event planning business.

Final thought

There you have it on How to Start a Business With No Money in Canada. It surely requires determination, hard work, and a willingness to start. 

But, don’t forget that most successful businesses start small, and with dedication and following what has been written here, you can achieve success as an entrepreneur no matter your startup.