• Pet care is a popular, low-cost business start-up idea.walking the dogs image by Kevin Chesson from Fotolia.com
  
  Enterprising individuals are always starting businesses. The key is to find a particular product or service that is in high demand and fill it. People start businesses in many different industries, including retail, health care, direct sales and even with Internet companies. Unfortunately, many businesses require lots of working capital. However, there are many business start-up ideas that do not require a person to cash-out their 401(k) account or life-long savings account.
  
  

Pet Care

• Pet care is is type of business that you can start with very little capital. Many people start out as dog walkers, which requires little or no initial investment. People are busy and many work full-time. Consequently, people with pets need to make sure that their dogs are getting the proper amount of care. Additionally, dogs need to be bathed and groomed. Pet care businesses are fairly recession-resistant, according to the article "Pet Industry Trends For 2010" at smallbiztrends.com.
  
  

Newspaper Recycling

• Newspaper recycling is another business start-up that requires little capital. Those who start newspaper recycling businesses can earn a living while doing something positive for the environment. The best way to start a recycling business is to start contacting people in your neighborhood and local area and ask them to save their newspapers. You can even make cardboard boxes, mark them with a "Newspaper Recycling" label and distribute them throughout the neighborhood. Set aside a day each week to pick up the newspapers. You can then contact a local recycling center and sell the newspapers to them.
  
  

Computer Repair

• People who know how to repair computers can earn a living fixing and upgrading people's laptops, computers and other peripheral equipment. Almost everyone has at least one computer. You will need an office and some marketing capital. You can start by distributing fliers and running ads in the local newspaper.
  
  

Cleaning Business

• Just like pet care, busy people also need their homes and offices cleaned and maintained. Residential and commercial cleaning do not require a major investment. All you need is a vacuum cleaner, cleaning supplies and garbage bags. If you want to expand your business, hire some people and focus on marketing your business through advertising.
  
  

Flea Markets

• Some people make their living by selling items at flea markets. Virtually any type of product can be sold at flea market venues, but you should first investigate your competition before getting started, according to the article "Start a Flea Market Business: Steps to Business Success" at morebusiness.com. You will need to pay a small fee for a space at the flea market. Once you decide on a product line, go online and look for wholesalers who can supply you with what you need. You will want to find a wholesaler that can provide you with a significant discount on your products in order that you can increase your profit potential.