I meet many would-be entrepreneurs who want to start their own businesses but simply don’t have enough money for their startup costs.

The first task of a successful entrepreneur is to achieve their own start-up capital.

A few technology businesses are impossible to start without a certain amount of capital.

But many other businesses, especially businesses where you buy and sell reasonably priced goods, can be started with your own savings.

Ambitious entrepreneurs who don’t have help from family or friends will simply go without until they have amassed the money they need.

They will work all the hours they can – sometimes taking two or three jobs – until they have saved enough to get started.

If you want to trade, you can start in a small way and learn quickly.

If people are buying your product or service, you are getting it right.

If  they are not buying, you are getting the offering or the price or the target market or your sales pitch wrong.

Everything you want to know about starting a business can be learned from one of the many advisory centres that exist, the internet, an experienced friend or colleague and a good book on the subject.

It isn’t rocket science.

But what starting your own business does require is persistence and determination – both of which are free.

If you don’t have either of those, stick to the day job and find a different dream.