You don’t need millions to start a business

When it comes to starting a business, billionaire investor Mark Cuban believes most entrepreneurs can succeed without raising a dime from investors. In fact, he says, "At least 90, if not 95%, of small businesses can start without raising any capital. You just use sweat equity."

What does that mean for you? It means you don’t need venture capital, loans, or outside funding to get your business off the ground. All you need is hustle, resourcefulness, and a willingness to put in the hours.

Here’s how you can start building your business—without the need for funding.

Step 1: Start Lean—Use Your Own Resources

The first step is to keep things simple. Instead of looking for funding or external help, focus on using what you already have: your time, skills, and energy. Cuban famously worked multiple side jobs, including bartending, to fund his entrepreneurial dream. You can start small by using your own resources to build your business.

How:

• Start with what you know: Leverage your existing skills to offer services or products. Whether it's web design, consulting, or content creation, find a way to monetize your talents.

• Keep overhead low: Work from home, use free software, and minimize any unnecessary expenses.

• Focus on the essentials: Identify what you can do with little to no investment—create a website, tap into your network, and promote through organic channels like social media.

By starting lean, you reduce the need for outside funding and ensure that your business is driven by your creativity and hard work, not just capital.

Step 2: Be Resourceful—Use Side Hustles to Fund Your Dream

Cuban didn’t just rely on his main job to fund his business. He worked side gigs—like bartending—to generate extra cash while building his empire. Side hustles are a powerful way to fund your startup journey without relying on loans or investors.

How:

• Find side gigs: Look for freelance opportunities or part-time work that you can fit around your main business. Whether it’s driving for a rideshare company or offering tutoring, every extra dollar helps.

• Save and reinvest: Funnel any extra income from your side hustles back into your business. Use it to pay for necessary tools, advertising, or services.

• Stay disciplined: Side hustles require time and energy. But if you stay focused on your long-term vision, those extra hours will pay off.

Side hustles provide immediate cash flow, which you can use to get your business off the ground without waiting for investment. Plus, the more creative you get, the more flexible your income streams will be.

Accomplish More. Juggle Less.

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Step 3: Commit to the Long Hours—Embrace the Grind

Building a business from the ground up takes dedication. Cuban believes that entrepreneurship isn’t a 40-hour workweek—it’s a lifestyle. The hustle doesn’t stop after regular business hours, and to make your dream a reality, you’ll need to commit to working long hours.

How:

• Put in the hours: Don’t expect to work a typical 9-to-5 job. Entrepreneurship demands long hours, whether you’re developing your product, handling customer service, or marketing.

• Work weekends: Often, building your business will require sacrifices. Set aside weekends to focus on what needs to get done.

• Embrace the grind: There will be challenging days, but remember—this is the foundation of your future success. The more time and effort you put in now, the closer you’ll be to owning your business.

Those long, intense hours help you gain momentum, build the necessary skills, and solidify the foundation of your business. Without hard work, you can’t expect to reap the rewards.

The Bottom Line

Mark Cuban’s approach to building a successful business without external funding proves that determination, resourcefulness, and hard work are all you need to get started. The hustle doesn’t require millions of dollars—it just requires hustle. So, get started today: put in the sweat equity, be resourceful, and commit to making every hour count.

You’ve got this.