Starting with nothing. Need some help

**iLLUstrious** · 08-14-2009 10:44 PM

hello everyone.

I am 18 years old, I live in New Castle, Pennsylvania. I'm in a horrible situation. I blew off high school. I've received my diploma, but with a 1.2 GPA. So going to school is almost out of the question. I can go to a community college, but I have no money. My father is planning on kicking me out of the house since I cannot find a job anywhere (Mcdonalds wouldnt even hire me?.

I have a mind made for owning my own business, and it's a dream in life that I am very passionate about persuing. New Castle is a very small town with nothing to do for teenagers. Mostly, all the kids my age do is either smoke pot, or get into trouble.

I have many ideas on what seems like to be some legitimate business ideas, but I am not sure how to go about pursuing these seeing as though I am 18 years old and have no credit history. I have a possible partner who is in her 30's that may be able to help.

So, these are some of my ideas. The new Hookah trend is very big around here. Though, the closet hookah lounge is 45 minutes away in Ohio. I feel that if a hookah lounge could be opened in New Castle, it would do amazing. Also, a club for teenagers. There is no clubs in my town for teenagers, and the closet one is "The Zoo" in pittsburgh. There would be no need to sell drinks, seeing as though it could be 20 and under, or 18 and under, ect.

This is my first time stepping into owning a business. So, how do I go about finding information on licenses, loans, finding a location, ect. Am I too young to consider any of this?

I don't want to move back to the projects. That's the last thing I want to do. But my life is not going a good way, and having no money is not helping me at all. I have been trying to get a job forever and it is just not working.

Any advice would be great.

Thank you. =)

**axeman236** · 08-14-2009 11:32 PM

Originally Posted by iLLUstrious

hello everyone.

I am 18 years old, I live in New Castle, Pennsylvania. I'm in a horrible situation. I blew off high school. I've received my diploma, but with a 1.2 GPA. So going to school is almost out of the question. I can go to a community college, but I have no money. My father is planning on kicking me out of the house since I cannot find a job anywhere (Mcdonalds wouldnt even hire me?.

I have a mind made for owning my own business, and it's a dream in life that I am very passionate about persuing. New Castle is a very small town with nothing to do for teenagers. Mostly, all the kids my age do is either smoke pot, or get into trouble.

I have many ideas on what seems like to be some legitimate business ideas, but I am not sure how to go about pursuing these seeing as though I am 18 years old and have no credit history. I have a possible partner who is in her 30's that may be able to help.

So, these are some of my ideas. The new Hookah trend is very big around here. Though, the closet hookah lounge is 45 minutes away in Ohio. I feel that if a hookah lounge could be opened in New Castle, it would do amazing. Also, a club for teenagers. There is no clubs in my town for teenagers, and the closet one is "The Zoo" in pittsburgh. There would be no need to sell drinks, seeing as though it could be 20 and under, or 18 and under, ect.

This is my first time stepping into owning a business. So, how do I go about finding information on licenses, loans, finding a location, ect. Am I too young to consider any of this?

I don't want to move back to the projects. That's the last thing I want to do. But my life is not going a good way, and having no money is not helping me at all. I have been trying to get a job forever and it is just not working.

Any advice would be great.

Thank you. =)

Oh do I hear you man...

America isn't the land of opportunity when you don't have money. Its the land of "take what you can get." And right now, I can't get anything either!

But as for the Hookah Bar idea... I was just at one last night... first time ever actually... haha. I have never set-up a hookah bar, but there seems to be a lot of work/money/risk involved with setting that up. I'm ever so curious about your "possible" partner though. Like how did you meet and all that...

if you want you can PM me, and we can discuss MY business idea that I want to see started soon. Not brick and mortar like a Hooka Bar, in fact its hopefully going to be 99.9% online, but I plan on it being a multi-million dollar company by the end of next year! But i'm in the same boat as you.

**nate_f2** · 08-15-2009 12:20 AM

You can make this dream happen, first you have to analyze the situation and get down to the roots of your problems then adjust. The ones that make it to the top are the ones that can adapt to their atmosphere. I will tell you this much I had it kind of rough since I was 18 and I never took my eyes off my goal. Starting a business doesnt happen over night, it takes time, but theres no reason why you cant have one up next year. Myownbusiness.org to start your business plan is the first step and its free. Work on that shit everyday and it will happen.

**LSnyder** · 08-15-2009 02:38 PM

Look up your state website and see if there are any requirements for licensing for a teen "club". Going to your local SBDC is a great way to start.

Free Consulting Services, Business Plans, Financing Help for Small Businesses in Pennsylvania | pasbdc.org

**tonye** · 08-15-2009 03:17 PM

don't look at the negative, or the past, if you do you can't move forward. start over with a clean slate, whats done is done, now work hard towards your goal

**multimediocrity** · 08-22-2009 03:32 AM

I understand the seriousness of your situation. Although I cannot say I've been in that position before, I do know several who have.

If you're interested in starting a business, look for something that you think people need. If you're doing something territorial (such as a lounge), I suggest looking in to the details. How much would it cost to set up, etc.

If you're interested in starting your business, I HIGHLY recommend a website. It's a very cost-effective tool and can help you turn a profit easily. Amalgam is a web development company (click my below link). I highly recommend them for developing sites, as they are inexpensive, professional, and quick. They seem to know what people need.

I wish you luck in whichever direction you choose.

Signed,
Multimediocrity

**minraj** · 08-26-2009 06:05 AM

this is life, you should get ride over the situation by your own efforts. if you're looking for some business/earning without the invest of money, have a look at my website from my signature link.

good luck & god bless u.

**byrneof** · 08-28-2009 09:39 AM

A big part of being successful in business is trial and error. The trick is to never give up. If you have an open mind, and look at failure as a lesson, then you should be ok.
It's all about the process.

**dave3231** · 09-28-2009 09:35 PM

dude..i used to live in new castle back in 2003. I graduated in 2006 and yea..i hear ya. new castle is dead..nothing to do.. Actually..im also thinking of going back and opening up some kind of nightlife (dance club) business. its also very cheap out there..compare to here in California. btw..whats ur name? i might of seen ya around. i use to live by blaine st.