4 Ways to start a business in Ecuador with no money

I met a young American gal in my hotel near the airport in Quito. She is looking to move to Ecuador, and is looking for a job. I told her don't bother, instead start a business in what she does, that's the only way she is going to make money in the third world. Her response surprised me... "no money for that" she said. I think that comes from the mentality of a North American, because down here you don't need much to get started. Here are four tips to get started on a shoestring down here: 1. Lease, don't buy. You can lease the property (like I did here at my hotel). That way your only start up cost is the furniture, in my case I spent just $10-20k and I was on my way. 2. Sell coupons for later delivery of services. I did this when I started and it generated me a quick few thousands dollars in pocket to furnish my place with. 3. Pre-sell inventory (before you actually have it) to ensure it has demand here and get money in hand before investing (easier now-a-days with the Internet). 4. Start with the "light" version of your business and expand or buy new equipment with the money you make from the business itself. In this manner, most businesses can be started in Ecuador for just a few thousand dollars!