4 Gigantic Companies That Started From Nothing

Most of us know the inspiring story of Apple, which was transformed from a humble garage-based computer project into an international tech behemoth known for its computers and seemingly indispensable pocket-sized products. But what about lesser-known stories and narratives of other entrepreneurial businesses that also started from nothing and evolved into enormous industry leaders?

Millions of entrepreneurs across the globe have started profitable enterprises without the help of big investors. To inspire your journey, here are four remarkable success stories proving that you can start a business from scratch, thrive, and make it big – even with little to no money.

1. Hewlett-Packard (HP): From $538 to a Billion-Dollar Enterprise

HP could be considered the “original” tech startup formed in a garage. In 1939 the electronics company started with a modest $538 (the equivalent of $11,894 in 2023). Their early success was attributed to an audio oscillator, a product that catalyzed their growth by facilitating the design and production of telephones, stereos, and other forms of audio equipment. The company expanded into all sorts of test electronics, eventually making its foray into the computer business in 1968, marking a significant milestone with the introduction of the HP 9100A "personal" computer.

Now over 80 years old, HP has grown into one of the world’s largest information technology companies. As of the 2022 fiscal year, it had nearly 60,000 employees worldwide and posted annual net revenue of $63 billion.

Millions of entrepreneurs across the globe have started profitable enterprises without the help of big investors.

2. Starbucks: A Single Idea Grows Into a Global Chain

Before the phrase “There’s a Starbucks on every corner” became commonplace, there was just an idea. In 1971, two teachers and a writer pooled together a little of their own money to establish a Seattle-based coffee bean business. Inspired by Berkeley, California-based Peet’s Coffee & Tea, the entrepreneurs reached out to the owner, who began to supply them with coffee beans and offer roasting advice.

The concept of Starbucks as a coffee shop didn’t materialize until 1982. Despite the founders’ initial hesitation to change their business model, their vision prevailed.

After the company went public in 1992, Starbucks expanded rapidly, evolving into the world’s largest chain of coffeehouses. Today, its network of over 35,000 stores extends across more than 80 countries.

3. Subway: A Lesson in Franchising From a Humble Connecticut Deli

So, you want to know how to start a business from nothing? Consider the story of Subway, initially known as Peter’s Super Submarines. Founded in 1965 with $1,000 (about $9,600 in 2023) borrowed from family friend and eventual business partner, Subway aimed to open 32 stores within its first decade. Falling short of this goal by the ninth year, they pivoted to a franchising model.

What began as a small sandwich shop in Bridgeport, Connecticut, now operates in more than 100 countries, with nearly 37,000 locations worldwide. That’s nearly twice the number of Burger King restaurants and closely rivals fast-food juggernaut McDonalds, which has more than 40,000 locations.

Still privately owned Subway’s story is a testament to humble business beginnings. Next time you see a world-famous athlete endorsing the Subway menu, remember that it all started with a single, modest Connecticut deli.

4. Mattel: Crafting a Toy Empire From Picture Frames

Mattel’s journey began in 1945 as a simple picture frame business run out of the garage. The still-tiny Mattel got into the toy business by crafting dollhouse furniture from leftover wooden frame scraps. Their first big hit came in 1947 with the Uke-A-Doodle musical toy.

By the mid-1950s, Mattel had already grown into a $5 million venture. But the company – and the toy industry as a whole – changed forever in 1959 when Mattel introduced the Barbie doll. Mattel went on to develop other iconic, generation-spanning brands, including Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price, American Girl, Uno, and Thomas & Friends, to name a few.

Mattel is now one of the world’s largest toy companies, reporting $5.4 billion in net sales for fiscal year 2022.

Best Businesses to Start With Little Money

The companies highlighted above are stalwarts in the entrepreneurial hall of fame, so you may wonder if your big idea could break through and gain recognition. The good news is that, as demonstrated above, pretty much any type of business – coffee, toys, food, tech – has the potential to start with little and still make it big.

Whatever your idea may be, keep in mind that building a successful company takes time. There’s no reason your garage can’t be the launchpad for the next tech giant, or the genesis of the next must-have product or service that captivates consumers in hundreds of countries. Remember, Amazon started out as a digital bookstore with delivery times spanning several days, while Netflix initially mailed DVDs to customers based on their own curated lists.

If you’re considering starting a new business from nothing, know that technology has made it much easier to do so. For example, effective use of social media may quickly elevate your business, particularly if you can organically engage your target audience. Strategic paid ad placements and marketing campaigns also can help expose your brand to the right people.

Even if you’re not looking to become the next global phenomenon, here are some things to consider when trying to start a small new business with little money:

• Tap into your skill set. Are you a good cook? Consider becoming a personal chef. Or, if you are fluent in other languages, you could offer translation services or language tutoring. If you have musical talent, you might consider providing lessons.
• Create content. Let’s be honest, how many times have you found yourself scrolling through videos on social media late into the night? It happens to all of us. But what if you’re the one creating that captivating content? Building an audience could open up multiple revenue streams.
•  Provide a service. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel – even common services can be profitable if done well. Consider the number of different landscaping companies in your neighborhood. Offering reliable, high-quality services can spread your reputation through word of mouth, potentially expanding your operations from a single lawnmower in the back of your SUV to a fleet of trucks with a full staff.
• Set up an online shop. Platforms like Etsy and eBay make it easy to sell homemade products. Startup expenses can essentially be just the materials you need to make the goods. Maybe you like to make bracelets for your friends. Why not try turning that hobby into a full-fledged business?

The Bottom Line

While it may be easier than ever before to start a business with little to no money, it can still take time and effort to go from a person with an idea and a few bucks to an industry mogul with generational wealth. If your goal isn’t to be the next big industry titan, all the better – there are plenty of ways to invest a bit of savings into a new venture and see what happens. 

A version of this article was originally published on June 17, 2011.

Photo: Getty Images