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If you’re thinking of starting a business someday after your apprenticeship, know that you’ll have some obstacles in your way.  For one thing starting a business requires start-up money, help from venture capitalists, and investors.  Sometimes if you’re lucky enough, banks can offer a lending hand as you get started, but make no mistake, when you start a business you’re often going at it alone.

Like everything worthwhile in life you’ll have a fair amount of risk and personal sacrifices facing your decisions. But, even if you’re short on start-up cash, sometimes all it takes is a good idea, some dedicated employees, and some gritty years before your business can begin to take off.

Chances are you’re not alone in your business dreams, even the most successful franchisees were not born overnight.  Take the popular sandwich shop Subway for example.  Started in 1965, 17 year old founder Fred DeLuca, had almost no start up money, after borrowing $1,000 from a friend, and selling off some of his personal property, DeLuca was able to scrap together the cash to open up his submarine sandwich shop.

Obviously not becoming an overnight sensation, DeLuca faced bankruptcy when city requirements forced him to upgrade his equipment, but after an additional loan from his friend, DeLuca was able to squeeze on by the rough patch.  After a few years of blood sweat and tears, DeLuca again took another risk and opened three more stores in rapid succession.  His risky investments seemed to pay off, as his dedicated sandwich franchise started to take off.  Now a billion-dollar business, Subway is one start-up story for the record books.  The success of subway goes to show that even with next to nothing, business owners with a little determination and hard work can end up being very successful endeavours.