Cost is always a factor when trying to build a home-based business on a shoe string budget. Here are some ways to do it. 1. Business Cards. You will need to get some to hand out to all your potential clients. You can get them free (or at minimal cost) at Vista Print (http://www.vistaprint.com/frf?frf=872326960930). They also offer brochures and other marketing tools at a great price.

2. Set up a free Flash Website at Flash Builder (http://www.flashbuilder.net). A great way to build a professional looking website and set up your presence on the Internet. Bravenet (www.bravenet.com) also has free webhosting and will provide good templates for your website.
3.Need money? Here are some places to get grants or loans. Count-me-In (http://www.count-me-in.org/)has loans starting in the hundreds and go up to $5000 for the first loan. Once you pay it off, they can give you another loan. The second limit is $10,000. Webmomz (http://www.webmomz.com/resources-free-business-grants.shtml)has a $500 grant. The best idea wins and the winner gets the money in April 2006. Women's Net (http://www.womensnet.net/ambergrants/ Grants are here for between $500 and $1000. Business Idea Cafe(http://www.businessownersideacafe.com/business_grants/grant_dujour.php). This site has several grants available. Digital Women(http://www.digital-women.com/) Go to the grants and loans links. They have some good ones here.

4. Set up a blog at Blogger.com (http://www.blogger.com) has a great free one that looks very professional. This will enable you to establish a relationship with your clients and provide time-essential information.