If you'd like to minimize your financial risk in starting a business, Start up Nation has come up with a list of businesses you can start on a shoestring budget.
There are common denominators among all of the business ideas.
Two similarities stand out in particular:

1. Most of the businesses are service oriented
2. Most can be a home-based businesses

There is a wide variety of business opportunities available that compliment your natural business talent or learned skills.
Here are some ideas based on things you enjoy.
If you like working with children, consider: 1) Tutoring.
The Federal law, No Child Left Behind, creates a mandate for children to pass test standards before moving to the next grade.
Your impact on a child's education can not only be economically rewarding, it will also help you feel more personally fulfilled while earning extra income.
2) Child Care Provider.
The single-parent population is large and needs childcare assistance, especially outside of the traditional working hours.
Child care providers are in high demand and the business can be both lucrative and personally rewarding.
Some states require that you get licensed while some do not, so be sure to check on licensing and certification requirements of your state.
If you like working with older people, consider: 3) Hair Care and Makeup Provider.
The growing "graying" population in nursing homes and assisted living facilities offers a new market for hair and makeup products and services.
Additionally, the quality time you spend with the elderly is valuable to both parties.
If you like preparing food, consider: 4) Catering.
Have dreams of opening a restaurant? Get your feet wet first with a catering business where you can hone your skills and establish a good base of customers.
In addition to a love of cooking, successful caterers are good at planning and managing.
If you enjoy organizing, consider: 5) Party Planning.
Today's celebrations sometimes go beyond the traditional family gatherings.
From birthdays, anniversaries, bar and bat mitzvahs, and graduations there can be many opportunities to serve as a party planner.
Your organizational skills will come into play for pre-party preparations, decorating, and many other fun aspects of celebrations.
6) Personal Organizer.
There is a growing need for help with organizing home offices, family homes, garages, and more.
Customers need solutions to their storage problems and assistance when downsizing a lifetime's worth of possessions.
Learn how to get certified by the National Association of Professional Organizers.
7) Cleaning and Lawn Service.
As with organization, busy families often employ people to maintain lawns, gardens, and other landscapes.
If you have a green thumb and enjoy the work, start letting friends and family know you are looking for clients.
If you want to use your business or technical skills, consider: 8) Financial Services and Business Consultant.
Consulting work can reap high profits provided you have the knowledge, experience and track record to offer these professional services to both businesses and individual customers.
9) Computer Services.
If you are technically skilled or certified in different avenues of IT, you can offer several services for maintaining, repairing, and set up of computers and equipment or operating and troubleshooting software.
10) Online Instructor.
Online colleges, universities and training companies serve millions of students.
If you have an advanced degree or particular area of expertise, you can sell your services as an online instructor.
This is just a short list of businesses that you can start at mid-life on a shoestring budget.
The idea is to find one that matches your personal interests and strengths, so that working your business gives you purpose as well as profit.