From Zero To Start-Up In Thirty 8 Businesses you can start this month

After working for a bank as a repossessor, Russell Kreiss wasready for a new business experience. "I wanted to be my ownboss and run a small business in a relaxed and friendlyenvironment," says Kreiss, who had another big requirement: alow-investment business he could start in less than 30 days.

When Kreiss visited downtown Sacramento, California, five yearsago, he discovered the perfect opportunity. Three blocks from thestate capitol, Kreiss opened Taking Care of Business, a1,000-square-foot postal, shipping and business service center.Here, downtown workers can drop off their clothes for dry cleaningor laundry; buy legal forms, office supplies or small gifts; copy,fax or shred documents; or buy a coffee and a sweet roll.

To set up his store, Kreiss purchased a computer, cash register,printer and other equipment from a shipping business that wasclosing its doors. He developed marketing flyers and advertised inthe Yellow Pages and local newspapers. His best results came frommailing discount coupons to neighboring businesses.