Look for Funding All Around to Find Out

I went back home to Illinois for the holidays in 2011 armed with a some Craigslist printouts of several food carts & trailers for sale.  The plan was to pitch the idea to my folks & other relatives at a Christmas party to see if anyone would be interested in backing my grilled cheese operation.

"I've done a ton of research & even hosted a couple of taste tests," I told anyone who would listen.  "The response was great & I know there's a demand for a late-night grilled cheese cart.  I can make some serious money, but I just need to buy a cart first."

"How much do they run?" my grandpa asked.  

I showed him a printout with a used hot dog cart in Chula Vista. "This one's only $800 but it already has the necessary County Health Permits.  So, that would save me some time," I said.

"Where would you set up at?" he asked.

"There's this nightclub in Ocean Beach called Winston's & they've had a hot dog cart outside before & he cleaned up, but he recently moved," I said.  "So, now it's available.  I just gotta go talk to 'em."

"Well, Zach.  It sounds like you're on the right path & I know you're gonna work your ass off on it.  I hope it works out for ya.  Good luck," my grandpa said & walked back into the living room.

Later after my relatives all went home, I showed the the ads to my dad.  "How much do you got to throw down?" he asked.

"Like $100, but I'd pay you back the rest," I said.

"Yeah, right," he laughed.  "I've seen how you budget your money.  If you really wanna do this you'll find some way to do it on your own.  Cause I'm not gonna give you any more of my money."