Setting up an online business with no initial financial outlay - I would head towards the affiliate marketing side of things. This allows you to earn large commisions for promoting highly desirable products and services online. For every sale that comes from your site you recieve a percentage of the cost of that sale.

The hardest thing about Affiliate Marketing is choosing your niche and the right affiliate program to work with who will provide you with help and support in setting up and running your site.

I've been with MoreNiche for about 2 years now and their help and advice has been invaluable - but do your research and find the best solution for you. Hope this helped. :)