Canadians, however - you have no excuse - it's easy to start a business here too. One of the easiest places in the world.

Thank you for sharing these ideas with people!

Don't forget also to hit up your local Chamber of Commerce, city hall and particularly your local government economic development office - if it's in an area that's already been economically depressed, chances are there are local tax breaks, subsidies or lines on good store front or office space at a discount and other supports. They'll also sometimes help out with some of the marketing (like maintaining a local business directory) or at least providing supports for marketing.

In Niagara Falls (Cdn side) there were city-owned properties where they were allowing businesses to set up rent-free for the first year just to get something on the street open.

Use them while they still have a budget!