You don't need a business plan!!!! You need a budget and education. Narrow down your search pick a direction and then educate then spend. By that time you will have more money to invest. You will need it trust me. Your up front cash is a decent start, but that should be you min monthly budget if you expect any type of serious gains. There are no sure things in this business. Only trial and error. There are so many ways to get started. What do you like to do. If you don't love it this world will eat you up.
Hello dynamichost, What I would do first is to analyse what I'm good at, what can you offer or what type of skills define you? Then you can gather "essentials" about what you need to run your business. You do not need to go perfect with the business plan and all. It would be the best way to have a business plan, but you don't need it at first. What's important is that you know exactly what you want to offer and why? You also have to think what will separate you from other similar businesses, "what can you offer that others don't" An advantage in prices, faster shipping, free stuff, great customer support.... Think about it and then go ahead and get your site out there. It's not really hard if you ask all the questions to yourself and do some research about it. Good luck! Best,
You may want to consider looking into makeafreemembershipsite.com for a free step by step course on how to build a membership site for free. Sign up for free and get the free course.