Initiating and sustaining a business without any initial financial investment is possible, but it requires a high level of resourcefulness, creativity, and leveraging non-monetary assets. While it may be challenging, several examples and strategies can help illustrate how this can be achieved.

 1. Utilizing existing skills and knowledge: Start a business that utilizes your existing skills and knowledge. For example, if you are a graphic designer, you can offer design services to clients without needing significant upfront investment. By leveraging your expertise, you can generate income and build a client base.

 2. Bartering and trade: Instead of relying on money, explore the possibility of bartering or trading your services or products with others. This approach allows you to obtain the resources you need without spending money. For instance, a web designer can offer their services to a copywriter in exchange for content creation.

 3. Crowdfunding and crowdsourcing: Utilize crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter or Indiegogo to raise funds for your business idea. By presenting a compelling pitch and offering rewards to backers, you can generate initial capital without relying on traditional financing sources. Crowdsourcing platforms like 99designs can also help you access creative talent without monetary investments.

 4. Bootstrapping: This involves starting a business with minimal resources and gradually reinvesting profits to grow the business. For example, a home-based bakery can start by selling to friends and family and then reinvest the profits to expand operations and reach a wider customer base.

 5. Collaborative partnerships: Seek partnerships with other businesses or individuals who share a common goal or target audience. By pooling resources and skills, you can reduce costs and expand your reach. For instance, a fitness instructor can collaborate with a nutritionist to offer a combined wellness package.

 6. Leveraging social media and online platforms: Utilize free or low-cost social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to promote your business. Build an online presence, engage with potential customers, and generate sales leads without significant financial investment.

 While these strategies can help initiate and sustain a business without initial financial investment, it is important to note that some costs may be unavoidable. For example, you may need to cover basic operating expenses such as internet access, transportation, or communication tools. However, compared to traditional business models that require substantial upfront capital, these costs can be significantly lower.

 It is worth mentioning that the success of a business without financial investment heavily depends on the specific industry, market conditions, and the entrepreneur's ability to find creative solutions. Therefore, careful planning, adaptability, and continuous innovation are essential for long-term sustainability.

 References:
 - Entrepreneur: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/298728
 - Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinessdevelopmentcouncil/2019/02/21/12-ways-to-start-a-business-without-money/
 - Small Business Trends: https://smallbiztrends.com/2018/06/how-to-start-a-business-with-no-money.html