I wuld really like to start my own business but I don't know which direction to go. I'm a felon and it seems as if all odds are against me especially when it comes to finding employment. Its an irony because I need employment to save startup money for my own business. I'm thinking of opening a cleaning service, recording studio, an event planning company or buying a franchise... it all depends on if I'm able to obtain a small business loan... it would nice to have a business mentor, lol. Any advice??

Start with what has the most gain for the least amount of money. Also have you looked into insurance rates or bonding for any business you start ? You can start a cleaning business on almost nothing. And reinvest the profits to further your gain until your at a point where you can branch out into the things you truly want to do.