Paid coaching and mentoring has helped me a lot. So, I think search for a recommended coach in the field where you would like to learn, progress and set up a business under guidance from that coach. You may divide that 500 dollar budget into like: 300 or so for coaching/course and keep the rest aside for domain name registration, website set up, SEO, buying some tools etc etc. All this would enable you big time, give u the confidence and you are then set to roll.
There are lot of freebies available for almost everything BUT what I believe is that, by shelling out some money from your pocket, that action leads you to come more diligent because there's an urge to recover it and for that you are completed to take action. So, definitely: it makes sense to pay some school fee and proceed ahead accordingly.
Good luck!