Write lots of letters to every company you can think of, large aircraft or small?? I don't know if anybody might take pity, but if you don't try, you will never get.. Might be worth your while to keep your other business interest going and then join a flying club.. and help doing the maintenance.. start small and see who it goes on. Learn some pracical skills and some general knowledge and see how it goes from there..
But what do I know!