21 Low Capital Business Ideas to Start in Nigeria
1. Social media management
Many companies have a hard time keeping up with social media. As a social media manager, your job will mostly entail publishing new posts on a predetermined schedule, engaging with followers, answering questions, etc.
The great thing about this business idea is that almost everyone has some social media experience. If you can run your own page effectively, then you can easily run somebody else’s.
2. Dropshipping
Dropshipping is one of the best low-capital high-profit businesses you can start today in Nigeria. All you need to do is identify products that have demand in your location, however are not available locally, and then find a supplier on platforms like AliExpress.
Whenever somebody places an order from your e-commerce store, you then use the money to buy it from the supplier and then ship it directly to them. You don’t need to keep an inventory. The key is to sell the products at a higher price point than you’re buying so you have a decent profit margin. Shopify is the best e-commerce platform to use if you’re seriously considering this idea.
3. Travel Planning
Travel planning can be very tedious and many people just don’t have time for it. You can start advertising your services as a travel planner and even create a simple website with your information on it.
4. Fitness training
If you’re into fitness then this one is a no-brainer. Many people are looking to get in shape but just don’t know where or how to begin.
You can find clients by advertising your services on social media. In addition to the physical training, you can also start selling custom meal plans. As your business scales and you’re making money, you can even start selling your own branded workout gear.
5. Language translating
Do you speak a foreign language? If so, then you can start providing translation services. Consider specializing in one type of translation such as financial or medical translations to meet a niche in your community.
6. Home inspection
Home inspectors are people who are hired to inspect the structural components of a home. They are often used by people looking to buy houses. It’s such a great niche business idea because the competition and barrier to entry are so low.
Before you start this type of business, make sure to check the licensing requirements for your city. To ensure you provide the best possible service to your clients, it is important to have all your credentials in order.
7. Property management
Many people have properties that they don’t live in, often in different cities. You can assist property owners in ensuring their homes are well maintained, addressing minor repairs as needed, and serving as a liaison with renters.
8. Mobile massage therapy
Mobile massage therapists don’t need to have a physical clinic. They go provide their services at their clients’ homes, which is great because it means that they don’t need to spend money on massage beds or any other expensive equipment.
9. Crafting
There’s always a market for jewelry, knitted items, and even custom hair wigs. Social media marketing is a great way to reach your potential customers at no cost.
10. Interior designing
Many people have the means to purchase the furniture and decor they need for their homes. But few know where to begin. Although it may take time to build a portfolio, documenting your projects online and sharing them with others can help you build a following beyond what you could ever imagine.
11. Home staging
A staging company could be a great way to express your creativity and passion for interior design. Staging homes with the owner’s decor and furnishings can help you build a portfolio for little investment.
As you get more experienced and build a network with local realtors, you will eventually have your own inventory of furniture.
12. Tour guiding
If you are familiar with all the corners in your town, then you can consider becoming a tour guide. This business is particularly profitable for people who live in places that get lots of tourists.
13. Tutoring
This is such a great business to start in Nigeria. You don’t have to be a math genius, a piano guru, or a Shakespeare fanatic. There’s always someone who can use your expertise and will pay you for it – whether that’s in cooking, art, or even Microsoft Word.
To get word out about your services and build a client base, you can advertise in local colleges, community centers, social media, and freelancing sites.
14. Consulting
Consider becoming a consultant if you have extensive knowledge or experience in a particular field. You might be an expert in hiring, SEO, or have managed multiple sales teams to six-figure success. People are willing to pay a premium price for profound expertise. You don’t need to have any capital to start this business idea.
15. Event planning
Although event planning is a very stressful business, it is one that can make you a decent income. You can choose to focus on a particular type of event, such as weddings or company events, or work as an all-purpose event planner.
16. Personal assisting
If you are well organized then you should consider becoming a personal assistant or a virtual assistant. It’s such a great job since you’re not tied down to one person or office all day.
17. Personal chef
Everyone loves to eat but not everyone has the time or energy necessary to prepare healthy and delicious meals. If you are a skilled cook, you can advertise your services to local businesses and families.
18. Catering
Catering is a great option if a personal chef job doesn’t have that much demand in your area. Choose your projects and work on smaller but more important events to improve your time management skills.
19. Mobile makeup artist
If you’re constantly getting compliments about how great your makeup is then you can consider becoming a professional makeup artist. It doesn’t take much to get started, just your skills and a variety of products.
20. Professional organizer
Many people have trouble organizing their offices and homes. It can be difficult to establish systems and habits that create continuous organization. You can offer your services to busy individuals and even small businesses that don’t have large teams.
21. Data entry
This is one of the easiest jobs in the world. If you don’t mind doing repetitive work for hours on end, then you can find data entry jobs on freelancing sites like Upwork and Fiverr.