If you’re based in Nigeria and looking for small business ideas, you are in the right place.
Starting a small business in Nigeria is a great way to become financially independent and provide for your family. There are many different businesses you can start, so there’s something for everyone.
If you’re interested in starting a business, here are some small business ideas in Nigeria that require little to no start-up capital:
Let’s see them:
1. Food production:
Food business is a profitable business to start regardless of the location or country you find yourself in. You can produce and package food products like; local spices, seasonings, chili pepper, ginger, garlic etc. and make good profit from it.
Another option in food production is to go into animal husbandry and rear animals like; chicken, turkey, goat, cow etc. for their meat and sell to butchers or hotels.
Budget for this venture can be as low as N10,000.
Lagos,Abuja, Ibadan are good places to start this Small business in Nigeria because of the high population which results in a large market for your products.
2. Poultry farming:
This is another great business idea for animal lovers. You can either raise chicken for their meat or eggs. Poultry farming is a lucrative business, and it doesn’t require much to get started. All you need is a small piece of land, some chicken coops and feed and you’re good to go.
To start a small scale poultry farming, you need between 1,000 to 1,500 – day old chicks. You can purchase these from hatcheries or feed stores. The next thing you need is chicken coops and runs. They can be homemade or purchased from a farm supply store. You will also need chicken feed and water containers.
3. Cosmetic production:
The beauty industry is always booming and there’s a huge demand for cosmetics. You can produce different products like; soaps, creams, perfumes, hair products, etc. This business is very profitable, and it doesn’t require much to get started.
You can start with as low as 20,000 naira and make a good profit from it.
You can market your in University hostels, offices, etc.
4. Grocery store
Another great business idea is to start a grocery store. You can either open a small shop or an online store. If you choose to open a physical shop, make sure it’s l
in a busy area with a lot of foot traffic. You can purchase your products from wholesalers or directly from manufacturers.
To start an online grocery store, you need to create a website and list all the products you want to sell. There are free websites like Shopify where you can create your own online store.
5. Clothes boutique:
Clothes are always in high demand, so starting a clothes boutique is a great business idea. You can either open a physical store or an online store.
Opening an Online store is cheaper and easier to set up. You can create a website or use a marketplace like Jumia or Konga to sell your clothes.
To start a physical store, you need to find a suitable location and purchase clothing from wholesalers or manufacturers. You will also need racks, hangers, and other store fixtures.
6. Laundry business:
Laundry business is another great business idea for busy people. Your laundry service can pick up and deliver clothes. You will need to purchase a washing machine, tumble dryer, ironing board, and other equipment. You can either start this business from home or rent a small shop.
7. Home cleaning services:
This is a great business idea for busy people who don’t have time to clean their homes. You can offer weekly or bi-weekly cleaning services. You will need to purchase cleaning supplies and equipment. It is possible to start this business with one employee and grow it as demand increases.
Though this business costs little to start it up, it is however a very profitable business.
8. Home-based bakery:
Do you love baking? If so, starting a home-based bakery is a great business idea. You can bake cakes, cookies, bread, cupcakes, and other pastries. You can sell your products to friends, family, and neighbors or you can start an online store.
To start a home-based bakery, you need to purchase baking supplies and equipment. You can start with the basic things you already have at home like an oven, mixer, and baking pans. You will also need flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and other ingredients.
9. Personal shopper:
You can be a personal shopper for busy people who don’t have time to shop for themselves. You can do their grocery shopping, clothes shopping, and even gift shopping. This is a great business idea for busy moms or people who love to shop.
To start this business, you will need a computer, printer, and a phone. You will also need a means of transportation to do the shopping. You can start this business with just a few clients and grow it as demand increases.
10. Car wash services:
This is a great business idea for people who love to wash cars. You can start a car wash service that picks up and delivers cars to customers. You will need to purchase a pressure washer, soap, brushes, and other supplies. You can either start this business from home or rent a small shop
11. Pet sitting:
If you love animals, starting a pet sitting business is a great idea. You can offer to take care of people’s pets while they are on vacation or away for business. This is a great business for busy people who love animals.
To start this business, you will need to create a website or use a marketplace like Petbacker. You will also need to purchase insurance and bonding. You can start this business with just a few clients and grow it as demand increases.
This business will do well in cities like Port-Harcourt,Abuja,Lagos.
12. Home-based daycare:
This is a great business idea for busy people who love children. You can offer to take care of people’s children while they are at work or school. This is a great business for stay-at-home moms or dads.
To start this business, you will need to create a safe and fun environment for children. You will also need to purchase insurance and bonding. You can start this business with just a few clients and grow it as demand increases.
13. Personal assistant:
You can be a personal assistant for busy people who need help with their day-to-day tasks. You can do their grocery shopping, clothes shopping, and even gift shopping. This is a great business idea for busy moms or people who love to help others.
To start this business, you will need a computer, printer, and a phone. You will also need a means of transportation to do the shopping. You can start this business with just a few clients and grow it as demand increases.
14. Unisex Salon:
A unisex salon is a great business idea for busy people who need a one-stop shop for their beauty needs. You can offer hair, nails, and makeup services. You will need to purchase a variety of beauty supplies and equipment. . It is possible to start this business with a low budget and grow it as demand increases.
15. Personal chef:
You can be a personal chef for busy people who don’t have time to cook for themselves. You can prepare meals for them ahead of time or cook for them on a weekly basis. This is a great business idea for people who love to cook.
To start this business, you will need to create a website or use a marketplace like Upwork or Mobile cooks. You will also need to purchase insurance and bonding. You can start this business with just a few clients and grow it as demand increases.
16. Personal trainer:
You can be a personal trainer for busy people who want to get in shape. You can train them in their homes or offices. This is a great business idea for people who love to stay fit.
To start this business, you will need to create a website or use a marketplace like Rover. You will also need to purchase insurance and bonding. You can start this business with just a few clients and grow it as demand increases.
17. Freelance writer:
If you love to write, you can be a freelance writer for businesses or individuals. You can write articles, blog posts, or even e-books. This is a great business idea for people who are passionate about writing.
To start this business, you will need a computer and an internet connection. You will also need to create a portfolio of your work. You can start this business with just a few clients and grow it as demand increases.
18. Social media manager:
You can be a social media manager for anyone. You will create and manage their social media accounts. This is a great business idea for people who are passionate about social media.
To start this business, you will need a computer and an internet connection. You will also need to create a portfolio of your work. You can start this business with just a few clients and grow it as demand increases.
19. Event planner:
You can be an event planner for businesses or individuals. You will plan and execute events. This is a great business idea for people who are organized and love to plan events.
To start this business, you will need a computer and an internet connection. You will also need to create a portfolio of your work. You can start this business with just a few clients and grow it as demand increases.
21. Virtual assistant:
You can be a virtual assistant. You will be responsible for tasks such as customer service, scheduling, and data entry. This is a great business idea for people who are detail-oriented and have good customer service skills.
To start this business, you will need a computer and an internet connection. You will also need to create a portfolio of your work. You can start this business with just a few clients and grow it as demand increases.
22. Freelance editor:
If you have experience in editing, you can be a freelance editor for businesses or individuals. You will edit documents, articles, or books. This is a great business idea for people who are passionate about editing.
To start this business, you will need a computer and an internet connection. You will also need to create a portfolio of your work. You can start this business with just a few clients and grow it as demand increases.
23. Freelance photographer:
If you love to take pictures, you can be a freelance photographer for businesses or individuals. You will take pictures of events, products, or people. This is a great business idea for people who are passionate about photography.
To start this business, you will need a camera and an internet connection. You will also need to create a portfolio of your work. You can start this business with just a few clients and grow it as demand increases.
Take a note from TY Bello, the popular Nigerian musician and photographer who started photography after her music band KUSH failed.
24. Rabbit Farming:
Rabbit farming is a great business idea for people who are looking to start a small business. You will need to purchase rabbits, cages, food, and water bowls. You can start this business with just a few rabbits and grow it as demand increases.
25. Recycling:
You can start a recycling business by collecting recyclables. You will need to sort the materials and sell to a recycling company. This is a great business idea for people who are passionate about ecology.
To start this business, you will need a truck and an internet connection. You will also need to create a list of businesses and individuals who you can recycle from. You can start this business with just a few clients and grow it as demand increases.
26. Drop Shipping:
Drop shipping is a great business idea for people who are looking to start an online business. You will need to create an online store and find suppliers who will ship products directly to your customers. This is a great business idea for people who are passionate about e-commerce.To start this business, you will need a computer or phone and an internet connection. You will also need to create an online store and find suppliers. You can start this business with just a few products and grow it as demand increases.
27. SEO Consultant:
You need to have experience in SEO, to be an SEO consultant . You will help businesses and individuals to improve their search engine ranking. This is a great business idea for people who are passionate about digital marketing.
To start this business, you will need a computer and an internet connection. You will also need to create a portfolio of your work. You can start this business with just a few clients and grow it as demand increases.
28. Social Media Consultant:
You will help businesses and individuals to create and manage their social media accounts. This is a great business idea for people who are passionate about social media.
To start this business, you will need a computer and an internet connection. You will also need to create a portfolio of your work. You can start this business with just a few clients and grow it as demand increases.
29. Fabric Sale:
Fabric business is good for people who love sewing and making clothes. You will need to purchase fabrics, threads, and other materials. You can start this business with just a few fabrics and grow it as demand increases.
30. Beverage Production:
This business idea is good for people who are passionate about making drinks. You will need to purchase beverage production equipment, such as a blender, bottles, and labels. You can start this business with just a few flavors and grow it as demand increases.
Some beverage ideas are Zobo drink, Tiger nut milk, soya milk, smoothies, and juices.
31. Fruit and Vegetable Sale:
This business idea is good for people who are passionate about healthy eating. You will need to purchase fruits and vegetables, as well as storage containers. You can start this business with just a few products and grow it as demand increases.
32. Candle Making:
Candle making is a great business idea for people who are creative and passionate about making things. You will need to purchase candle making supplies, such as wax, wicks, and molds. You can start this business with just a few candles and grow it as demand increases.
33. Puppy Sale:
Puppy sale is a great business idea for people who love animals. You will need to purchase puppies from breeders and sell them to customers. You can start this business with just a few puppies and grow it as demand increases.
34. Jewelry Making:
Jewelry making is a great business idea for people who are creative and passionate about making things. You will need to purchase jewelry making supplies, such as beads, wire, and tools. You can start this business with just a few pieces of jewelry and grow it as demand increases.
35. Party Supplies:
This business idea is good for people who love planning parties. You will need to purchase party supplies, such as balloons, decorations, and games. You can start this business with just a few party supplies and grow it as demand increases.
36. Flower arrangement:
This business idea is good for people who are passionate about flowers. You will need to purchase flowers, vases, and other supplies. You can start this business with just a few arrangements and grow it as demand increases.
There’s more…
37. Shoe making:
This business idea is good for people who are passionate about shoes. You will need to purchase shoe making supplies, such as leather, thread, and tools. You can start this business with just a few pairs of shoes and grow it as demand increases.
38. Bookkeeping:
Bookkeeping is a great business idea for people who are organized and detail-oriented. You will need to purchase bookkeeping software and create a system for tracking income and expenses. You can start this business with just a few clients and grow it as demand increases.
39. Snail Farming:
This business idea is good for people who are passionate about farming. You will need to purchase snail breeding stock, as well as food and housing for the snails. You can start this business with just a few snails and grow it as demand increases.
40. Web Design:
Web design is a great business idea for people who are creative and have a passion for technology. You will need to purchase web design software and create a portfolio of your work. You can start this business with just a few clients and grow it as demand increases.
41. Frozen Food Sale:
This business idea is good for people who are passionate about food. You will need to purchase frozen food, such as chicken, fish, and vegetables. You can start this business with just a few products and grow it as demand increases.
You need to locate your shop in major markets such as Bodija in Ibadan or Ketu in Lagos. Residential areas are also good location for this business.
42. Catering:
Catering is a great business idea for people who are passionate about food. You will need to purchase catering supplies, such as tablecloths, plates, and utensils. You can start this business with just a few clients and grow it as demand increases.
43. Food Delivery:
Food delivery is a great business idea for people who are passionate about food. You will need to purchase food, as well as packaging and transportation supplies. You can start this business with just a few customers and grow it as demand increases.
You can start by delivering to offices, then homes, then events, and so on. A website will also be very useful for marketing your business.
This is how actress Chioma Akpotha started her food business during the lockdown in 2020.
44. Landscape and Garden Design:
This business idea is good for people who are passionate about plants and gardening. You will need to purchase landscaping and gardening supplies, such as plants, soil, and tools. Budget for advertising and marketing your business. You can start this business with just a few clients and grow it as demand increases.
45. Computer Repair:
Computer repair is a great business idea for people who are passionate about technology. You will need to purchase computer repair tools and parts. You can start this business at home or in an office and grow it as demand increases.
It is best to locate your business in places known for computer repairs. For instance, Computer Village in Lagos and Mokola in Ibadan.
46. Mobile Phone Repair:
This is a great business idea for people who are passionate about technology. You will need to purchase mobile phone repair tools and parts. You can start this business at home or in an office and grow it as demand increases.
47. Sewing and Alterations:
Sewing and alterations is a great business idea for people who are passionate about fashion. You will need to purchase sewing supplies, such as fabric, thread, and patterns. You can start this business at home or in an office and grow it as demand increases.
48. Barbering Salon:
This business idea is good for people who are passionate about hair. You will need to purchase barbering supplies, such as clippers, scissors, and combs. You can start this business at home or in an office and grow it as demand increases.
You can raise money for a shop with a home service like the popular celebrity Barber Mr Kay. He raised the balance for his first shop from home service.
49. Makeup Studio:
This business idea is good for people who are passionate about makeup. You will need to purchase makeup supplies, such as foundation, lipstick, and eye shadow. You can start this business at home or in an office and grow it as demand increases.
Makeup studios are best in markets, close to a photography studio or near an event centre anywhere in Nigeria.
50. Thrift Clothing Store:
This is a great business idea for people who are passionate about fashion. You will need to purchase thrift clothing, such as shirts, pants, and dresses. You can start this business with just a few items and grow it as demand increases.
If you are looking to start this business, Lagos, Abuja and Portharcourt are the best locations for thrift business.
There!
I have given you 50 solid small business ideas in Nigeria that you can start with little or no capital.
Now it’s up to you to take action and start your own business.
If you need help to get started, visit our Counseal website to speak with one of our experts.