They are different businesses you can start with ₦150,000, and they are realistic because this amount is sufficient capital for companies that mostly rely on skills, a small inventory, or simple equipment rather than heavy fixed assets. The businesses that fit this capital band are commonly service businesses, home-based production, trading of fast-moving small goods, and light manufacturing like soap or wig repair, etc. The main goal is to start small, prove demand, and then reinvest profits to scale.
Starting a business in Nigeria doesn’t always mean you need to have millions or a well or a fully furnished shop to start, all you need is skills, clarity, courage, and a small but intentional push. With just ₦150,000, you can launch a venture that basically solves real problems, earns daily or weekly income, and grows steadily as you reinvest profits. The key is to choose a business that matches your environment, skills, etc, and a business that serves a need for people in which they are willing to pay for the service, a business that requires little equipment and allows you to start small without unnecessary overhead.
In this article, I will be showing different business ideas you could start with ₦150,000, risks, and how to manage them so you can turn small capital into a steady income.
Freelance digital services
These are services like writing, social media marketing and management, graphic design, website setup, etc. You can learn these skills online or from an expert. The startup costs or what you need is a phone or laptop, data, basic freelance tools, a set of ads, or a small website for which your capital will be between ₦20k-50k if you already have a phone or laptop. This actually works because it gives high margins, fast payment cycles and you can scale with recurring clients.
There are a large number of small businesses that really need the service of a freelancer to enhance the performance of their business, but few have access to large budgets, that is why they are willing to work with locals who have already mastered these skills, instead of hiring foreigners who charge thousands of dollars for such services. So this is why this service is really good to start with.
Mobile food or snack business
These are foods like Shawarma, flour snacks, small-scale bakery, popcorn, etc which can start literally from home or a pushcart. The startup costs can vary from ₦50k-₦120k depending on the availability of cooking equipment, raw materials, branding, or menus. This business works due to the daily demand of Street food, brings and retains customers, and has a quick cash flow. You can grow your business through different social media platforms to increase your visibility and income as well. If you want to expand, you can also register with the CAC (Corporate Affairs Commission) for your business to be verified and trustworthy.
Wig making or Hair revamping
These are services like making and repairing wigs, weaving, styling, etc. The startup costs can be ₦50k-₦150k depending on the availability of used sewing machines, mannequin heads, chemicals, hair stock, etc. This service actually works because hair is a resilient spending category in Nigeria and the wig service brings about good margins. You can offer three or more before-and-after makeovers to friends for portfolios and testimonials.
Liquid soap or detergents
This can be a small batch production by making liquid soap, bar soap, disinfectant for homes, shops, or offices. The startup costs can be between ₦30k-₦80k depending on the availability of raw materials, bottles, labels, basic mixing equipment, etc. This business works because household staples sell repeatedly, small batch lets you improve the formula and packaging. You can also show your visibility through different social media platforms mostly on WhatsApp or through friends.
POS or a digital payment agent
This is a business that involves becoming an agent who helps people withdraw, pay bills, and buy airtime for a certain price. The startup costs usually vary from ₦50k-₦100k depending on the availability of POS devices or an agent account set up, float or cash reserves, etc. This business works because Fintech and agent networks are mainstream in Nigeria and agents serve cash-heavy communities.
Mobile phone accessories and repairs
This service usually involves the selling of accessories like chargers, earphones, tempered glass, and offering minor screen or phone parts repairs. The startup costs can be between ₦40k-₦120k depending on initial stock and the availability of basic tools. This service usually works because a lot of people are using smartphones or devices which would eventually require the device to need repairs like damaged charger ports, cracked screens, outdated software, etc. As your business is growing, you can legalize it by registering with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). You can show your visibility through different social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.
Printing and Branding micro-store
These services usually involve providing small print jobs and branded merchandise like Flyers, business cards, shirts, etc. The startup costs can be between ₦70k-₦150k depending on the availability of a heat press or a small printer, initial consumables etc, This service works because local businesses, events, and students need quick print jobs, you can start small and take orders because printing businesses are a steady micro-enterprise option. You can reach out to different small businesses with a launch promo to increase your visibility and improve your income.
Small-scale vegetable or foodstuff resale
This service includes the buying of local produce wholesale and retail in your neighbourhood. The startup costs can vary due to transportation, initial inventory with a capital that is between ₦40k-₦100k. This service works due to regular demand and quick turnover when located near markets or estates. You can partner with one bulk supplier and run a 1-week promo.
Tuition and skill classes
This service involves the teaching of school subjects or digital skills like coding and Excel to students and adults. The startup costs can vary due to the basic teaching materials, a small ad budget which can sum up to ₦10k-₦40k. This service works because education is recession-resilient and online options reduce venue costs. You can run a 4-session paid class and measure enrollment and referrals.
Laundry or Ironing service is mostly home-based
This service usually involves the pickup or drop-off of laundry and ironing for busy households or students in schools. The startup costs can be between ₦30k-₦80k depending on the availability of equipment like detergents, an ironing board, a travel bag, and a small ad spend. This service works due to repeat customers and low startup costs when operated from home.
Risks and how to manage them
Cashflow squeeze, you need to keep a working float and chase fast turnover.
Regulation or hygiene, you need to get basic permits for food or services and comply with simple health rules.
Competition, you don’t have to compete with people, you just need to differentiate with speed, reliability, or a signature product.
Utilities or transport, you need to choose locations or partners that reduce reliance on constant fuel or electricity.
Conclusion
Starting with ₦150,000 is not just about opening a business but it is about learning how to build value in small, repeatable steps. The entrepreneurs who thrive in Nigeria today are not the ones who waited for perfect conditions or huge capital. They are the ones who started small with a low capital, tested their ideas quickly, and made adjustments based on real customer feedback. If you focus on solving a simple problem for a real group of people, ₦150,000 is more than enough to launch.
The most important step is not planning, it is starting. Choose one idea from this guide, validate it for two weeks, and pay attention to what customers say. You will see that your business doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to begin.
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