Small budget? Big dreams? These business ideas prove you don’t need millions to start.
In Nigeria today, many aspiring entrepreneurs think they need ₦500k or ₦1 million to launch a business. But the truth is, you can start small, start smart—and still succeed.
With less than ₦100,000, you can build something real if you choose the right business, understand your target market, and focus on value, not volume.
Here are 10 profitable business ideas you can start right now—with under ₦100k.
1. Foodstuff Packaging & Resale
What it is: Buy food items (e.g., rice, garri, beans, crayfish) in bulk and repackage them in smaller, branded portions for resale.
Why it works: Everyone eats. Small quantities sell fast, especially to students, bachelors, and low-income families.
Startup cost breakdown:
- Bulk purchase: ₦50k
- Branded nylon packs: ₦10k
- Stickers/labelling: ₦5k
- Transport & delivery: ₦10k
- Misc: ₦5k
Bonus tip: Start on WhatsApp, Instagram, and in your local community.
2. Perfume Oil Business
What it is: Buy concentrated fragrance oils in bulk and resell in small bottles.
Why it works: It’s trendy, has high profit margins, and requires little setup.
Startup cost breakdown:
- Bulk oil (100ml–500ml): ₦30k
- Bottles (30ml x 50): ₦25k
- Stickers & packaging: ₦10k
- Ads & branding: ₦10k
- Misc: ₦5k
Scalable: You can upgrade to making your own signature blends as you grow.
3. Thrift (Okrika) Clothing Sales
What it is: Start with Grade A or B thrift clothing—tops, jeans, babywear—resold online or in your area.
Why it works: It’s affordable for buyers, trendy, and in constant demand.
Startup cost breakdown:
- Bale/half bale purchase: ₦60k–₦80k
- Sorting & washing: ₦10k
- Photography/ads: ₦5k
- Data/online tools: ₦5k
Use Instagram, Facebook, or WhatsApp TV for sales. Post clean visuals consistently.
4. Small Chops & Snacks Business
What it is: Sell meat pies, puff-puff, samosas, or plantain chips to schools, offices, or events.
Why it works: Nigerians love snacks. Great margins, daily demand.
Startup cost breakdown:
- Ingredients: ₦30k
- Packaging: ₦10k
- Frying/stove/gas: ₦15k
- Branding/label: ₦5k
- Marketing: ₦5k
- Transport/samples: ₦5k
Even home kitchens can turn into profit hubs—just ensure hygiene and consistency.
5. Mobile Phone Accessories Resale
What it is: Buy in-demand accessories like chargers, screen guards, earphones, and resell at a markup.
Why it works: Everyone has a phone. Accessories break easily and are always being replaced.
Startup cost breakdown:
- Accessories stock: ₦60k
- Packaging/bags: ₦5k
- Sales content/photos: ₦5k
- Transport & logistics: ₦10k
- Misc: ₦5k
Sell via Jiji, WhatsApp, Facebook Marketplace or local delivery.
6. Laundry & Ironing Services (Home-Based)
What it is: Offer laundry/ironing services from home, targeting busy workers and students.
Why it works: High demand, low entry barrier, and repeat customers.
Startup cost breakdown:
- Iron + table: ₦20k
- Soap, starch, detergent: ₦5k
- Branded bags + tags: ₦5k
- Marketing & fliers: ₦10k
- Power/fuel: ₦10k
- Transport/logistics: ₦10k
Focus on cleaning + convenience. Offer pickup and delivery in your area.
7. Mini Importation (Drop Shipping or Bulk Buy)
What it is: Import items like wristwatches, phone holders, or kids’ toys from China or Turkey in small quantities.
Why it works: Niche, trendy items sell fast online, especially when well packaged.
Startup cost breakdown:
- Product selection: ₦40k
- Shipping/consolidation: ₦20k
- Product photos: ₦5k
- Delivery: ₦5k
- Ads: ₦10k
- WhatsApp store or Linktree: ₦2k
Start with high-demand, low-weight products to keep costs low.
8. Digital Services (If You Have a Skill)
What it is: Freelance as a graphic designer, social media manager, video editor, or content writer.
Why it works: All businesses need visibility—and digital skills are in high demand.
Startup cost breakdown:
- Canva Pro/CapCut tools: ₦10k
- Data: ₦5k
- Marketing/portfolio: ₦10k
- Phone/laptop (already owned)
- Branding & mockups: ₦5k
Start on Fiverr, Upwork, LinkedIn, or Instagram. Your skill = your capital.
9. Plantain or Yam Chips Production
What it is: Make and sell well-packaged chips to supermarkets, offices, schools, or online.
Why it works: It’s affordable, loved by all ages, and easy to scale.
Startup cost breakdown:
- Ingredients (plantain/yam, oil): ₦20k
- Packaging/branded nylon: ₦15k
- Fryer/gas: ₦15k
- Marketing/samples: ₦10k
- Licenses for small outlets: ₦5k
Focus on hygiene, shelf-life, and neat packaging.
10. Tutoring or Coaching (Online or Home-Based)
What it is: Teach WAEC, JAMB, or skill-based subjects (makeup, coding, baking) from home or via Zoom.
Why it works: Parents pay well for quality. Young people pay to learn practical skills.
Startup cost breakdown:
- Flyers & marketing: ₦5k
- Data/subscription tools: ₦5k
- Whiteboard/materials: ₦10k
- Canva for lesson slides: ₦5k
Consistency + referrals = steady income. Build a reputation before charging high.
Advice!
You don’t need a rich uncle to launch a real business in Nigeria.
You need:
- The right idea
- A clear plan
- Discipline and consistency
- The mindset to start small, but think long-term
Your ₦100,000 isn’t too small. It’s enough to start, test, and grow—if you do it smart.
