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Starting a business doesn’t always require millions of naira. Many Nigerians think they need big money to become an entrepreneur, but that’s not true. In fact, some of the most profitable businesses start with little or no capital.

This guide will show you the best low investment entrepreneurship ideas with high returns that you can start right where you are—even with a small budget.

Whether you are a student, NYSC member, artisan, trader, or salary earner, you’ll find something useful here. Let’s begin.

What Is Low Investment Entrepreneurship?

Low investment entrepreneurship means starting a business with very little money—usually under ₦100,000 or even less—but still having the chance to earn high profits.

You don’t need to own a big shop or buy heavy machines. Most of these businesses can be run from your:

• Room

• Phone

• Laptop

• Kitchen

• Backyard

Why Choose a Low-Cost Business Idea?

1. Less Risk

If you lose money, it’s small. That means you can try again.

2. Easier to Start

You don’t have to wait for loans or grants.

3. Perfect for Students & Workers

You can run many of these ideas as a side hustle.

4. Quick Profit

Most of these businesses start making money in days or weeks.

What Makes a Business “High Return”?

• Fast profit: You make money quickly.

• Low expenses: Running the business is cheap.

• Repeat customers: People come back again and again.

• Scalable: You can grow bigger over time.

• In demand: People need what you’re offering.

20+ Low Investment Entrepreneurship Ideas with High Returns

Let’s now explore over 20 simple business ideas you can start in Nigeria with small capital but big potential.

1. Mobile Phone Accessories Business

Capital needed: ₦20,000 – ₦50,000
Profit margin: High (20%–50%)

You can sell:

• Chargers

• Earphones

• Phone cases

• Screen guards

Why it works: Every Nigerian owns a phone. Accessories spoil often.

How to start:

• Buy in bulk from Computer Village or Aliexpress.

• Sell on WhatsApp, Jiji, or at school.

2. Recharge Card and Data Reselling

Capital needed: ₦5,000+
Daily profit: ₦1,000 – ₦5,000

What you need:

• VTU (Virtual Top-Up) platform like Recharge2Cash or JumiaPay

• Smartphone and data

Tips:

• Offer discounts

• Target students, bike men, shop owners

 3. POS / Mobile Money Business

Capital needed: ₦30,000 – ₦80,000
Daily profit: ₦2,000 – ₦10,000

People in areas with no banks need:

• Withdrawals

• Transfers

• Bill payments

Register with Moniepoint, Opay, or Palmpay.

 4. Foodstuff Retail (Buy & Sell)

Capital needed: ₦20,000 – ₦100,000
What to sell:

• Garri

• Rice

• Beans

• Palm oil

Buy from farmers, sell in small packs in your area.

5. Dropshipping and Mini Importation

Capital: ₦10,000 – ₦50,000
How it works:

• Find hot products online

• Post on WhatsApp or Instagram

• Get payment, buy and ship to customer

You don’t need to keep stock.

6. Freelance Graphic Design

Capital: ₦0 – ₦20,000
Tools needed: Laptop or smartphone with Canva or Adobe

Design:

• Logos

• Flyers

• Birthday cards

Find jobs on Fiverr, Upwork, or locally.

 7. Soap and Liquid Detergent Production

Capital: ₦10,000 – ₦30,000
Materials:

• SLS, Texapon, Fragrance, Soda Ash

Learn the skill in 1–2 days. Sell to neighbors, schools, shops.

 8. Poultry (Small-Scale Broilers)

Capital: ₦50,000 – ₦150,000
Duration: 6 weeks
Profit per bird: ₦800 – ₦1,500

Raise 20–50 birds, sell during festive seasons.

9. Affiliate Marketing

Capital: Almost free
Tools: Smartphone + Data

Sell other people’s products and earn commission.
Use platforms like:

• Expertnaire

• Learnoflix

• Selar

10. Tailoring and Cloth Mending

Capital: ₦50,000 – ₦100,000 (with machine)
Services:

• Cloth adjustments

• Uniform sewing

• Native wear

You can sew from your home. High demand for neat work.

11. Home Tutoring

Capital: ₦0 – ₦5,000
Earnings: ₦5,000 – ₦20,000 per student monthly

Target:

• Primary school kids

• JAMB candidates

• WAEC students

12. Snacks and Chin-Chin Production

Capital: ₦10,000 – ₦25,000
What to sell:

• Chin-chin

• Puff-puff

• Meat pie

• Doughnuts

Supply to schools, offices, shops.

13. Blogging and Content Writing

Capital: ₦20,000 (Domain + Hosting)
Tools: Laptop or phone

Start a blog about:

• Fashion

• School life

• Sports

• Local news

Make money through:

• Ads

• Sponsored posts

• Affiliate links

14. Barbing and Home Haircut Services

Capital: ₦30,000 – ₦80,000
Tools: Clipper, comb, power bank (if no light)

Offer mobile barbing for men and boys in your area.

15. Rechargeable Fan and Power Bank Rentals

Capital: ₦50,000 – ₦100,000
Rent during:

• Exams

• Hot weather

• No-light days

16. Plantain Chips and Kuli-Kuli Business

Capital: ₦15,000 – ₦25,000
Package and sell to:

• School children

• Supermarkets

• Bus parks

17. Buying and Reselling Thrift Clothes

Capital: ₦10,000 – ₦30,000
Sell:

• Okrika (used clothes)

• Shoes

• Bags

Post on WhatsApp status, Instagram, or carry in a bag.

18. Local Juice and Zobo Drink Production

Capital: ₦5,000 – ₦20,000
Sell:

• Zobo

• Tiger nut milk

• Ginger drink

Add ice and sell in events or streets.

19. YouTube Channel (Low Cost, High Reach)

Capital: Smartphone + Internet
Talk about:

• Comedy

• Tutorials

• Culture

• Campus life

Make money through ads after 1,000 subscribers.

20. Typing, Printing, and CV Writing

Capital: ₦10,000 – ₦40,000
Start with:

• Small printer

• Laptop or phone

• Power supply

Target:

• Students

• Job seekers

• Business people

Summary Table of Low Investment High Return Businesses

1. Can I start a business with ₦5,000 in Nigeria?
Yes! Businesses like data reselling, zobo production, and VTU require ₦5,000 or less to start.

2. Which low investment business gives fast profit?
POS, snacks, mobile accessories, and home tutoring can start making money within days.

3. Do I need to rent a shop to start any of these?
No. Many of them can be done from home, online, or with mobile tools.

4. What is the most profitable business for students in Nigeria?
Data reselling, typing services, and thrift clothing are great for students.

5. Is affiliate marketing real or a scam?
It’s real if you join trusted platforms. Always research before joining.

6. What online business can I start with my phone?
Blogging, affiliate marketing, graphics design, and VTU business can all run on a phone.

7. Can I combine my job with these businesses?
Yes. Many of them are side hustles that take just 1–2 hours daily.

8. Do I need CAC to start these businesses?
No. But for growth and trust, you can register later when you expand.

9. Where can I learn how to start some of these?
YouTube, free WhatsApp classes, and platforms like Udemy have tutorials.

10. Is mini importation risky?
With the right suppliers and shipping agents, it is low risk and very profitable.

11. Can women do these businesses?
Of course! Many women are excelling in POS, snacks, zobo, and reselling clothes.

12. Are there government grants for small businesses in Nigeria?
Yes. Watch out for CBN loans, NIRSAL, Tony Elumelu Foundation, and other empowerment schemes.

Conclusion

You don’t need to wait for millions or a perfect time to start a business. With a simple idea and small money, you can begin today. These low investment entrepreneurship ideas with high returns are tested and trusted by thousands of Nigerians.

Whether you’re in a village, town, campus, or city, you can start small and grow big.

Start with what you have
Stay consistent
Learn and improve
Watch your business grow.