Fifteen thousand naira may not turn heads, but in the hands of a determined entrepreneur, it can spark something bigger than most people imagine. In today’s Nigeria, where inflation constantly shifts the value of money, knowing the right businesses to start with 15000 naira can make all the difference between struggle and financial independence.
Opportunities exist everywhere, on the streets, in local markets, online, and even from the comfort of your home. The key is to identify simple but high-demand ventures that require little capital yet offer room for growth.
If you’re selling essential products, providing much-needed services, or using digital platforms, a smart approach to starting small can lead to something sustainable.
This guide explores 20 profitable businesses to start with 15000 naira in Nigeria, offering practical insights on how to maximise limited resources and scale up for long-term success.
See also: Cheapest Businesses to Start From Home in Nigeria
Key Takeaways from Businesses To Start With 15000 Naira in Nigeria
- Inflation is real, but opportunities still exist – Even as prices rise, there are strategic ways to start a business with as low as 15000 Naira and build from there.
- Essential needs drive the best businesses – Focus on providing daily necessities, services, or high-demand products that people will always buy.
- You don’t need a shop or a big setup – Many of these businesses can be started from home, at the roadside, or online, minimising overhead costs.
- Your skillset is a powerful asset – Some of the most profitable businesses don’t require products, just a valuable service like writing, tutoring, or social media management.
- Scaling is the goal – The secret to turning a micro-business into a sustainable source of income is reinvesting profits, improving service delivery, and expanding your customer base.
- Consistency beats capital – Even with limited funds, businesses grow when entrepreneurs stay committed, adapt to market needs, and continuously reinvest earnings.
See also: Cheap Businesses You Can Start With 10,000 Naira in 2025
20 Profitable Businesses to Start with 15000 Naira in Nigeria
In a tough economy, making 15000 naira work for you can feel like a challenge. But with the right strategy, even a small amount can become the foundation of a profitable business. The key is to focus on high-demand, low-cost ventures that generate fast returns and allow for easy reinvestment.
Whether you’re selling everyday products, offering valuable services, or tapping into Nigeria’s booming food market, there are plenty of ways to start small and scale big. Below are 20 business ideas that require little capital yet offer massive growth potential.
1. Local Drinks Production (Zobo, Kunu, or Tiger Nut Drink)
Homemade drinks like zobo, kunu, and tiger nut milk have a strong market across Nigeria, especially in busy areas like markets, schools, and roadside kiosks. These drinks are easy to make, affordable, and widely consumed, making them a great business for a small startup budget. With 15,000 naira, you can buy ingredients like hibiscus leaves, millet, tiger nuts, sugar, ginger, and plastic bottles. Production requires only a basic cooking setup, and you can start from your kitchen with minimal equipment.
The best way to grow this business is to secure consistent buyers. Start by selling at bus stops, local shops, and offices, and use social media to take pre-orders for events. Offering different flavours, adding natural sweeteners, or using unique packaging can set your drinks apart from the competition.
Over time, reinvesting profits into better branding, larger production batches, and bulk supply deals with supermarkets and event planners can turn this small hustle into a large-scale beverage brand.
2. Homemade Snacks Production (Chin-Chin & Puff-Puff)
The snack business is one of the fastest-moving consumer goods sectors in Nigeria, and snacks like chin-chin, puff-puff, and buns are easy to sell in high-traffic areas. This is one of the businesses you can start woth as low as 15000 naira. You can invest in buying ingredients such as flour, sugar, yeast, eggs, oil, and flavouring, then start production from home. These snacks don’t require heavy machinery—just a stove, frying pan, and rolling pin are enough to begin.
Starting small, you can sell in your neighbourhood, take bulk orders from local vendors, or package your snacks neatly for supermarkets. As the business grows, you can introduce different flavours, special packaging, and a wider range of snacks.
Bulk supplies to schools, retail shops, and event planners will further increase your profits. Eventually, reinvesting in better equipment like industrial mixers and deep fryers will allow for larger production batches and improved efficiency, scaling the business into a recognised snack brand.
See also: 50 Best Food Business Ideas to Make Money in Nigeria in 2025
3. Freelance Services (Writing, Design, Virtual Assistance)
The internet has made freelancing one of the easiest ways to start a business with little or no capital. If you have skills in writing, graphic design, social media management, or virtual assistance, you can offer services online without any physical products. The only tools required are a smartphone or laptop, an internet connection, and a portfolio of work to showcase your skills.
Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and LinkedIn allow you to find clients both locally and internationally, earning in dollars or naira. With consistency and high-quality service delivery, your client base will grow, allowing you to charge higher rates over time.
Scaling this business involves specialising in high-demand areas, such as SEO writing, branding, or e-commerce support. You can also hire assistants or train others to handle more projects while expanding into a full-service agency.
See also: 50 Ways to Make Money Online Successfully in Nigeria
4. Plantain Chips Production
Plantain chips are a highly popular Nigerian snack, and their demand never drops. This business is easy to start with 15000 naira by purchasing plantains, oil, salt, spices, and packaging materials. Slicing and frying plantain chips requires only basic kitchen tools, and sales can begin immediately in local markets, at bus stops, and in schools.
The key to growth in this business is distribution and branding. Many roadside vendors are willing to sell your chips on commission, allowing you to expand without setting up a shop. Bulk packaging and sales to supermarkets, event planners, and food vendors can further increase revenue.
Eventually, reinvesting in an industrial slicer, a deep fryer, and customised packaging can turn this small snack business into a fully established brand that supplies multiple locations.
5. Home-Based Liquid Soap and Detergent Production
The demand for affordable household cleaning products is always high, making liquid soap and detergent production a profitable, low-cost business. With 15000 naira, you can buy basic chemicals like soda ash, caustic soda, fragrance, colourant, and plastic containers. The process of making liquid soap is simple, and many online tutorials provide step-by-step guidance.
Selling starts within your immediate community. Target homes, schools, restaurants, and small businesses looking for cost-effective cleaning solutions. Many people prefer refillable bottles, which not only save costs but also encourage repeat customers.
As the business expands, branding and packaging become essential for growth. Securing contracts with schools, hotels, and retail stores, as well as expanding into bleach, air fresheners, and car wash soap, can turn this home-based hustle into a full-scale production company.
See also: How to Start Soap Making Business in Nigeria
6. Laundry and Ironing Services
With many people leading busy lives, laundry and ironing services are always in demand. This business is perfect for those who live in student areas, working-class neighbourhoods, or busy commercial districts. This is one of the most viable businesses you can start with 15000 naira. With this small capital, you can buy detergent, buckets, clotheslines, pressing irons, and packaging bags to handle basic washing and ironing services.
Offering pick-up and drop-off services can attract more clients and give you a competitive edge. Over time, reinvesting in a washing machine, industrial iron, and better packaging will help you cater to more customers efficiently. As your client base grows, you can scale into a full-fledged laundry service with additional staff and possibly expand into dry-cleaning services.
7. Mobile Car Wash Service
Many car owners struggle to find time to take their vehicles for cleaning, making a mobile car wash service a convenient and profitable venture. With 15,000 naira, you can buy buckets, car shampoo, sponges, microfiber towels, and a portable water container to start offering hand-wash services in offices, homes, and busy car parks.
To scale this business, consider offering subscription-based car cleaning services to offices and estates, allowing clients to pay in advance for weekly or monthly washes. Reinvesting in a portable pressure washer, vacuum cleaner, and quality cleaning products will enable you to offer more professional services and charge higher rates.
See also: How to Start a Profitable POS Business in Nigeria in 2025
8. Soap and Detergent Making (Small-Scale Production)
Homemade bar soap, liquid soap, and powdered detergents are widely used in homes, schools, and businesses. With 15,000 naira, you can buy basic ingredients like palm oil, lye, fragrance, and colourant to start a small-scale soap production.
Selling within your community, at open markets, or through retail stores can generate steady income. Over time, branding and better packaging can help attract larger customers, including hotels and businesses. Reinvesting in better mixing and molding equipment can allow you to scale into a larger soap production business.
See also: How to Start a Soap-Making Business from Home in Nigeria
9. Blogging or YouTube Content Creation
Content creation is a low-cost, high-reward business that only requires a smartphone, internet, and creativity. If you have knowledge in fashion, tech, business, or lifestyle, you can start a blog or YouTube channel for free and earn through advertising, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
Scaling this business involves building a strong audience, monetising content, and collaborating with brands. Over time, investing in better cameras, microphones, and editing software can enhance content quality and attract higher-paying deals.
See also: How to Start Blogging in Nigeria in 2025 – A Step-by-Step Guide
10. Selling Thrifted Accessories (Bags, Shoes, Jewelry)
Fashion accessories, especially thrifted bags, shoes, and jewelry, are always in demand. Many people prefer high-quality second-hand items over expensive new ones, especially as the cost of imported fashion goods continues to rise. With 15,000 naira, you can buy stylish, well-maintained thrifted accessories from local markets and resell them for a profit.
To start, focus on sourcing trendy, in-demand items and marketing them effectively on platforms like Instagram, Facebook Marketplace, and WhatsApp groups. Photography plays a huge role in selling fashion products, so take clear, well-lit photos to attract customers. Offering delivery options and bundle discounts can also boost sales and encourage repeat purchases.
To scale this business, consider sourcing more premium thrift pieces and expanding into niche markets such as vintage fashion, branded handbags, or custom-styled thrift collections. Over time, reinvesting in bulk purchases, better packaging, and even a small physical store or showroom can transform this side hustle into a thriving fashion resale business.
See also: Fashion Items That Sell Fast in Nigeria
11. Printing and Photocopying Business (Using a Cyber Café or School Partnership)
Many students and professionals need printing, photocopying, and document preparation services. Instead of setting up an entire shop (which can be costly), you can partner with an existing cyber café, school, or office space to offer services using their printers while taking a percentage of the profit.
With 15,000 naira, you can buy A4 paper, ink refills, and design software (if offering typing or formatting services). Start by offering CV printing, assignment typing, document scanning, and lamination services. As demand grows, reinvesting in a personal printer and additional services like ID card printing can turn this into a full-fledged printing business. You can later expand into branding and promotional materials, such as flyers, business cards, and banners.
See also: How to Start a Printing Press in Nigeria
12. Perfume Oil Reselling
Perfume oils are an affordable alternative to expensive designer perfumes, making them a high-demand product for both men and women. With 15,000 naira, you can buy wholesale perfume oils in small bottles from major suppliers and resell them for a profit.
Start by marketing to friends, family, and social media audiences through WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. Many people prefer long-lasting perfume oils, and offering custom blends, package deals, or trial sizes can attract more customers. Over time, scaling involves investing in custom branding, premium scents, and selling in bulk to retailers or beauty shops. Eventually, you can expand into body sprays, scented candles, or even start your own private-label fragrance brand.
13. Small Catering or Lunch Delivery Service
With busy work schedules, many professionals, students, and business owners prefer home-cooked meals delivered to them. A small catering or lunch delivery service is a profitable business that requires just 15,000 naira to start. With this budget, you can buy ingredients for a few staple dishes, disposable food packs, and some cooking essentials.
Start by targeting offices, schools, hostels, and market traders. Taking pre-orders and delivering fresh meals on schedule will build a loyal customer base. Over time, reinvesting in better cooking equipment, food warmers, and bulk ingredients can increase production capacity. Eventually, expanding into corporate catering, event meal services, or opening a small food kiosk can take the business to the next level.
See also: Street Food Business Ideas to Start in Nigeria
14. Snail Farming (Backyard Snail Rearing)
Snail farming is a low-cost but highly profitable agribusiness. With 15,000 naira, you can start a small backyard snail farm by buying juvenile snails, creating an enclosure with moist soil, and feeding them natural food like vegetables and fruit peels.
Snails reproduce quickly, and after 6-12 months, they can be sold to restaurants, market traders, or directly to consumers. Growth involves expanding the size of the snail pen, increasing feed quality, and connecting with larger buyers. Over time, you can scale by supplying frozen, dried, or processed snail meat, which has a higher profit margin. Eventually, you could venture into exporting snail products, as there is international demand for snail slime in cosmetics.
See also: 8 Lucrative Agriculture Business Ideas With Low Start-Up Investment
15. Tutoring or Lesson Services
With education being a priority in Nigeria, private tutoring is a great business that requires little to no investment. If you have expertise in Mathematics, English, Sciences, or any exam preparation subject, you can start tutoring students for a fee. All you need is knowledge, a few study materials, and a way to connect with students.
Tutoring can be done at home, in a rented space, or online via Zoom or WhatsApp classes. Charging per session or offering monthly lesson packages will help generate consistent income. Over time, growth involves expanding into group tutoring, exam preparation coaching, and even launching a full-scale lesson centre. You can also create digital study guides and courses for sale online, increasing your reach and income.
See also: Top 12 Online Business Opportunities With Low Investments And Steps To Start Them
16. Hairdressing or Braiding Services (Home Service)
Hairdressing and braiding are always in demand, as people frequently style their hair for both everyday wear and special occasions. This business is highly profitable and requires little investment, especially if you start as a home-based or mobile stylist. To start, you can purchase basic hair tools like combs, styling gels, attachment packs, and hair extensions to serve your first set of clients.
Starting with friends, family, and referrals can help you gain a customer base quickly. Over time, you can introduce premium services like wig-making, hair colouring, or dreadlocks installation to increase your income. Marketing on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook will attract more clients.
Scaling involves offering home service at a premium, investing in better tools, and eventually opening a small salon. Partnering with beauty shops for referrals or selling hair care products alongside your services can further boost your revenue.
17. Palm Oil Retailing and Seasonal Trading
Palm oil is a highly consumed household product in Nigeria, and its price fluctuates throughout the year. You can start small by purchasing a few litres of palm oil in bulk during the harvest season (when prices are lower) and selling them at a profit during the off-season.
This business thrives on seasonal buying and strategic storage. You can start by selling to neighbours, food vendors, and market traders, then expand by storing larger quantities for long-term sales. Reinvesting profits in larger storage containers, better preservation techniques, and branding can help increase profit margins. Eventually, expanding into wholesale distribution, exporting, or selling other farm produce like garri and crayfish can make this a more lucrative venture.
See also: A Comprehensive Guide on How to Start a Palm Oil Business in Nigeria
18. Mini Importation and Dropshipping
Mini importation is a low-risk, high-profit business that involves buying small, affordable goods from countries like China, Turkey, and the UK and reselling them in Nigeria at a higher price. To start, you can order high-demand products like phone accessories, beauty products, fashion items, or household gadgets from platforms like 1688, AliExpress, or DHgate.
This business can be run entirely online, making it perfect for people looking for a flexible, home-based business. Dropshipping is another great alternative where you don’t hold stock—instead, you list products on social media, get orders, and only pay suppliers when a customer purchases.
To scale, focus on social media advertising, WhatsApp marketing, and partnering with logistics services for nationwide delivery. Eventually, reinvesting profits into bulk purchases, branding your own products, or creating an e-commerce website can turn this into a full-fledged importation business.
See also: Steps on How to Start and Scale a Mini Importation Business: A Complete Guide to Success
19. Social Media Marketing and Influencing
Social media has transformed the way businesses advertise, making social media marketing one of the most profitable low-cost businesses. If you have a strong online presence, good communication skills, and an understanding of trending content, you can help businesses manage their social media pages, run ads, and increase customer engagement.
With as low as 15,000 naira, you can invest in data subscriptions, content creation tools like Canva, and learning resources to sharpen your skills. Start by offering free or discounted services to small businesses to build a portfolio, then charge higher fees as you gain experience.
Scaling involves offering additional services like copywriting, paid ad management, or influencer marketing. As your expertise grows, you can launch an agency, train others, or monetise your social media pages through brand partnerships and sponsored content.
20. Home Cleaning Services
Many households and offices need affordable and reliable cleaning services, making this a profitable business that requires little capital to start. You can invest in buying basic cleaning tools like detergents, disinfectants, mops, scrubbing brushes, and gloves to begin offering home and office cleaning services.
Start by targeting busy professionals, elderly individuals, and event planners who need thorough cleaning. Marketing through word-of-mouth, flyers, and social media platforms will help you secure your first clients. To scale, you can introduce deep-cleaning services, fumigation, or upholstery cleaning.
As demand grows, reinvesting in industrial cleaning equipment and hiring additional workers can turn this into a professional cleaning agency with contracts from businesses and property managers.
See also: How To Start A Cleaning Service Company In Nigeria
FAQs About Profitable Businesses to Start with 15000 Naira in Nigeria
Can I really start these businesses with just 15000 naira?
Yes! While it may seem like a small amount, strategic businesses that require little to no overhead costs can be started successfully. The key is choosing a business with low entry barriers, high demand, and strong potential for reinvestment.
Which business is the most profitable among these options?
Profitability depends on factors like location, target audience, and demand. However, businesses like mini importation, social media marketing, and small catering services tend to yield high returns if managed well.
How can I scale my small business over time?
Reinvest your profits to expand operations, improve product quality, or market to a larger audience. Many of these businesses can be scaled by branding, adding more product lines, or automating processes to serve more customers efficiently.
What if I have no experience in the business I choose?
Learning resources are widely available online. YouTube, free courses, and mentorship groups can help you gain the necessary skills before launching. Practical experience will also improve your knowledge over time.
Do I need to register my business?
While you can start small without registration, it’s advisable to register your business with CAC (Corporate Affairs Commission) as it grows. This adds credibility, allows you to access funding, and helps you secure larger business deals.
Conclusion
There are countless businesses to start with 15000 naira, proving that limited funds should never be a barrier to success. What matters most is choosing a business with strong demand, minimising startup costs, and reinvesting wisely. Whether you prefer selling physical products, offering services, or leveraging digital platforms, there is an opportunity for you.
Starting small doesn’t mean staying small. With dedication, consistency, and smart financial management, a side hustle can quickly turn into a full-time business. The most successful entrepreneurs are those who start with what they have, refine their approach, and scale strategically.
If you’ve been holding back because of limited capital, now is the time to take action. Begin with any of these businesses to start with 15000 naira, and with the right mindset, your small investment could be the first step towards financial independence and long-term success.
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