Contrary to most students’ belief, there are actually many businesses you can start on a low key for little money. In fact, the handsets, clothes and gadgets some students carry around are more costly than some businesses. Some HTC devices, iPhones, iPads and high-end Androids go for about N100,000, much more than is needed for a small business. So here are some mobile businesses you should consider:
Make-up/Manicure/Pedicure – this is a big profit business that many people are making fortunes from. If you are good at using the make-up kit and taking care of people’s nails, why not make it a business? For a student environments, between N20,000 – 50,000 will set this up
Barbing – many male students know how important lost cost haircuts are important. A good Chaoba clipper, two towels, two a aprons, some aftershave, spirit, a chair and a mirror and a few random items are all you need for this. A budget of N20,000 – 30,000 will suffice.
Catering/Baking (snacks) – this is a big one. Everyone is celebrating one thing or the other these days. So why not be the one they come to for their cakes, snacks and small chops for the parties and picnics? You certainly don’t need more than N30,000 – 40,000 to start.
Photography – people can now take their pictures with phones, especially with the selfie stick, but a good photographer with a good camera, laptop and backdrop can still eke a living with it. All those wannabe models, events and ceremonies need a photographer. So why not turn a corner of your room into a studio and secure your market? This one requires a much larger budget but it can work with people who already have a camera.
Fashion designing – this is popular these days and it is making some students rich before graduation. If you have learnt the skill before coming to school, why not buy a sewing machine and start styling your friends? A machine and some start up material will not cost you more than N40,000.
Training (instrument/voice/language) – are you good with an instrument? You could make it into a small business. Same goes for those who know how to do voice training or can handle a foreign language. You could have classes and charge fees for it. The capital here is mostly just time since you can use a classroom or open spaces.
Social media management – these days many people are looking for social media managers for their various accounts. If you know your way around social media, you can turn yourself into a money-spinning manager. Many organisations are employing people in such positions. Reach out to persons and organizations and offer your services. With your phone and/or a laptop, you can execute this job.
Even planning – the event planning business is getting bigger by the day and you could have a future in it if you start in school. Most events are weekends and evening so you can always keep your studies out of the way. You can also get jobs outside the school. Where it clashes with your schoolwork, you can use extra hands. This is also low budget.
Clothing/fashion accessories – believe it or not, students buy a lot and you can have your share of their spending. You can always bring in items that are cheap in your area and popular with students for person-to-person sale. Shoes, clothing, accessories and even small gadgets like headsets
Sporting merchandise – these days, almost everyone is supporting one football club or the other (Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester United, Bayern, etc.) and this presents an opportunity to make some money. All you need is get these merchandise and market to students and football lovers at viewing centres around you.
Blogging – there are a lot of websites offering pay for articles and you could actually write for them. Also, you can start your own specialized/news blog. If you are student in a school with large student population like University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, University of Benin, Ahmadu Bello University, etc., you can be the most vocal voice there and build something you can monetize. Ibrahim Ify Salawu @UnilagOlodo who founded @OlodoNation is an example.
Art – do you know how to make jewellery with beads, draw and paint, make greeting cards, and design social media DPs etc. You can make money from these. If you have the skill, raw materials are often not high.
Website designing – with a laptop and power, a website designer can run a full business from any location. Interestingly, many people wants blogs and websites so there is a large market out there. A N70,000 laptop and data shared from your Android phone is all you need.
These are just a few of the many businesses that you can run while in school with little capital. Just find out your skill and turn it into a business.
All you need is the will to get more out of your 4+ years in the university than just a degree.
Written by: Kukogho Iruesiri Samson for Pulse.
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