In Nigeria, the legal age of adulthood is 18 years old. Until a person reaches this age, they are considered a minor and may have limited legal capacity to enter into contracts or engage in certain business transactions without parental or guardian consent.
The Nigerian law doesn’t stop teenagers from owning a business, but the business must be under the supervision of their parents or guardians.
Starting a business as a teenager can be a valuable learning experience, teaching important skills such as responsibility, time management, and financial literacy.
It’s crucial for young entrepreneurs to venture into a business that aligns with their strengths and skills, and have a clear plan to ensure their business’s success.
In this article, we will be exploring the type of businesses teenagers can start in Nigeria and how they can start it.
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Business ideas you can start as a Teenager in Nigeria
Here are the 11 best business ideas you can start as a teenager in Nigeria
1. Tutoring or Homework Help Service:
If you excel in specific subjects, you can offer tutoring or homework help services to your fellow students who are struggling with those subjects. Whether it’s math, science, language arts, or any other subject, you have the opportunity to provide one-on-one or group tutoring sessions, helping others succeed academically while earning money for yourself. You can conduct this business either in person or online, making it convenient and accessible for both you as the tutor and the students seeking your assistance.
2. Babysitting or Childcare Service:
If you have a responsible and nurturing nature, you can tap into the demand for babysitting and childcare services. Many parents need someone reliable to look after their children while they are busy or at work, and you can step in to help. Starting a babysitting service can be a great opportunity for you as a teenager. You can offer your services during evenings, weekends, or school holidays, giving parents the assurance that their children are in good hands and well taken care of. Your dependable care will be highly valued in the community and provide parents with much-needed peace of mind.
3. Lawn Mowing and Gardening Service:
With many homes in Nigeria having gardens and lawns, a lawn mowing and gardening service can be a profitable business idea. As a teenager, you can offer lawn mowing, weeding, pruning, and general garden maintenance services to homeowners in your neighborhood. This business can be seasonal, with increased demand during the growing season.
4. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking Service:
Pet owners often need assistance with caring for their furry friends when they are away or occupied. Teenagers who are animal lovers can start a pet sitting or dog walking service, where they can take care of pets in the owner’s home or walk dogs regularly. Building a good reputation and rapport with pet owners can lead to repeat business and referrals.
5. Handmade Crafts and Jewelry Business:
As a Teenager with creative and artistic skills, you can start a handmade crafts and jewelry business. You can create and sell unique handmade products such as bracelets, necklaces, keychains, greeting cards, and other crafts. These items can be sold at local craft fairs, online marketplaces, or through social media platforms.
6. YouTube Channel (vlogging, educational content, etc.):
Are you a creative Teenager? If yes, then starting a YouTube channel can be an exciting venture for you. You can create vlogs, educational content, gaming videos, or any niche that aligns with your interests and skills. With consistent and engaging content, a successful YouTube channel can generate income through advertisements, sponsorships, and partnerships.
7. Computer Programming and Coding Lessons:
Teenagers with programming and coding skills can offer lessons to individuals or small groups interested in learning how to code. The demand for coding skills is growing, and teaching others can not only be rewarding but also financially beneficial. These lessons can be conducted in person or through online platforms.
8. Greeting Card and Stationery Design Business:
If you have a flair for design and creativity you can start a greeting card and stationery design business. You can design and produce customized greeting cards for various occasions, such as birthdays, weddings, and holidays.
9. House Cleaning:
House cleaning is a service that is always in demand, as many people prefer to have a clean and tidy home but may not have the time to do it themselves. As a teenager, you can offer house cleaning services, including dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and organizing, to busy individuals or families in your community.
10. Tech Support for Elderly or Less Tech-Savvy Individuals:
Many elderly individuals or those less familiar with technology may require assistance with their smartphones, computers, or other electronic devices. Teenagers with tech-savviness can offer tech support services, such as setting up devices, troubleshooting issues, and providing guidance on using various applications and software.
11. Personal Fitness Trainer for Teens:
Teenagers who are passionate about fitness and have knowledge of exercise routines can become personal fitness trainers for their peers. They can create personalized workout plans and offer guidance on proper exercise techniques. This business can be conducted in local parks, community centers, or even virtually through video calls.
How to start a business as a teenager with no money
Here are the steps to starting a business as a teenager in Nigeria with or with no money:
1. Identify Your Skills and Interests, and choose a business Idea
This step involves self-reflection and introspection to understand your unique abilities, talents, and what you are passionate about.
For example, if you love animals and have a talent for taking care of them, starting a pet sitting or dog walking service may be a great fit for you. If you are skilled at art and enjoy creating, starting a business selling handmade crafts or artwork could be a good option.
The key is to find a balance between your skills, interests, and what the market needs. Conducting some market research and understanding the demand for your chosen business idea is essential as well. This will help ensure that your passion-driven business idea also has a viable market and can generate income.
2. Create a Simple Business Plan:
A business plan is a written document that outlines your business idea, goals, strategies, and how you plan to achieve them. Even a basic business plan can provide clarity and direction for your venture.
In addition, creating a simple business plan will help you understand your business better, set realistic goals, and develop a roadmap for success. It also demonstrates your commitment to your venture and can be useful if you need to communicate your business idea to potential partners, mentors, or customers.
3. Bartering and Collaboration
As a teenager, accessing Bartering and collaboration is a strategy that involves exchanging goods or services with others without using money. It allows you to obtain what you need or want by trading your skills or products for something of value, creating a mutually beneficial arrangement. Here is how to go about bartering and collaboration;
- Identify What You Need
- Identify Potential Bartering Partners
- Propose a Bartering Arrangement
- Negotiate and Agree on Terms
- Complete the Bartering Transaction
- Maintain Professionalism and Gratitude
For example, if you’re a photographer and want assistance with marketing (ie publicity), you could propose a collaboration with a marketing agency, offering your photography services for their marketing campaigns.
Bartering and collaboration can be an excellent way to acquire or access the resources you need for your business when you have limited funds. It fosters networking, builds relationships, and can lead to future business opportunities. Just ensure that both parties are satisfied with the arrangement and that the exchange of value is fair and agreed upon.
4. Leverage Social Media and Online Platforms
This is a marketing strategy to promote your business as a teenager with no money. It involves using popular social media platforms and other online channels to showcase your services, connect with potential customers, and build a strong online presence.
Here is how to effectively leverage on these social media and online platforms;
Choose the Right Platforms
Create a Professional Profile
Showcase Your Services
Share Engaging Content
Interact with Your Audience
Use Hashtags and Tags
Join Online Communities and Groups
Consistency and Post Scheduling
Social media and online platforms are one easy way to reach a wide audience and promote your business.
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Final thoughts on starting a business as a Teenager with no money
Starting a business as a teenager in Nigeria, with or without money, is an achievable and rewarding endeavor. By identifying your skills, interests, and passions, you can choose a business idea that aligns with your strengths and market demand. And with a simple business plan, bartering and collaboration strategy, and leveraging on social media and online platforms for publicity, you can bring that dream into reality.
In addition, according to the Nigeria law rendered by the Corporate Affairs Commision (CAC), page 55 subsection 6 says, those below 18years of age can not register a business except there are two adults as partners, that is why business registration is not a requirement to starting a business as a teenager.
But if you dem it necessary to register your business, you must have two co-owners that are adults.
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