20 Small Business Ideas for Kids in Nigeria

Most of the famous public figures in the world started out at a young age. They developed inherent talents and grew to become forces to be reckoned with in their various fields.

Teaching kids the art of entrepreneurship is a great way to boost their self-confidence and give them a platform to develop their talents. Skills like critical thinking, management skills, and creative ability are essential towards becoming a successful entrepreneur.

A study conducted in 2010, by the Kaufman Foundation revealed that kids are more likely to start a business or aspire to do so if they know another entrepreneur. About 40% of kids from ages eight to seventeen expressed an interest in starting out a business.

Below are 20 great business ideas for kids in Nigeria – 

1. Cooking and Baking: Some kids just love to be in the kitchen with their mum while others are excited about baking. You can take advantage of this excitement to teach them the responsibility of owning a business. Encourage them to buy and sell baked snacks for profit.

2. Babysitting: This is a great business idea for kids. In Nigeria, most parents barely have time to take care of their kids. You can get your teenage daughter to babysit for such parents and earn some income. This process is enlightening because it teaches discipline and patience, virtues relevant in entrepreneurship. 

3. Jewellery and crafts: Some kids love to make jewellery. You can teach your kids how to make beads and sell them to make a profit.

4. Artistry: For kids who love to draw and paint, this can be a great business to explore. The paintings and drawings can be sold to people.

5. Tutoring: Kids can offer tutoring services to younger kids who need help in different subjects and make money out of it.

6. Selling of candy: Kids can sell sweets and chocolates after school, and earn money from the sales. 
7. Acting: Have you noticed how much your kid loves to act? Maybe she mimicks a lot of tv personalities. Your kid could start out with TV gigs and earn money from it. Many actors in Hollywood started out their careers at a young age. 

8. Carwash business: This is another good business idea for kids. Your kids can earn money by washing cars for people.

9. Selling used books: Don’t let those books stay clogged at home. Your kids can set up a mini book store and sell them to customers.

10. Writing: Kids who are skilled at writing can start a writing business and make extra money.

11. Selling greeting cards: Is your kid great at designing cards? You can encourage them to make and sell greeting cards.

12.  Social media marketing: In today’s world, nearly everyone is social media savvy. Most kids have a flair for social media and are already on different social media platforms. Your kids could start offering social media marketing services to people.

13. Cleaning and Organizing: People would pay to get their houses organized. Your kids could do some organizing for neighbours or friends and get paid for it. 

14. Laundry: If you teach the kids how to do the laundry, they could earn money from offering laundry services to friends and neighbours.

15. Graphics design: With easy to use graphic designing apps like canva, your kids could start designing for small businesses. 

16. Blogging: Kids who are internet savvy can start a blog and sell blog-related products to make extra money.

17. Music lessons: Kids who have a flair for music or can play musical instruments, could start offering music lessons to other kids who need them and make extra cash.

18. Web designer: Many SMEs in Nigeria want to be visible online and the only way to get started is to have a website. If your kids have web designing skills, they could help local businesses to build their websites.

19. Petsitting: Many pet owners don’t have time for their pets due to tight schedules and busy appointments. Your kids could offer to take care of your neighbour’s pet while they are away.

20. Chore Chart – A list of chores with a payment for each chore is a great way to encourage children to provide extra help around the house.

It is not too early to get kids running their own business and becoming responsible. These kids turn out to become great and successful entrepreneurs over time. Do you have questions or suggestions on SMEs in Nigeria? Kindly drop them in the comments section below. We would love to hear them.