Nairobi | 03.02.2025
In today’s world, starting a business doesn’t require a massive investment or a fancy office. With a little creativity, resourcefulness, and hustle, you can turn your skills and passions into a profitable venture—all with less than Ksh 10,000. Starting small has its advantages. It allows you to test your ideas, learn the ropes, and grow at your own pace without the pressure of huge financial risks. Plus, with the rise of online platforms like Shop Zetu, Sky Garden, Pick-up Mtaani, Pezesha (loans), Lipa Later, Biashara Studio, and free tools like Canva among others, it’s easier than ever to turn your passion into profit. The key is to focus on businesses that require minimal upfront costs and leverage skills or resources you already have.
Here are some small business ideas you may consider:
#1. Freelance Services
If you have a marketable skill, freelancing is one of the easiest ways to start a business. All you need is a computer, an internet connection, and your writing skills. Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer.com, LinkedIn among others make it simple to find clients. Here are a few freelance ideas:
– Writing and Editing: Offer blog writing, copywriting, or proofreading services.
– Graphic Design: Create logos, social media graphics, or marketing materials using free tools like Canva.
– Virtual Assistant: Help businesses with administrative tasks like email management or scheduling.
– Social Media Management: If you’re skilled at creating engaging posts and understanding the nuances of various platforms, social media management could be your ideal business. You can help companies grow their online presence by handling their content creation, scheduling posts, and engaging with their followers.
Startup Costs: for a website domain or premium tools which is optional.
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#2. Handmade Crafts
If you’re crafty, turn your hobby into a business. Handmade items are always in demand, especially on platforms like Shop Zetu, Jumia, Sky.Garden, social media platforms etc.
– Jewelry Making: Create and sell bracelets, necklaces, or earrings.
– Candles or Soaps: Make and sell homemade candles or soaps using affordable kits.
– Knitting or Crocheting: Sell scarves, hats, or blankets.
Startup Costs: for materials.
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#3. Digital Products
Digital products are a great way to earn passive income. Once you create them, you can sell them repeatedly without additional costs.
– Printable Art: Design and sell digital printables like planners, wall art, or greeting cards.
– E-books: Write and sell ebooks on platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).
– Stock Photos: Sell photos taken with your smartphone or camera.
– Personalized products like custom T-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and more are always in demand. You can use print-on-demand services, where the items are printed and shipped only when a customer orders, so there’s no need for upfront investment in inventory.
Startup Costs: for design tools or stock photo subscriptions, optional.
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#4. Reselling
Reselling is a low-risk way to start a business. You can find items at thrift stores, garage sales, or even in your own home and sell them for a profit on popular marketplaces, social media platforms, a physical store, popup markets, exhibitions.
– Thrift Store Flipping: Buy items cheaply and resell them.
– Dropshipping: Dropshipping is a model where you sell products without having to keep inventory. When a customer orders, the product is delivered directly from the supplier to the customer.
Startup Costs: initial inventory or website setup (optional).
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#5. Service-Based Businesses
If you enjoy helping others, consider starting a service-based business. These often require little to no upfront costs.
– House Cleaning: Start a small cleaning service for homes or offices. You can start by offering your services to neighbors, family, friends and your local community.
– Car Detailing: Offer car washing and detailing services.
– Yard Work: Offer lawn mowing, weeding, or gardening services.
Startup Costs: for basic supplies like cleaning tools or yard equipment.
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#6. Tutoring or Coaching
If you’re knowledgeable in a particular subject or skill, share your expertise with others.
– Academic Tutoring: Teach subjects like math, English, or science.
– Fitness Coaching: Offer virtual fitness or wellness coaching.
– Skill-Based Coaching: Teach skills like cooking, photography, or music lessons.
Startup Costs: for marketing or online tools like Zoom, optional.
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#7. Food Businesses
If you love cooking or baking, turn your kitchen into a small business.
– Baked Goods: Sell homemade cookies, cakes, cupcakes, or bread at local markets or to friends.
– Meal Prep: Prepare and sell healthy meals or snacks to busy individuals.
– Popcorn or Snack Stand: Sell snacks at local events or in your neighborhood.
Startup Costs: for ingredients and packaging.
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#8. Content Creation
If you’re creative and enjoy sharing your ideas, content creation can be a lucrative business.
– YouTube Channel: Start a channel around a niche topic and monetize through ads or sponsorships.
– Blogging: Create a blog and earn through affiliate marketing or ads.
– Podcasting: Start a podcast and monetize through sponsorships or listener support.
Startup Costs: for a microphone or hosting platform, optional.
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#9. Repair Services
If you’re handy, offer repair services to your community.
– Tech Repair: Fix smartphones, tablets, or computers.
– Bike Repair: Offer bike repair services in your neighborhood.
– Shoe Repair: Clean or repair shoes for clients.
Startup Costs: for basic tools.
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#10. Photography or Videography Services
If you have a talent for photography or videography, you can offer services to local businesses, events, or individuals. Whether it’s portrait photography, product shots, or videos for social media, many businesses and individuals need help creating visual content.
Startup Costs: if you already have a camera, your investment will likely go towards photo editing software like Lightroom or Photoshop.
How to Get Started:
- Build a portfolio with friends and family or volunteer at local events.
- Promote your services on social media platforms like Instagram.
- Offer discounted sessions to gain testimonials and build a client base.
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Tips for Starting a Business with Less Than Ksh 10,000
1. Leverage Free Tools: Use free platforms like Canva, Google Workspace, and social media to market your business.
2. Start Small: Focus on one product or service and expand as you grow.
3. Reinvest Profits: Use your initial earnings to invest in better tools or marketing.
4. Network: Spread the word through friends, family, and local communities.
5. Stay Consistent: Building a business takes time, so stay patient and persistent.
6. Research your market by identifying your target audience to ensure you have a sizable market.
Here are some of our PARTNERS who will support your small business:
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- Shop Zetu – https://shopzetu.com
shopzetu.com Is a marketplace for curated trendy and diverse fashion and lifestyle products, giving customers access to both international and African brands. Learn more on https://shopzetu.com
Signup to sell on Shop Zetu Marketplace on https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfDbjXjjnZfLPGM2QoDWGHwwI1yHDQnyjyn_Q_6SAFEmovUgw/viewform
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- The Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency (KEPROBA) – https://makeitkenya.go.ke/buyer-seller/seller-sign-up
Is a State Corporation established under the State Corporations Act Cap 446 through Legal Notice No.110 of August 9th, 2019 after the merger of the Export Promotion Council and Brand Kenya Board. The Agency’s mandate is to implement export promotion and nation branding initiatives and policies to promote Kenya’s export of goods and services. Learn More on https://makeitkenya.go.ke
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Register as a Seller on KEPROBA’s Marketplace on https://makeitkenya.go.ke/buyer-seller/seller-sign-up
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Register for “Made In Kenya” Mark on https://makeitkenya.go.ke/buyer-seller/made_in_kenya
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- Sky Garden – https://sell.sky.garden/auth
Sky Garden is a one stop online marketplace that supports small businesses to grow. Learn More on https://sky.garden/home
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Signup to sell on Sky Garden Marketplace on https://sell.sky.garden/auth
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- Lipa Later – https://sell.sky.garden/auth
Gives your customers the opportunity to Buy Now and Lipa Later in flexible monthly installments. Learn More onhttps://lipalater.com/merchants
To register, signup to sell on Sky Garden Marketplace on https://sell.sky.garden/auth
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- Pickup Mtaani – https://new.pickupmtaani.com
Pickup Mtaani serves online sellers by offering affordable product delivery services to their customers through its Mtaani agents. You can also rent a shelf to serve as a drop-off & Pick-up point for your products. Learn More on https://new.pickupmtaani.com
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Contacts: Telephone: +254110151006 and Office: Philadelphia House, Tom Mboya Street, Nairobi
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Signup onhttps://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pum_vendor&hl=en&gl=US
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- Pezesha – https://pezesha.com
Provides loans to small businesses. Learn More on https://pezesha.com
Apply for a loan on https://webapp.pezesha.com/sign-up (select “I am a Merchant” option)
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- Biashara Studio
Is a Small Business Studio designed to help Small Business Owners with their branding and marketing material like Fliers, Posters, Food Menu, Product catalogue, Product labels/ branding.
View Catalogue on https://www.whatsapp.com/catalog/254729123400
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Final Thoughts
Starting a small business with less than Ksh 10,000 is all about creativity, resourcefulness, and perseverance. By focusing on your strengths, keeping costs low, and staying adaptable, you can turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality. Remember, every big business started small—your journey begins with that first step!
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Call to Action: What small business idea are you most excited about? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s inspire each other to take the first step toward entrepreneurship!
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