Yes, it’s possible—with patience,
persistence, consistency, and determination.
You may think starting a business
means you need thousands of Leones in the bank. But let’s be honest—money is
not always the problem. Sometimes, it’s the mindset.
In Sierra Leone today, people are
starting businesses with zero capital—just ideas, skills, and grit. If your
pockets are empty but your heart is full of dreams, this post is for you. Let’s
break it down, step by step:
1. Start with What You Know
Ask yourself: What can I do with
my hands? Can you:
Braid hair?
Cook?
Write?
Sew?
Wash clothes?
Fix phones?
If yes, then you already have
capital. Your skills are your money. Use what you know to start something
small. Don’t wait.
2. Offer a Service First
You don’t need a shop or goods to
start a business. Just solve people’s problems.
You can begin with:
Laundry service
Cleaning homes
Tutoring school children
Cooking and selling food in your
area
Helping shop owners with errands
Service is business, and you
don’t need cash to begin.
3. Use Social Media—It’s Free!
Facebook, WhatsApp, and TikTok
are not just for jokes and scrolling. Use them to:
Show what you do
Share photos
Post testimonials
Get customers
If you’re shy, start small. But
start. The internet can bring you business.
4. Collaborate Instead of Competing
You don’t always need to start
alone. Partner with someone who already sells products.
Sell their goods for them and
take a commission.
Help promote someone’s items
online and get paid per sale.
Do consignment sales—sell, then
pay the owner later.
It’s called affiliate or
commission-based selling, and it works.
5. Try Drop-Shipping or Reselling
Here’s how it works:
Find a supplier or shop with good
products
Take pictures
Post online
Once a customer orders, collects
payment, buys the product, and delivers
You don’t need to hold stock.
6. Teach What You Know
You can start mini-trainings if you know a skill, such as tailoring, cooking, makeup, hair, computer work, or driving.
One-on-one, in small groups, or even online.
People want to learn. Teach them
and earn.
7. Join Free Trainings & Empowerment Programs
Don’t sit and say "den nor
dae help we." Help is out there, but you must look for it.
Many NGOs and government projects
offer:
Free skills training
Starter kits
Business tools
One of the best digital training programs
in Sierra Leone right now is Afronics SL Ltd. Visit afronics.com and apply for
training. Don’t wait!
8. Use What’s Around You
Sell snacks, water, or fruit on a
busy street.
Offer phone charging if you have
solar.
Start small with whatever is
around you.
No shame in humble beginnings.
Money from coconut is still money.
9. Barter and Exchange Services
No cash to pay for a logo or
flyer? Trade skills.
Offer your service in exchange
for someone else’s. As you grow, you’ll have money to pay later.
10. Reinvest Every Kobo
When that first payment comes in,
don’t rush to spend.
Save
Buy better tools
Improve your service
Build up to renting your own
space
Every “small money” is seed.
Plant it. Don’t eat it.
Final Words
Starting a business without
capital is not a joke—but it’s real. Plenty Sierra Leoneans have done it. All
you need is:
✅ A skill
✅ A phone or voice to market yourself
✅ A strong will not to give up
Money comes after movement.
So ask yourself:
👉 What can I start today with what I already
have?
💬 What one skill can I turn into a hustle
right now?
Tag a friend who needs this.
Let’s start small, grow strong, and build the future we want — together.