Many people in Sierra Leone
believe they need a large sum of money before they can start a business. They
wait for "investors," dream of getting a loan (which often never
comes), or complain about a lack of support. But let’s get real: you already
have something valuable — your skills.
That means even if your bank
account is empty, you’re not starting from zero. You're starting from
experience, talent, and ability. And that’s more powerful than you think.
What Does “Start with What You Know” Mean?
It simply means: look at the
things you already know how to do, and turn them into a source of income.
We’re not all born business
experts, but we are all born with potential. Some people are good with their
hands, some are good at talking, others are good at organizing. Those everyday
skills — the ones you may not even think are special — can be turned into a business.
Examples of What You May Already Know
Here are some examples of
everyday skills that can become your business:
|
Skill
You Know |
Business
You Can Start |
|
Braiding hair |
Mobile hairstyling for women and kids |
|
Cooking |
Sell rice, akara, or snacks in your area |
|
Sewing |
Tailor clothes or do small repairs |
|
Phone repair |
Fix phones or accessories for neighbors |
|
Writing or typing |
Help people with CVs, letters, and forms |
|
Driving |
Offer delivery or errands with a motorbike |
|
Speaking languages |
Teach English or help people write letters |
|
Washing clothes |
Start a laundry service at home |
|
Good with children |
Offer babysitting or after-school help |
You don’t need a signboard or
uniform to begin. You just need to say, “This is what I can do. I’m ready to
offer it.”
But What If I Don’t Know Anything?
Trust me — you do. You just
haven’t thought of it as a skill yet.
Do people come to you for advice?
Do you often help others solve
small problems?
Are you always fixing things at
home?
Can you clean, cook, teach,
guide, and assist?
All of those are valuable
services. You just have to believe in the worth of what you do. And if you
truly don’t know where to begin, then start learning. There are free training
programs, online videos, and even community classes in your area.
You can also volunteer with
someone who is already doing what you want to do. Learn and grow. That’s also
starting.
Why This Approach Works in Sierra Leone
Let’s be honest — the business
environment in Sierra Leone is not easy:
The power supply is unreliable.
Getting a loan is tough without
collateral.
Most people have limited capital.
But here’s the thing: you don’t
need big capital to start small.
By starting with what you know:
You avoid waiting for
"perfect conditions"
You reduce your start-up cost
You build confidence by doing
what you’re already good at
You start earning immediately
Real Life Inspiration: Mariama’s Story
Mariam, a
young woman in Makeni, loved braiding hair in her neighborhood. She had no
money to open a salon. But she started braiding friends’ and neighbors’ hair in
their homes. She posted her work on Facebook. Soon, she was booked every weekend.
Within a year, she saved enough to buy tools and rent a small space. Now she
trains others.
She didn’t wait for a loan. She
started with what she knew.
Your Turn: What Can You Do Right
Now?
Take a notebook or your phone.
List all the things you’re good
at or enjoy doing.
Ask friends or family what they
think you’re good at.
Pick one and find a way to offer
it as a service.
Start small. Test it out. Let
people know.
Final Thoughts
Starting with what you know is
the smartest and cheapest way to launch a business in Sierra Leone. Forget the
fancy setups for now. Focus on using what you already have — your hands, your
skills, your energy.
You don’t need everything to
begin. You just need to begin.
🔁 Share this with someone who’s waiting to
“get money first” before they start a business.
💬 What’s one thing you’re good at that could
become a business? Drop it in the comments!