"The country is hard" is an anthem on the lips of every Nigerian now. Nigeria is currently the third poorest country in the world and getting a means of income seems so difficult. With that said, having a side hustle in these times won't hurt.

If  you have always wanted to start your own company. You're sick of working for someone else and crave the freedom and responsibility that comes with owning your own business.

The problem is that you don't have a lot of starting capital—or any at all. That means you're probably out of luck, right?

Wrong! Here are 10 businesses that you can start for almost nothing (and those that aren't completely free are very low-cost). They do not necessitate costly training or degrees, expensive equipment, or a large amount of materials, space, or product.

Having said that, many of the businesses listed below require regular access to a computer, the internet, and possibly a car. However, if you already have those sorted, jump right in—you're bound to find a business idea that fits your skill set if you think creatively!

Here are 6 businesses you can start with little or no capital:

BLOGGING

While it is not a novel concept, monetized blogging is always a popular option for a low-cost business.

When it comes to making money from your blog, you have a plethora of options, such as affiliate partnerships, producing eBooks, and offering online courses and webinars. Some of these are more effective than others, as certain blog niches are more popular and easier to monetize than others. Beauty, food, and parenting blogs, for example, are among the most popular niches and, as a result, will be easier to monetize (though you will face stiffer competition).

It is worth noting, however, that monetizing your blog will work best if you choose a topic about which you are truly passionate and personally invested.

FREELANCE WRITING/ FREELANCE EDITING

Are you a good writer? This one is self-evident. Consider starting a freelance writing business if you have strong writing skills.

Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are popular freelancing sites for building your portfolio and client base. They can provide you with invaluable advice on what to do and what not to do!).

Similarly, if you have a keen eye for structural changes and enjoy editing for grammar and punctuation, you should think about starting a freelance editing business.

There will always be a need for editors as long as there is written content. If you have writing experience and a good eye, freelance editing could be a viable business option for you.

GRAPHIC / LOGO DESIGN

Consider starting a logo or graphic design business if you're creative and skilled with Photoshop. To begin, you can list your services on sites like Upwork, 99Designs, Fiverr or any of the other freelance sites available to help you build a portfolio and a client base.

For newbies who want to learn more about graphic design, you might want to check 'free' coupon courses on Udemy or Coursera to get a hang of the skill.

CONSULTING

Starting a consulting business is a popular free business to begin. The type of consulting you offer will be determined by your skill set; do you have a background in social media marketing, or do you have legal experience?

Examine your skills and previous work experience to see what you can bring to the table that others may not have.

WEBSITE DESIGN

If you know how to set up a killer website, you’re in luck—most people don’t, and the demand for high-quality business websites is only increasing.

According to research, the most significant competitor to your web design services is not other designers, but rather business owners who choose not to hire anyone at all. So, how are you going to make yourself appear indispensable?

PROGRAMMING

While it is possible to learn to code and create your own app, programming services will always be in high demand. If you are a skilled programmer, you can start a business offering your programming skills with no money.

WRITTEN BY PHILIP GEORGE AND TEMIDAYO ADEBIMPE