The Ultimate Guide to Starting a Business With No Money in South Africa

Starting a business with no money sounds impossible, right? Yet across South Africa, thousands of people are doing it every single day.

From bakers turning their home kitchens into thriving micro-bakeries to students running online shops from their phones, there are endless stories of South Africans proving that resourcefulness beats resources.

The truth behind it is, you don’t need funding to begin. You need an idea, a plan and a willingness to start small. This guide will show you how to do exactly that - how to start a business with no money, how to keep it growing and which free iKhokha tools can help you trade like a pro from day one.

If you’re still in the early idea phase, our guide on how to start a business in South Africa walks you through everything from planning to registration.

Firstly, is it possible to start a business with no money?

Yes, you can start a business with no money. You don’t need investors or fancy equipment to get going. You just need to start with what you already have like your skills, your phone, your network and a little imagination.

Think about it. Some of the most successful small businesses in South Africa began without any capital. A hairdresser who started plaiting clients’ hair under a gazebo. A car washer who began with one bucket and a borrowed hose. A student selling handmade candles from her res room.

When money’s tight, creativity becomes your superpower and here’s how people are making it work:

1. They start by solving small, everyday problems in their community.

2. They use free online tools to look professional.

3. They trade online, from home, or on-the-go to avoid rent and overheads.

4. And they use free or low-cost iKhokha tools, like Tap on Phone, Pay Link or the iK Webstore to accept payments instantly and securely.

So yes, it’s possible. And you can do it too.

How to start a business with no money: A step-by-step approach

There’s no one-size-fits-all way to build a business, but here’s a practical roadmap that works for just about anyone starting from scratch.

1. Start with what you already have

Take a step back and look at your current resources. Start by first looking at what skills, tools, or experiences you already have that people value. Can you cook, or are you good with people, can you design, write, fix or organise things?

Your first business idea is often hidden in something you already do well. For example, if your friends always ask you to design invitations or help with resumes, that’s a service people are already willing to pay for.

2. Build around your community

The easiest place to find your first customers is right where you live.

Look around your neighbourhood or kasi. What could be missing? Maybe people need a local delivery service, someone to tutor kids after school, or someone to clean or fix things affordably.

These are real opportunities. Start by offering your services to people you already know, it builds trust, and word-of-mouth spreads fast in South Africa.

3. Use free tools to get started

You don’t need a budget to look professional. Free online tools can help you create everything from logos to invoices.

Try these:

• Canva – Design posters, price lists, or social media posts.
• Google Workspace – Manage your documents, email, and spreadsheets.
• WhatsApp Business – Create a product catalogue and chat with customers.
• iK Webstore – Open a free online store and start selling in minutes.
• iKhokha App – Send invoices, track payments, and manage sales right from your phone.

Starting lean means you can focus your energy on delivering value, not paying bills.

4. Get paid like a professional

Even if you’re starting small, you should get paid easily and securely.

Cash is great, but it limits your customers, especially as more people move towards digital payments. That’s where iKhokha helps.

With iK Pay Link, you can send customers a simple payment link via WhatsApp or SMS. They pay instantly using their card, and you get the money directly into your account.

Or, use iK Tap on Phone, which turns your smartphone into a card machine, no hardware, no extra cost.

If you’re selling online, set up your iK Webstore to accept payments around the clock. You can even promote your store link on social media or WhatsApp to boost sales.

Business ideas you can start with no money

Let’s get practical. Here are some ideas that South Africans are already running successfully, all with little to no startup capital.

How to start a recycling business with no money

Recycling is one of the most accessible ways to earn cash without investment. All you need is time and consistency.

Start by collecting recyclables like cans, bottles, and cardboard in your neighbourhood. Sort them and sell them to local recycling depots or scrap yards that pay per kilogram.

Many people start this way, then expand by partnering with small businesses or schools that produce recyclable waste regularly.

It’s not glamorous, but it’s real income and it contributes to a cleaner environment. If you’re passionate about community impact, our list of small business ideas in South Africa has more inspiration for purpose-driven entrepreneurs.

Track your earnings easily using the iKhokha App and set savings goals for equipment or transport upgrades.

How to start a dropshipping business with no money

If you’re comfortable online, dropshipping is one of the best ways to start a digital business without spending upfront.

You sell products through an online store, but your supplier handles storage and shipping. That means you don’t buy stock until someone pays you first.

Here’s how to get started:

• Pick a niche. Fashion, beauty or tech accessories work well locally.
• Find a South African supplier who offers dropshipping options.
• Build your store with the iK Webstore
• Share your product links on WhatsApp, Instagram, or TikTok.
• Accept payments with iK Pay Link or iK Pay Gateway.

Want to learn more? Read our guide on how to start an online business in South Africa for a full breakdown of e-commerce models and setup tips.

How to start a business from home with no money

Home-based businesses are booming in South Africa because they’re simple, flexible, and affordable.

If you have Wi-Fi, a workspace, and determination, your home can double as your office. You could start:

• A small baking or catering business.
• A hair or beauty service for friends and neighbours.
• A tutoring, freelance, or admin support service.
• A second-hand resale business using social media.

Use WhatsApp Business to manage orders and iK Pay link or iK Tap on Phone to accept payments

How to start a computer repair business with no money

If you’re good with tech, there’s consistent demand for affordable repair services, from fixing laptops to setting up Wi-Fi.

Start by fixing devices for people in your area, a school that needs its printers sorted, a small shop whose Wi-Fi keeps dropping, or a neighbour whose laptop won’t turn on. Each fix builds your name and soon people will start calling you instead of the big repair chains.

Once you start earning, reinvest in small tools and equipment. You can use the iKhokha App to send professional invoices and track your earnings like a legit business.

It’s a low-cost idea with long-term potential, especially as South Africans continue to depend on tech for work and study.

Growing without funding

When you earn your first rand, resist the urge to spend it. Reinvest in your business.

Buy better tools, print flyers, or upgrade your online presence. That’s how a side hustle becomes a small business, through steady, smart reinvestment.

And when you’re ready to scale, iKhokha can help you access funding through iK Cash Advance, designed for small businesses with a proven sales record.

The mindset that makes it work

Building a business with no money takes patience, consistency, and a lot of grit. There will be slow days and setbacks, but that’s part of the journey.

Every challenge you overcome builds experience and experience is worth more than startup capital.

Stay connected to your “why.” Whether it’s freedom, stability, or purpose, that’s what will carry you through.

You can start today

Every South African entrepreneur starts with one small decision: to begin.

So, start where you are. Use what you have. Sell what you know. And when you’re ready to get paid, iKhokha has your back with tools that make trading simple, affordable, and instant.

Download the free iKhokha App to track sales, send payment links, and start building your business, even if you’re starting with R0.