Many hardworking Nigerians pursuing big dreams face the frustration of limited funding. Whether you’re building a business or driving a non-profit, it’s common to feel stuck when money is tight. But a lack of funds doesn’t mean the end of your mission—it means it’s time to leverage your most abundant resource: time. Time and money are interconnected, and where one is limited, the other can compensate. If you’re committed to your mission and it’s non-negotiable, use your time wisely to achieve what money might have done. Creativity, resourcefulness and persistence can open doors that money alone cannot unlock.
For example, many entrepreneurs have successfully grown their ventures by dedicating time to networking, learning new skills, and creating value for others. Instead of spending money on advertising, you can invest your time in building a strong social media presence, connecting directly with potential clients, or offering free samples of your work to gain trust. The business landscape rewards resilience and resourcefulness. When you dedicate your time to planting seeds of growth, you’ll eventually reap the rewards. Your willingness to invest time demonstrates faith in your mission and opens opportunities you didn’t know existed.
If there’s something you want to achieve, start by breaking it down. Instead of wishing for a large sum of money to fund your dream, ask yourself: “What do I need this for, specifically?” Maybe you’re imagining $20,000 to purchase equipment, hire help, or expand your reach. But instead of waiting for a windfall, reflect on how you can take the first steps with what you have now. Can you rent equipment instead of buying it? Can you barter services or offer value in exchange for help? Growth is a step-by-step journey, powered by resourcefulness and determination over time.
