Best 28 Highly Profitable Business Ideas in Indore

Indore’s not just about poha-jalebi breakfasts or winning the cleanest city tag every year anymore; it’s quietly becoming a sweet spot for small business hopefuls. Yeah, you heard that right.

I’ve seen folks—students, housewives, even ex-corporate folks—go from idea to income without throwing in lakhs of rupees or waiting for some investor miracle. That’s the beauty of this city. It’s grounded, buzzing with demand, and still very much desi in buying behaviour. So if you’ve been poking around looking for business ideas in Indore, you’re already on the right track.

As a business coach who’s worked with more than a few Indore-based hustlers, let me tell you—what works here isn’t always the flashiest. It’s the ideas that feel familiar, meet a real need, and don’t need you to sell your bike to start.

Let’s break things down type-by-type, so you can figure out what clicks with your vibe (

and your budget).

🛍️ A. Retail & Franchise Business Ideas in Indore

If you’ve walked through Rajwada or around the lanes near Palasia, you know what I’m talking about—Indore folks love to shop. Whether it’s college girls looking for the latest ethnic kurti or aunties bargaining over handmade juttis, the retail scene here is alive.

1. Clothing or Boutique Store

You don’t need a giant fashion studio. Even a 10×10 rented shop or home-based boutique can pull in good footfall if you’ve got the designs right. Ethnic wear, fusion outfits, Indo-western stuff—it all works. Especially around festive seasons (which, let’s face it, in India is like every other month).

Little tip: Start Instagram reels of your outfit trials. You’d be surprised how many orders come from just those “mirror selfie” style videos.

2. Fast Food or Namkeen Franchise

Indoris take their food very seriously. Whether it’s a spicy moong bhajiya or a loaded sandwich at 10 pm, this city eats like a celebration. If you’ve got even a little bit of food sense, a fast-food stall or a low-cost franchise (like Goli Vada Pav, or even one of those momo chains) can bring in consistent daily cash.

And don’t underestimate a well-placed cart near coaching hubs—students are your best (and hungriest) customers.

3. Cosmetic or Wellness Shop

Have you seen how many salons and makeup studios are cropping up in Indore lately? Self-care is trending hard, especially among college-goers and working women. So whether it’s branded cosmetics, organic soaps, or herbal skincare, there’s a ready market waiting.

Add a loyalty card or bundle offers—you’ll have people returning every month.

4. Toy & Stationery Shop

Okay, this one’s slept on. But if you’re near any school, coaching area, or even just inside a residential colony—kids = stationery = profits. From drawing books to puzzles to cute keychains… it all sells.

Read: Best Profitable Retail Business Ideas

🍽️ B. Food & Beverage Business Ideas in Indore

Now this one… is Indore’s heartbeat. You can’t walk more than 500 meters without bumping into a thela or tiny shop selling something drool-worthy. From Sarafa Bazaar to Chappan Dukan, people are always eating. So why not turn that into a business?

5. Tiffin Services

Hundreds of students and office-goers stay away from home. And they’re sick of oily hotel food. If you can cook simple, clean, tasty meals—this one’s gold. Even 15–20 regular customers can get you ₹20K–₹30K a month.

One of my clients started with 5 tiffins. Now she delivers to 60 people daily. No fancy kitchen, just consistency and a handwritten menu.

6. Cloud Kitchen (Health + Indori Twist)

If you’re camera-shy and don’t want a stall, try a delivery-only setup. You can cook at home and list your meals on Zomato, Swiggy, or even just WhatsApp groups. Fusion is trending big—think Indori tadka pasta, millet khichdi bowls, or “healthy” street-style chaats.

It’s surprisingly scalable—and far cheaper than renting a café.

7. Street Food Cart

Yup, old-school and still effective. If you’ve got ₹30K–₹50K to invest, a smartly branded food cart (with lights, QR payment, branding, the works) can earn you ₹1.5K–₹3K per day. That’s decent monthly income for a side hustle, no?

And trust me—hygiene is your USP now. People notice the clean ones.

8. Homemade Snacks or Namkeen Brand

This one’s been booming in Indore thanks to the local taste buds. Start small—peanuts, sev, chakli, shakkar para. Package well. Sell at local kirana shops or colony WhatsApp groups. If the taste hits home, you’ll never have to market again. Word-of-mouth will do the work.

Read: Best Food Business Ideas in India

💻 C. Online & Digital Business Ideas in Indore

You don’t need a flashy office to make money in 2025. With a laptop, Wi-Fi, and a bit of jugaad, you can start a digital business from your bedroom—seriously. The beauty of Indore is that even though it’s growing fast, costs are still low. That means better margins.

9. Freelancing (Writing, Designing, Editing, etc.)

If you’ve got decent English, basic laptop skills, or some creative spark—freelancing is calling you. I’ve seen fresh grads from DAVV, Prestige, and SGSITS pick up freelance gigs on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr and earn more than they’d get from a 9–5.

Start small—₹500 gigs. It grows.

Tip: Join LinkedIn groups for freelancers. One of my students found a full-time client from a single comment.

10. YouTube Channel or Instagram Reels

Yes, reels are money now. You don’t need a DSLR—just your phone. If you’re funny, informative, or even just consistent, your local language content can catch fire.

Ideas? Local food reviews, Indore street life, finance tips in Hindi, product unboxings, makeup hacks—anything you enjoy.

11. Dropshipping or Affiliate Marketing

This is a bit advanced, but doable. Set up an online store (via Shopify or even Insta), don’t stock anything, just link to suppliers. When someone orders, the product gets shipped by them—you keep the profit.

I met a guy in Vijay Nagar selling quirky mugs to US buyers. Doesn’t touch the product. Still making ₹60–70K a month.

12. Local SEO Consultant or Social Media Manager

Every kirana shop, coaching class, or local beauty parlour wants to show up on Google Maps and look cool on Insta. But they’ve got no clue how. If you learn local SEO or basic digital marketing, you’re a hero.

Even if you charge ₹3K–₹5K per client, 5 clients can get you a solid monthly income.

Read: Best Online Business Ideas in India

🏭 D. Manufacturing & B2B Business Ideas in Indore

Here’s where things get a little serious—but also very rewarding. Indore has industrial belts like Sanwer Road and Pithampur. If you’ve got some capital (say ₹1 lakh+), these small manufacturing or B2B supply ideas can really fly.

13. Agarbatti or Candle Making

Low investment, high daily use = profit. Raw materials are cheap and available in bulk. You can even automate the process later. Indore has tons of religious stores and wholesalers who’ll buy from you if you get the fragrance mix right.

Bonus: Sell “designer candles” during Diwali, weddings, or hotel décor.

14. Paper Plate or Disposable Cup Manufacturing

Events, street food joints, even temples—they all use disposables now. A small machine + space in your home or garage can get you started. Sell to dhabas, caterers, and wholesalers.

15. Printing & Packaging

If you’re in or near industrial areas, packaging is always in demand—labels, boxes, tags, wrappers. Start small with a heat press or printer. Once your quality is consistent, clients will stick.

16. B2B Supply of Uniforms, ID Cards, or Safety Gear

This one is surprisingly underrated. Offices, schools, factories—all need ID cards, safety shoes, uniforms. Tie up with local manufacturers and become the middleman. Very scalable.

Read: Top Manufacturing Business Ideas in India

💇‍♀️ E. Service-Based & Skill-Based Ideas in Indore

Here’s the sweet spot for people who want to build something of their own without much investment. If you’ve got a skill—even a small one—you can turn it into cash.

17. Makeup Artist or Hair Stylist (Freelance)

Start with family functions, friends, and small parties. Do one wedding right, and you’ll get 5 new leads. Invest in basic products, practice on yourself, and promote on Instagram.

Real story: A 19-year-old from Bhawarkuan started this in lockdown. Now she earns ₹25K per month, weekends only.

18. Home Tuition or Coaching

Whether it’s maths, coding, or spoken English, parents are always looking. If you’re good at a subject, start classes at home or online. You don’t need to be a topper—just patient and relatable.

19. Mobile or Laptop Repair

Got a knack for tech? This is always in demand. Learn the basics from YouTube, practice on dead devices, and slowly start taking paid gigs.

🧁 F. Women-Centric & Home-Based Business Ideas

For stay-at-home moms, students, or even working women looking for a side gig, Indore is super supportive of women entrepreneurs.

20. Handmade Products – From Soaps to Rakhi

Local + handmade = high emotional value. Soap, jewellery, gifts, Rakhis, scrunchies—you can sell via Instagram or local exhibitions.

Tip: Indore has women-led startup networks like MP Startup Centre. Join them.

21. Pickle, Papad, or Spice Mix Business

This one’s pure nostalgia-powered. If your family recipe is a hit at potlucks—make it a business. People pay for real, homemade food. Package it neatly and sell via WhatsApp, housing societies, or Big Basket Local.

🌿 G. Eco-Friendly & Agriculture-Based Ideas

This one’s growing fast. Indore residents are becoming eco-aware, and niche products are seeing real traction.

22. Organic Farming or Hydroponics (Even on Rooftops!)

Got a backyard or some terrace space? You can grow herbs, microgreens, even lettuce—sell to cafés or directly to customers. Hydroponics is still new here, so there’s a chance to stand out.

23. Eco-Friendly Bags or Packaging

Ban on single-use plastic = opportunity. Make cloth bags, jute packaging, or recycled boxes. Schools, shops, and even event organisers will buy if your quality and branding are sharp.

🎓 H. Small Business Ideas for Students in Indore

• Sell thrifted clothes or accessories on Insta
• Offer “assignment help” or design services
• Start a small tea or Maggi stall near your college
• Teach juniors basic coding or design
• Become a campus ambassador for brands

Look, you don’t need to wait for a degree to start. Just pick a problem, solve it your way, and start messy.

🧠 Expert Insights: How to Choose the Right Business Idea in Indore

Alright—before you jump headfirst into any idea, take a pause. The idea doesn’t have to be flashy. It just needs to work for you.

Match Your Skills + Budget + Local Demand

You might love baking, but if your area already has 10 home bakers, it’ll be tough to stand out. Instead, try matching what you’re good at with what people are missing nearby—and what you can afford to start.

Think: “What can I offer in my mohalla that no one else is doing… yet?”

Test Your Idea with a Small Pilot

Don’t overthink. Start super small. Use Instagram to gauge interest. Try a WhatsApp group for your colony. Do a Sunday pop-up stall. Borrow before you build.

One of my coaching students tested her mehendi art skills at a Diwali mela booth for ₹500. She now does wedding events full-time.

Focus on Solving a Real Problem

Business isn’t just about “selling something.” It’s about solving pain points. Are people struggling with late food deliveries? Craving healthy snacks? Tired of expensive pet grooming?

Be their solution.

Build a Lean MVP (Minimum Viable Product)

No need for a shop or website on day one. Just offer the basic version. Get your first 10 customers. Their feedback is gold.

Trust me, the faster you get out there, the faster you’ll learn what works.

🛠️ Government Schemes & Startup Support in Indore

If you’re serious about your business, don’t ignore the government help that’s out there—especially in MP. Many people don’t know these exist or think it’s too complex. But it’s worth the little effort.

🔹 MP Startup Policy

Madhya Pradesh has been pushing hard to support local startups—especially women and youth-led ventures. You can apply for seed funding, mentorship, or even workspace help.

Check: startup.mp.gov.in

🔹 Incubators & Startup Hubs

• AIC-PRESTIGE Incubator – Great for tech, D2C, and social startups
• IIM Indore Incubation Centre – If you’ve got a high-potential idea, even better
• SVIM Business Incubation Cell – Another promising local hub

🔹 Udyam Registration

This free registration helps you access MSME benefits like subsidies, tenders, and easy loans. Even small kirana or service businesses can register.

Website: udyamregistration.gov.in

🔹 Mudra Loan (Without Collateral)

Get up to ₹10 lakh under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana—perfect for small businesses or side hustles. You can approach most banks or online portals.

FAQs – Business Ideas in Indore

What is the best low-investment business in Indore?

Tiffin service, digital freelancing, tailoring, or handmade products. Anything that uses your existing skills and meets a local need can be started under ₹10,000.

Can I start a business as a student?

Absolutely! You can sell thrift fashion, run a Maggi stall, teach juniors, or start an Instagram page. Just don’t wait till you “graduate” to get started.

What are the most profitable businesses in Indore?

Food businesses, education, local digital marketing, and niche home services are doing well. Profit depends more on execution than the idea itself.

Is it necessary to register my small business?

Not always in the beginning. But once you start earning regularly or need GST input, get your Udyam registration done. It builds trust, too.

What permits are required for small businesses?

For home-based work, usually none. But food businesses need an FSSAI license, and retail stores may need local shop & establishment registration.

Final Words: Start Small, Start Smart

Here’s the deal—you don’t need lakhs in the bank or an MBA degree to start a business in Indore.

You need:

• ✨ Clarity on what you want to offer
• 🚀 Action to get your first customer
• 💬 Feedback to tweak and improve

Indore is perfectly placed for small businesses—affordable, supportive, and full of everyday problems that you can turn into business opportunities.

📌 My advice? Pick 1–2 ideas that excite you. Test them this week. Don’t over-research your way into analysis paralysis.