In India, starting a business does not always have to require huge funds. You can launch a successful business with minimal capital with the right idea and strategy. There are many low-investment opportunities in India for budding entrepreneurs or those who just want to supplement their income. Find here a list of low investment business ideas you can start with low investment.
List of 27 Low Investment Business Ideas in India
1. Online Tutoring
With the emergence of virtual learning, E-Tutoring is one of the most profitable low-investment business ideas. You can start by offering tutoring in subjects you do best at like mathematics, science or languages. What’s more, no need for physical space but just a computer with a stable internet connection and teaching interest.
There is an increasing demand for quality education especially among students preparing for competitive exams. Online tutoring platforms like Vedantu and Unacademy have proven how profitable it can be.
How to Start: The first step is to find your niche and target audience. Next, register yourself on online tutoring platforms or establish a website for it. You may also provide free demo classes to attract students.
2. Blogging
A blog is a great platform through which to share your knowledge, skill or passion with audiences all over the world today. From travel, food and finance to technology; there are various ways of making money from your blog such as adverts, sponsorship on content etc.
One doesn’t need much for blogging – only a domain name, hosting service plus their time. With appropriate content consistency plus good SEO practices, one could build a large readership and earn money.
How to Start: You need to select an area of interest and also have an audience out there. Write good quality that adds value. You can explore major social media platforms that can help generate traffic to our blog while drawing subscriptions too through Search Engine Optimization Techniques. If you create an online reputation just after some time have basement income sources like the Google AdSense program or through affiliate marketing partnerships.
3. Small Manufacturing Unit
A small manufacturing unit can manufacture products similar to candles, soaps, paper goods or artisanal items. It requires basic machinery and raw materials but can be highly rewarding once it is established.
By simply having the right item, a small production unit can make supplies to neighbourhood shops, merchants or even through e-commerce platforms. As you expand, it is possible to boost production and revenues.
How to Start: Identify an item that is in your locality and does not need a lot of machines. Place your manufacturing unit in a small enclosure with the essential types of equipment. Ensure there is quality consistency among all your products . Utilize local markets as well as internet sources in selling them. Retailers or distributors may also receive special price cuts for large quantities purchased from you.
4. Freelance Writing
In case you have a flair for composing, then freelance writing could be a money-spinning company with almost no capital. Content writers are often in demand as businesses and websites need people who can compose articles, blog posts and other copy-writing materials for them.
Freelance writing is flexible as it allows one to work from anywhere and choose one’s clients. Depending on the length of time spent in this profession it would be easy to earn more money because each job attracts varying pay rates.
How to Start: You can start writing samples so that you have a portfolio ready for showcasing whenever the opportunity arises. You may also sign up with different freelance job sites such as Upwork, Fiverr or Freelancer and start bidding for projects that interest you. Alternatively, reach out to companies or blogs that might need your skills directly; make connections through social media with fellow freelancers or clients who might help find your job offers in future.
5. Social Media Management
One of the most important things to do when you are building an online presence for your business or brand is to use social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to market it. A social media manager does all of this including managing a company’s accounts on different sites, generating posts that can engage followers and replying to their comments.
Almost all organizations need solid social media branding but not every company has enough time or knowledge about how to take good care of it by themselves. There is thus an opportunity for you in this field because there will always be someone looking for assistance.
How to Start: Get yourself acquainted with various platforms together with tools like Hootsuite or Buffer that help you post at different times for example early in the morning or late in the night. Create a brand identity by developing your social media pages indicating what type of work you can do best with these platforms as far as account growth is concerned; begin with small businesses or startups before extending your services to larger clients.
6. Dropshipping Business
Dropshipping revolves around wholesale delivery processes where you do not have to store goods. You sell the product and then buy it from an external supplier who directly sends it to the audience. This gets rid of any large invested amount in stocks.
With the escalating electronic commerce business in India, dropshipping provides a low-risk and inexpensive means of starting a company. You can work from home while concentrating on marketing as well as customer service while your suppliers take care of shipping.
How to Start: Identify a niche that captivates you and has demand in the market. Using sites such as Shopify, create an online shop and register with trustworthy suppliers. Employ digital advertising techniques for people to visit your shop and turn into clients.
7. Affiliate Marketing
Promoting products belonging to other people and making money in terms of commissions for each sale that is made via your referral link is known as affiliate marketing. It is a great business idea which does not require much investment particularly if you have a blog, website or robust presence on social media.
Affiliate marketing can be very lucrative because of its low initial investment costs. To add on that, growth in your audience is directly proportional to an increase in earnings potential.
How to Start: You can register with affiliate programs that suit your niche such as Amazon Associates or Flipkart Affiliates among others. Subsequently, create content including reviews and tutorials demonstrating these products while placing the relevant affiliate links within them. The main principle is building trust with the audience so that they cherish your advice.
8. Homemade Food Business
Do you love it when your hands are covered in flour, and the smell of baking fills the air? If so, then turning your culinary skills into a money-making business might be an option for you. There is always demand for delicious food, from homemade snacks to cakes and traditional Indian dishes.
A homemade food business can quickly gain loyal customers because more people have started looking for healthy, homemade alternatives to restaurant foods. You can start small and gradually expand based on demand.
How to Start: Start by offering your food to friends, family and neighbours so that they can give you feedback and also serve as potential customers. Promote your dishes using social media and accept orders too. In addition, you can partner with delivery services like Swiggy or Zomato which will help you reach a wider audience. Do not forget to adhere to local food safety regulations.
9. Handmade Crafts Business
The country of India has been weaving a rich tapestry of handicrafts for centuries now and there is an increasing demand in the market for one-of-a-kind handmade items. From beaded necklaces to cotton dresses, from hand-painted pots to wall art, selling handmade crafts can make for a profitable undertaking.
There is a growing trend among consumers towards choosing artisanal products over mass-produced ones. This line of business enables you to turn your creativity into cash as long as you do not spend too much on starting it up.
How to Start: Firstly determine what type of craft items you would like to produce and sell. Online platforms such as Etsy, Amazon and social media may serve as launch pads for selling your products. Consider taking part in local fairs and exhibitions so that potential customers can see what you have done. At some point in time, when the market starts expanding further, creating a separate website or an online store may be something worth exploring.
10. Event Planning Services
Event planning is a low investment business that requires creativity, organization, and attention to detail. Whether it’s weddings, corporate events, or parties, event planners help clients execute their vision while handling the logistics.
With the rising number of events and celebrations in India, there’s a steady demand for professional event planners who can make these occasions memorable.
How to Start: Start by planning small events for friends and family to gain experience. Build a portfolio of your work and use it to market your services. Network with vendors like caterers, decorators, and photographers to offer comprehensive event planning packages. A strong social media presence can help you attract clients.
11. Fitness and Yoga Instruction
As there is greater awareness about health and wellness in India, there are more demands for fitness and yoga instructors. If you love fitness and have a certification for yoga or a fitness training program, you can begin your classes.
People will always pay for personalized instructions on fitness that will help them attain their health goals. This business requires little investment in equipment and space especially if you offer online classes.
How to Start: Becoming certified in fitness training or yoga instruction is the first step to take. You can embark on offering classes at local parks, community centres or online. Use social media alongside word-of-mouth marketing to promote your classes. To gain loyal clients you may consider offering them personalized training sessions.
12. Translation Services
India has numerous languages, which has led to increasing interest in providing translation services for business, legal and medical areas. If you are proficient in various languages then offering translation services can be a lucrative business.
As businesses move worldwide, the need for precise translation increases too. It is a business that does not need any investment except talent of language.
How to Start: Know the languages you can speak and the document types you can translate. You can sign up on freelancing platforms or directly offer your services to businesses. To keep more customers coming your way, build an image of accuracy and reliability.
13. Graphic Design Services
Graphic design is crucial in branding, marketing, and communication. You can offer services like designing logos, brochures, posters, and social media graphics if you have design skills.
With the boom of online enterprises, there is an incessant demand for quality graphic design. This low investment business requires little investment in software and can be operated at home.
How to Start: Purchase graphic design software such as Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. Create a portfolio that highlights your best work and advertise your services on Fiverr, Upwork or through social media channels. Networking with local businesses may also help in acquiring more projects.
14. Tiffin Service
The tiffin services are basically for students, people who work as well as for anyone who wants to have food delivered to their doorsteps that is prepared at home. This is an industry with huge potential due to the increase in demand for home-cooked and healthy foods.
Instead of eating outside every day, people living in cities would rather make their food at home. In addition, there is a low cost on raw materials and packing making it a suitable venture for housewives or those who are interested in cooking.
How to Start: Begin by offering neighbourhood tiffin services. You can attempt to use social media networks to attain a larger audience or collaborate with food delivery firms so that they will be able to drop meals on behalf of your customers. Service excellence and promptness will earn you market loyalty among your customers.
15. Pet Care Services
The rising number of pet owners necessitates pet care services such as pet sitting, grooming, and walking. This is a great business for people who love animals because it requires little money to set up.
There is a high demand for dependable pet care services because many people have busy lifestyles and limited time. If you offer customized care for people’s pets, you will be able to grow a successful business with many loyal customers.
How to Start: You can begin offering these services to friends and neighbours. You can also share your experience on social media and ask happy clients to compliment it. Alternatively, you can team up with nearby veterinarians or pet stores so that you reach more people.
16. Mobile Repair Services
Smartphone sales have risen in huge numbers in the last few years and so is the mobile repair demand. have become so vital that they require mobile fixing. It can be a financially rewarding career with low set-up expenses when you take on phone repairs with technical know-how.
Trustworthy and budget-friendly phone repair shops are typically sought after by many. Therefore, if you possess the right skills and tools, you can start running such a business from home or a small shop.
How to Start: Invest in basic equipment and tools for mobile repair, and get trained on it. You could begin by offering your services to friends, relatives, and people living nearby. Additionally, you can create awareness about your services on the internet or within the neighbourhoods to gain more clientele.
17. Content Writing and Editing
Online content has blown up, resulting in a great need for writers and editors. If you have a propensity for writing, then services such as article writing, blog posts, copywriting and editing can be offered.
In the digital realm, content is king, therefore companies are always searching for quality writers to create and polish their content. This trade needs little funds and you can do it anywhere.
How to Start: Create several writings to demonstrate your abilities. Sign up on freelancing portals or directly approach firms and websites which require text content. You might also get more chances by forming relationships with other authors and editors.
18. Personalized Gift Business
From mugs to T-shirts and photo frames, personalized gifts will always be required on special occasions. This business will help you to meet the need for clients seeking for one-of-a-kind personal items.
The personalized gift market is increasing with the advent of e-commerce. The business needs little investment in materials and can be operated from home.
How to Start: Choose the kind of personalized gifts to offer. You may begin by selling on platforms such as Amazon, Etsy or your own website. Promote your products using social media so as to attract customers.
19. Digital Marketing Services
Small and medium-sized enterprises are employing digital marketing strategies such as search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing and email marketing. If you are digitally skilled then offer businesses your expertise on how to go about them so that they can expand.
The more businesses shift to online platforms, the higher the demand for digital advertising services is growing. In this business, few investments are required in terms of tools or software; thus it allows for operating from home.
How to Start: Learn more about digital marketing by enrolling into online courses or through internships. Have a portfolio ready with some of your work, once prepared begin with offering small companies or startups and people often refer clients to each other within their networks, thus enhancing expansion in clientele.
20. Photography Services
If you have a passion for photography, you can capitalize on it by offering services like portrait photography, event photography or product photography hence turning it into a business. It exposes your creativity and you earn money.
Everywhere people are always looking for professional photographers for weddings, parties, corporate events among others. There will always be an investment in good photography equipment but if one does it right they could stand to gain.
How to Start: Invest in quality camera and accessories then build up portfolio by offering services to friends and family or participating in local events through social media would do well too as a professional website to showcase work impressively attracting clients.
21. Consulting Services
You can provide consulting services to companies if you have knowledge in any particular field like finance, marketing, or technology. In this low investment business, you get the ability to utilize your intelligence and expertise in order for others to flourish.
Companies will always be on the lookout for people who are knowledgeable enough to give them good opinions and counsel. Little investment is needed for consultancy since what you have is mainly knowledge.
How to Start: Define your niche and intended clientele. Establish a professional network and start serving as a consultant for those businesses that require your insights. Alternatively, come up with a site or blog where expertise may also be offered and clients attracted.
22. Biryani Shop
Biryani, one of the most popular dish in India, can bring a lot of profit for biryani shops with lower investment. Irrespective of style – be it Hyderabadi, Kolkata or Lucknowi Biryani – there will hardly ever be a shortage in demand for well-cooked and flavored biryanis.
Across all regions of India there is an urgent and constant need for biryanis. A good recipe combined with smart marketing can proselytize a faceless establishment into a popular and profitable one.
How to Start: Start by perfecting your biryani recipe. Choose a location with good foot traffic or offer home delivery services. Invest in quality ingredients and ensure consistent taste. Use social media to market your biryani shop and gather customer reviews to attract more patrons.
23. Cake Shop
A cake shop is indeed a sweet business idea for any occasion such as a birthday party or wedding. You can establish your own bakery from home or a small storefront with just some baking tools and ingredients.
There is always a need for cakes, making it possible for a cake shop to be always employing people. Moreover, custom cakes tend to be expensive.
How To Start: Initially create a portfolio of cake designs and flavours. Before advertising in cyberspace, sell your first creations to people you know best like friends and family for their personal opinions. Once established locally, using other means of advertising will help build on the same notion. When people start knowing about you and enjoying your pastries then you can broaden your range by including other types of cakes like cupcakes.
24. Food Truck
A food truck permits you to bring your culinary creations to various locations with a wide reach of your audience. It is the best way to offer street food, gourmet burgers or even healthy salads because it has more flexibility and lower overheads than a traditional restaurant.
The main reason why people go for food trucks is their convenience and variety., You can move around targeting different customers thereby maximizing profits.
How to Start: Choose a niche or specialty for your food truck that makes it stand out from the rest. Settle for a quality truck plus necessary kitchen tools. Get the required licences and permits Use social media platforms to announce where you are at any given time so as to attract customers.
25. Grocery Shop
A small grocery shop is a timeless low investment business idea that serves the daily needs of people on constant demand. Starting with low starting costs for inventories and basic store fittings, a grocery shop can as well become a community treasure within no time.
There exists an uninterrupted flow of clientele to grocery shops as they provide basic supplies we need daily. Grocery Shops located in little neighborhoods can also render consistent incomes.
How to Start: Select an appropriate place where many people pass by. Purchase necessary products frequently requested for in your vicinity. Aim at giving good reception service and moderate rates for your products interested customers will be inclined towards if you offer them delivery services too.
26. Momo Shop
Momos are currently a popular street food in India, as they provide quick and tasty snacks at low prices. A momo store requires little investment on equipment or ingredients thus making it a good business idea.
With growing popularity of momos especially among the youth, a momo shop can attract more customers especially in busy areas.
How to Start: Perfect your momo recipe by adding different types of fillings like vegetarian, chicken and pork. Get a place where many people walk by, for example near colleges or places where people work. Use social media to market your shop and give promotions or combos to bring in more people.
27. Popcorn Stall
A popcorn stall is a simple, low-investment business that can be set up in various locations like malls, movie theatres, parks, or busy streets. Popcorn is a popular snack, and with some creativity in flavours, you can attract a wide customer base.
Popcorn has high-profit margins, and with a small investment in a popcorn machine and ingredients, you can quickly start making money.
How to Start: Invest in a quality popcorn machine and experiment with different flavours like cheese, caramel, and spicy masala. Choose a busy location where people are likely to stop for a snack. Use colourful signage and packaging to attract customers. You can also offer combos with drinks to increase sales.
Hello, I’m Rupak Chakrabarty, a passionate advocate for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the driving force behind MUVSI Consulting, where I serve as a dedicated small business coach. With years of experience in the entrepreneurial world and a deep-rooted commitment to helping SMEs thrive, I bring a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and guidance to aspiring and established business owners alike.