25 Small Business Ideas in India that You Can Implement Today

‘Nothing worthwhile comes easy.’ 

– Theodore Roosevelt

In the past, starting and establishing one’s own small business was not easy. One incorrect decision would ruin all their time and investment. Today, thanks to various technological advancements, anyone can start a small business in India with low investments. 

All they have to do is to learn and develop a few skills for performing different tasks to meet the business needs. Some businesses can operate from home, while some may have to lease or rent out or purchase a small area to set up an office.

But to be successful in the long run (even today), budding entrepreneurs need to take care of some critical factors before starting a small business in India. This blog will help you understand all these crucial aspects. We will also discuss 25 unique small business ideas in India for you to implement.

Crucial aspects to consider before starting a Small Business in India

1. Business Plan

Business owners need to be passionate about their business as that is something they will be doing all day. They should take some time to lay out a rough business plan and list down all possible challenges.

There is a lot to plan and think through, but it’s alright if they don’t have all the answers for running a business at the initial stages. 

They should make a mind map outlining the process of making an idea a reality. This exercise will help them create a formal business plan and prepare for any obstacles that might come during the process of setting up their small business. 

They also need to think about their skill set, note what they’re good at and look for opportunities that complement those skills. In general, they can choose from the following business sectors:

• Service Business: includes selling expertise(skill) and time, such as professionals in marketing, IT, restaurants, transportation, food kiosks, salon, and spa, etc.
• Merchandising business: refers to retail, wholesale, trading, and wholesale buying and selling goods—for example, grocery and departmental stores, online sellers, retail outlets, and more.
• Manufacturing Business: covers raw materials, labor, and equipment to be used and then turned into a saleable product. For example, car manufacturers, gadgets, daily essentials, clothing, bags, etc.

Here are five essential elements that should be a part of your business plan – 

2. Market Research

One of the important mistakes business owners make in starting a small business is setting unrealistic goals without understanding the market they will serve. They do not consider various essential factors such as global production costs, transport expenses, etc. 

Before launching any new business, a business owner needs to conduct thorough market research and understand what their potential customers want and will pay for. While confidence is a powerful asset, preparation will significantly increase the chances of success.

It helps avoid common pitfalls that usually stem from misunderstanding the current market for their product or service, its price structure, positioning, and competitive dynamics. 

Small business owners also need to do a complete market assessment covering all the variables that affect their business like price, service, location, hours, quality, target audience, and more. 

3. Self Discipline and Flexibility

These are the two most important qualities for an aspiring business owner to have. Being the heart and brain of the small business means they will be held accountable for their business — be it good or bad.

As small business owners, they’ll have to make budgets, stick to their business plan, dedicate time to develop business, and meet the set goals for themselves and their business.

If there is a lack of self-discipline, this might be something to work on before they pursue their entrepreneurial dream. They have to be ready to put in the time and effort before starting their venture. 

Once the business plan and ideas are firmly set, it can be hard to accept the need to make changes. While this is understandable as they have put so much time and effort into developing one idea, it’s equally important to be flexible to changes.

Flexibility is important throughout the process, right from conceptualizing the business plan to carrying it out fully. Any business is vulnerable to countless factors resulting in significant minor changes to the final idea or plan.

As challenging as this may be, being open to changes can mean the difference between success and failure in the world of business.

4. Funding and Budgeting

Depending on what type of business they are starting and the initial amount they will need to pay up for, it will determine what kind of capital is required to start the business.

Financial planning is one of the most critical factors to consider before starting a business. It includes the wealth that they can introduce from their savings or take a small business loan. They need to properly identify the sources through which they can get the funding for the business.

Furthermore, it is better to have a budget plan so that the business owners can properly manage the funds and are sufficient enough to support them through the initial phase of business. 

A business owner can look into two types of funding for their small business: short-term and long-term loans. Also, there are certain things to keep in mind before taking the funds, such as the cost of borrowing, the repayment terms, the rate of interest, and the security required.

Get quotes from a few banks and private lenders, compare them to identify the most beneficial type of funding, and then decide. If fixed assets are needed to be purchased, then it would be ideal to go for long-term funds.

For working capital requirements, short-term funds would be sufficient. This way, once the business starts progressing, they can pay back to the lenders.

Related: Small Business Subsides That Can Help SMBs

5. Competitor Analysis

There is a famous expression “know thy enemy”. When it comes to business, it can only mean researching the competitors!

Business owners need to know what their competitors are doing and what their strategies are. With this knowledge, they will be able to make appropriate decisions for their businesses.

It will also help them in developing a much more effective strategy for the business. Unless they know who their competitors are and what their strategies are, they will not survive in the market for long. 

If their business is a monopoly, then the competition will not matter; otherwise, they will have to develop a strategy to march past the competition. Gaining market share should be on top of their mind if they are about to start a business.

If there is high demand for their product, then it shouldn’t be difficult. Else, they might have to strengthen their service or the product to gain entry into the competitive market.

Small business owners should look into the following factors to know their competitors better – 

• How they have positioned themselves
• Pricing structure and pricing strategies
• Marketing and sales tactics
• Strengths and weaknesses

Once the business owners have all the required information, it is about conveying their Unique Selling Point (USP) to their target prospects. If they can do this well, they can survive no matter how challenging the competition is.

Here is a simple template that you can use to do competitor analysis – 

6. Getting help

Starting and developing a business is not an easy task; it involves a lot of time and consistent effort. It might take a few weeks, months, or even years to see an upswing in the business.

However, in this process, if business owners struggle at any stage in setting up their small business, some experts can provide support and assistance. 

They need to make sure they have an advisor who can provide them with the best consultancy to help start-ups grow into businesses. Whether it is their fellow business mates, friends, or family, having people around them can boost their confidence. 

Finally, it is all about implementing the best business practices, being disciplined, staying in control, and having the foresight to expand their business.

Also Read: 15 Business Ideas in Tamilnadu in Hindi

25 Small Business Ideas in India

Here is a list of the best small business ideas in India that one can start with zero to low investment.  These small scale ideas in India fall under the categories of home-based, online, part-time, service, trading, manufacturing, services, steady income, and more. 

1. Content Writing

If you have to pick a single money-making small business idea in India from a list of top internet-based small businesses, then content writing will always be at the top of the list.

Writing content for blogs, social media, newsletters, etc., have the potential to be real money-spinners. It requires strong command over writing style and researching skills.

As a writer, one can very smoothly utilize these skills to earn a decent income. 

It has been a profitable business not only in India but across the world. The end goal is to maximize the number of views or readers of the blog (or any other content piece) by creating interesting, engaging and plagiarism-free content. As plagiarised content can get penalised by the search engines, everyone must perform a plagiarism check before publishing it online..

The content writer gets paid for every word they write for their clients or at a fixed hourly rate. The best part about being a content writer is that one can start this business without investing a single penny.

It requires good writing skills and confidence to talk to clients – that’s all. With these skills, you can easily kick start your career as a content writer. 

Initial Investment- None, if you already own a computer and internet connection.

Expected Monthly Revenue- ₹30,000 to ₹3,00,000

2. Dropshipping Business

In today’s era, most people like to shop online which makes dropshipping one of our most-favourite eCommerce business ideas. With the advent of e-commerce, several other related businesses came into existence. A really popular one is dropshipping. 

Through dropshipping, you can start your own online store without ever holding any inventory. It is a low-risk business model in which one needs to sell the products of suppliers or manufacturers on their website under their brand.

You’ll never need to worry about shipping, storing, and packaging their products. You also don’t need to worry about the cost of manufacturing and shipping as everything will be taken care of by the manufacturer or the seller.

Starting a dropshipping business could be the first step (and an easy one) for anyone trying to become an entrepreneur. The best part – is they don’t even have to pay for product stock until it’s sold to a customer.

They can also set their product prices, market their own brand, and pocket the profits with ease.

One can start a dropshipping business part-time, as it is not a very time-hungry process. At the same time, it can also be started as a full-time business if they are hoping for a six-figure income per month consistently.

But like every other small business in India, you need to follow certain steps to reap the maximum benefits out of it. Here are they – 

• Select a product category that you are really passionate about
• Do market research to understand the potential of this category
• Understand what your competitors are doing right and what they are doing wrongly
• Find a dropshipping supplier
• Market your dropshipping business and build a brand for yourself

Initial Investment- ₹20,000 – ₹25,000

Expected Monthly Revenue- ₹20,000 to ₹5,00,000

3. T-shirt Printing Business

The modern generation loves to wear new designs and colourful printed clothes. If one wants to start a small venture, then one can start a simple t-shirt printing business to cater to these audiences. 

If you are starting this business, you need not invest in heavy-duty printers like Direct-To-Garment. These printers are very expensive and might not fit under most people’s budgets. Instead, just focus on designing the t-shirts.

There are various businesses that are already in the garment printing business that will do the printing for you. This will come out way cheaper if you promise them bulk orders. 

Also, if you do not have good design skills, you might have to hire a freelancer who can create original designs for you.

Initial Investment-  None if you already have a computer and an internet connection.

Expected Monthly Revenue- ₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000

4. Aquarium Business

Home aquariums have been around for a long time. They are considered to be a part of home décor. More than that, people have started treating fish with the same love and care as they would do to their dogs and cats.

The variety of aquatic life that can be housed in a home aquarium is wide. Due to this,  the cost of fish can range from as little as the inexpensive goldfish to the super expensive Asian Arowana. 

Now, as an aquarium business owner, it might not be possible to buy(or catch) all the rare fishes in this world to sell later.

But most of the regular fish are easily available. You can buy from one area and sell it in your own locality. And the best part – you can also sell add-on products such as filters, ornaments, and lighting.   

Before starting an aquarium business, it is imperative to understand the demand for different fishes in your area. You do not want to go and buy hundreds of fish that people do not want at all.

You also have to understand how other aquariums are operating and making money. More importantly – How are they finding customers? This knowledge will help you tailor your business model for maximum profitability.

Another important thing is to obtain licenses and permissions, which are mandatory for operating an aquarium business.

Initial Investment- ₹2,00,000 – ₹5,00,000

Expected Monthly Revenue- ₹10,000 to ₹2,00,000

Also Read: Best Business Ideas in Kolkata in Hindi

5. Tiffin Service Business

In modern-day India, especially in the cities, there is a huge population of working professionals relocated from different parts of the country. All these people are super-busy and are short of time to cook healthy meals. This has led to a rise in demand for tiffin centres.

You can start tiffin service business from your home or from a small, rented kitchen. You can start providing monthly meals consisting mostly of simple items like roti, rice, dal, etc. Special items like Biriyani can be provided once or twice a week.

In India, the restaurant industry is worth INR 75,000 crores and is growing at an annual compound rate of 7%. And, leveraging this opportunity to start a small tiffin centre could help small business owners reap tremendous profits. 

Initial Investment- None if you plan to cook from your own kitchen.

Expected Monthly Revenue- ₹20,000 to ₹2,00,000

6. Customized Gifting Services

Exchanging gifts during events, parties, festivals, and special occasions is an integral part of Indian culture. Personalization is the talk of the town these days, and people want to do the same with their gifts too.

There is a huge demand for businesses that offer personalized gifting options. Think of a personalized coffee mug or a custom printed T-shirt.

Customized gifting service is a highly profitable business for Indians. People who love being creative can get into this business and can either work from home or rent a small space to operate from. The latter has the benefit of being the face of the business.

This is the kind of business that does not require heavy investment. The business model is far from being complex – all business owners need to do is get accessories that they can customize for customers. Hence, finding the right vendors is very important.

Initial Investment- ₹1,00,000 to 5,00,000 for the inventory depending on the volume planned

Expected Monthly Revenue- ₹2,00,000 to ₹10,00,000

7. Pet Care Services

The number of pet owners in India is growing. Especially since the dawn of the pandemic, people have resorted to getting pets to fight loneliness and boredom.

But what will they do with their beloved pets when they have to be away for a while? They can either trust a friend or relative with their pets or take the services of the pet care business.

If someone genuinely likes spending time and taking care of animals, they should consider opening a pet care business. Apart from taking care, the business can also offer products like shampoos, nail clippers, and brushes for pets.  

Pet grooming is another service that one can add based on their pet services business capacity. Pet owners go to a great extent in ensuring their pets’ wellness. From pet spas to pet pedicures, pet grooming has grown into a full-fledged and sought-after service.

Compared to other businesses on this list, a pet grooming business does not require any investment. Marketing can be done just with a smartphone. Just click cute pictures and shoot videos of animals coming into the store and upload them on social media. 

Initial Investment- None

Expected Monthly Revenue- ₹5,000 to ₹50,000

8. Auto Repair Business

For automobile enthusiasts, opening an auto repair business is a great way to combine passion and business. Given the rise in automobile ownership, this is certainly a profitable business to venture into and stands in our small business ideas in India’s list.

All things aside, it is not easy to start and run an auto repair business. There are lots of moving parts (and people), and it takes a lot of management skills to get things going right.

A few important factors to be considered before starting an auto repair business are a thought-through business plan, location, finances, employees, tools, inventory management, types of services, pricing, name of the business, marketing, company registration and license, and insurance.

A good business owner is one who has made all the necessary arrangements to tackle any type of difficulty. 

Initial Investment-  ₹20,000 – ₹20,00,000 depending on the size of your auto repair centre.

Expected Monthly Revenue- ₹2,00,000 to ₹10,00,000 depending on the number of vehicles serviced

9. SEO Business

SEO is an essential part of Digital Marketing as a practice. How else can businesses rank for relevant keywords on popular search engines?

SEO services will always be in demand as long as search engines exist. When they want to find something out, the first thing people do is pull out their phone and Google it.

Provided someone knows how to do SEO and has a computer, they won’t require any more investment other than time to start an SEO business. The business can be started from home as a freelancer. If revenues start increasing, then you can always establish it as an SEO Agency.

To start an SEO business, one should know how to optimize websites for search engines. This includes what keywords to use, where to place them and how to build links from other websites. A formal certification or at least a few years of work experience is suggested.

The business owner or the ones they hire to work should know how to identify keywords that are relevant for their clients. 

There should also be talent in the business that can write content incorporating these keywords. Link building strategies, Google Analytics, and basic HTML are the other skills that are required.

Services should be priced depending on factors like the number of keywords for which SEO will be done, the number of SEO content to be produced, etc.

There are hundreds of start-ups popping up in India, and they know SEO is important for them to be known in the digital space – more than enough of a reason for someone to start an SEO business. 

Initial Investment- None if you have a computer and an active internet connection

Expected Monthly Revenue- ₹30,000 to ₹10,00,000

10. Courier Services

The Indian courier service industry is estimated to be around ₹4000 crores, with an annual rise of 25% year on year. Currently, there are approximately about 2300 courier companies in India. 

The main drive for this growth is the surge in e-commerce consumption – not just on a national level but also at a local level. Most of us buy something online at least once a month.

This is why a courier business can be profitable (assuming everything else goes right). It is a relatively low investment business.

A courier business can be started in two ways – either as an independent brand or as a franchise of an established courier company brand. Here are the different factors one should consider before starting courier service business – 

• The size of the service area 
• The kind of items that you will transport 
• The number and kind of staff to be employed
•  How many customer service reps, delivery agents, logistics helpers, accountants, etc. should be hired? 

Other customer-centric decisions like a refund scheme should also be taken into consideration. Here is a summary of the things that need to be considered before starting a courier business.

• Develop a business plan.
• Get reliable vehicles.
• Organize a storage space.
• Purchase equipment and materials.
• Take out business insurance.
• Give the courier business a name.
• Get a logo.
• Consider the legal structure of the courier business.
• Licensing and registration
• Human resource requirements.

If business owners are planning to create a unique brand or want to patent the name of the business — they can apply for Trademark Registration and get their name registered.

And, if courier business deals with international shipments, then business owners need to have registered under Courier Imports and Exports (Clearance) Regulations, 1998.

Therefore, by taking note of all these steps and measures, it will be simple and convenient to start a courier business in India.

Initial Investment- 40,000 to ₹50,000 if starting from home

Expected Monthly Revenue- ₹20,000 minimum per month

11. Baking Business

Someone who loves baking could consider turning this hobby into a lucrative business. Set up an online store, and voila! You will be running a profitable baking business before you even realize it. It is certainly easy to kick start a home baking business in India.

But, it is not an easy market to crack. Like every business, the home baking business also needs to be handled like any other full-time business. 

How can one start a baking business from home in India? Bakers need to consider starting off with a basic range of cupcakes and simple cakes. They should subsequently expand the range as their home baking business becomes more successful.

A home baker can make a wide range of cakes. Bakers don’t need to know how to do everything; some specialize in selling cakes from home or baking gluten-free cupcakes, while others focus on creating amazing wedding cakes. The idea is simple.

They need to identify their strengths and work towards them. Being different is the secret key to success, so offer something which helps the business stand out from the crowd. 

There are a few more things bakers need to consider in order to make their baking business profitable. Apart from attending professional workshops and webinars, you need to prepare your business really well. Before starting the business, decide on what types of cakes you want to sell.

Then get the required FSSAI registration. Understand the types of equipment needed and other inventory needed for baking.

There are some free inventory management mobile apps that can help you with. You should also master stock management, marketing, and pricing structure.

Initial Investment- None if you plan to bake from your own kitchen.

Expected Monthly Revenue- ₹20,000 to ₹2,00,000

12. Restaurant or Cafe Business

The National Restaurant Association of India reports that the Indian restaurant business is one of the fastest-growing markets in the country. It might reach up to INR 5.99 lakh crore by 2022-23.

Rapidly growing at a compounded annual growth rate of 9 per cent, the Food and Beverage (F&B) industry has shown immense growth and has also helped in creating business opportunities for start-up enterprises and young entrepreneurs.

There are a lot of unique cafés and restaurants opening up in all major metropolitan cities and even in the smaller towns and villages.

There are different types of restaurant businesses like fine dining, cafes, resto-bars, and takeaway restaurants. Business owners need to plan and decide what type of restaurant would work best for them. 

The business owner must take the following steps to start a restaurant business:

• Decide the concept or theme of the restaurant
• Arrange capital for starting and running the business
• Evaluate the interim costs of the restaurant 
• Pick a great location for the restaurant
• Thoroughly research the competitors in the area
• Get all the licenses and accomplish all legal formalities 
• Hire sufficient workforce
• Prepare a stellar menu
• Contact suppliers and vendors 
• Install the right technology to run the business
• Create a wonderful ambiance for the visitors

It is important to apply for a few licenses before opening a restaurant – a Trade License from the local Municipal Corporation, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) License, GST Registration and GSTIN Number, Professional Tax License, License of Liquor (not compulsory) and Business Registration. 

The idea of owning a restaurant business is excellent. Considering the opportunities that the Indian F&B industry holds for both future & existing restaurant businesses, it certainly is the right time to enter this lucrative sector.

One last thing you’d want to do is use track all your expenses, incomes, cash transactions, etc. Lio’s restaurant registers are tailor-made for this and ensure you can watch over the profits and losses like a hawk.

Restaurant businesses are risky

Initial Investment- ₹5,00,000 to ₹2,00,00,000

Expected Monthly Revenue- ₹10,00,000 to ₹5,00,00,000

13. Social Media Marketing Business

Social media marketing is a big business not only in India but also across the world. As a result, many freelance marketers and budding entrepreneurs want to deep dive into this creative line of work.

However, starting a social media marketing business has its own set of challenges just like every other small business in India.

But, with the right set of tools and skills, one can set up their social media business in no time. Here are five steps to get a social media marketing agency up and running – 

• Fix the area of expertise. For example, do you specialize in organic marketing or paid marketing?
• Fix your unique selling point. Is it price or particular industry knowledge?
• Fix your services. Do you offer copywriting, strategy, design, etc.?
• Work on a logo and brand voice.
• Decide the pricing structure for your services
• Fix the tools you will be using for your agency   

Here are some free and paid tools to get started 

• Free tools – Trello, Dropbox, Zoom, Canva, etc.
• Paid tools – Visme, Agorapulse, Hootsuite, etc.

It is always better to start with the free tools and then get the paid ones when you really need them. 

Initial Investment- None if you have your own computer and internet connection. 

Expected Monthly Revenue- ₹10,000 to ₹2,00,000

14. Catering Business

Catering is low investment but highly profitable business for people who are thinking of starting something of their own. As a first step, business owners should think about the size of their business and their target audience. 

You can start a small-scale catering business if you have the capacity and manpower to service 15-50 people.

On the other hand, if you’re confident of getting into a large-scale operation (more than 50 people), then you need to sort out your capital and prepare enough backup plans in case something goes wrong.

Either way, here is a checklist for you in case you plan to start a catering business – 

• Get a kitchen for rent, or prepare your home kitchen for the business. 
• Get all the essential equipment for cooking and delivering food.
• Find out the vendors for vegetables, meat, masala, etc.
• Get all licenses and permits to run the business legally.
• Decide on the pricing structure.
• Hire adequate staff and market the brand.

The growth of corporate India has led to a rise in demand for catering

businesses. Catering businesses today service a number of factories, malls, IT

parks, schools, colleges, hospitals, wedding events, etc., and provide opportunities for thousands of budding catering entrepreneurs.

Initial Investment- Average of ₹20,00,000

Expected Monthly Revenue- Anywhere between ₹10,00,000

Skills Required- Cooking and people management skills.

15. Travel Agency

A travel agency is a business of convenience. Customers expect a hassle-free experience from a travel operator. In this digital age, where people can plan a trip independently, a travel agency has to offer the best solution to attract customers.

As a travel agency owner, you need to provide support and guidance at every stage of the customer’s trip.

Everything has to be taken care of right from booking a ticket to checking in at the hotel. A travel agency operator should be ready to guide and answer each and every query of the traveller as and when needed.

To summarize, the travel and tourism business in India is a service-related business. And customer experience is the most important factor that decides whether this business will succeed or not.  So make sure you are up for the challenge before you decide to set up a travel agency.

Initial Investment- None if you have your own computer and internet connection. 

Expected Monthly Revenue- ₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000

16. Fitness Centers

People are becoming more and more health-conscious these days which has made fitness centres a really profitable business venture. After a stressful day at work, people turn to the gym to unwind and also work out.

It has become a crucial part of people’s lifestyle. Over the past few years, many high-end fitness centres have been successfully started across the country. 

Opening a gym center requires intensive research and planning. The first decision to be taken by the business owner while starting a fitness centre is the format of the fitness centre. Fitness centres can be broadly classified into the following formats:

• Gym with cardio and weightlifting equipment
• Fitness Studio for catering to Martial Arts, Zumba, Aerobics, or other classes.

Once the business owner has decided on the business model for their fitness centre, there are a few more important aspects to look into: 

• Find sufficient space for the gym
• Find a suitable location with good visibility and parking facilities
• Get the right set of equipment 
• Invest in interior design
• Hire certified professional trainers and experienced staff
• Offer member incentives 

From millennials to Gen-Z, every individual has turned their focus towards building their immunity since the dawn of the pandemic.

Nowadays, fitness centres in India have become a necessity instead of a luxury. A commercial gym can easily turn into a flourishing business for people with a passion for fitness and an entrepreneurial drive.

Initial Investment- Around ₹8,00,000 to ₹10,00,000 if you own the place

Expected Monthly Revenue- ₹1,00,000 to ₹10,00,000

Also Read: Top 8 Wholesale Business Ideas in India in Hindi

17. Organic Farming Business

People are becoming more conscious of what they are consuming these days. They want what they consume to be not only healthy but also ethically produced. Organic farming is an agricultural method that promotes the environmentally and socially sound production of crops. 

Here are the steps to start an organic farming business in India- 

• Conduct initial research and select suitable crops
• Get organic fertilizer and pesticide
• Mobilize resources
• Learn different methods of organic farming
• Get an organic certificate (India Organic Certificate)

If someone has a spare piece of land, they can use it for growing fruits, cereals, and vegetables that are organic in nature. As the demand for organic products is increasing in the market, many business owners and farmers have shifted from conventional farming to organic farming.

Some people have also started growing organic food in their yards, balconies, terraces, and farms. If they scale up production, they can earn good money by selling the produce in the market or directly to customers (including restaurants).

To help you with tracking your yields, expenses, incomes, work hours, etc. Lio has created farmer-specific registers that you should try out.

Initial Investment- Only cost will be for the land which varies based on the area

Expected Monthly Revenue- ₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000

18. Event Planning and Management Services

This is the perfect kind of business for someone who has a knack for putting together an event and connecting with people.

According to an EEMA (Event and Entertainment Management Association) report, the Indian event management sector is a ₹10,000 crore market growing at a CAGR of 16%. Events are of various types: large scale, small scale, professional and personal events.

As an event management business, you need to put in a lot of effort and look at everything in detail. This will ensure that your event is conducted smoothly without any hassles.

Venue hunting, inviting guests, arranging logistics & decoration, ordering food, etc. are some of the core responsibilities of this business. Event organizers need to keep the following things in mind before starting an event management business.

• Create different proposals for prospective clients and vendors
• Prepare your elevator pitches, conference pitches, wedding pitches, etc. 
• Make sure to have a PR and marketing plan.
• Start networking with people who can turn into customers 
• Hire good employees

Most importantly, if you are entering this business, you need to learn to stay calm, as being an event manager can be stressful. The number of things that can go wrong is plenty. 

Initial Investment- None if you own a computer and an internet connection. 

Expected Monthly Revenue- ₹30,000 to ₹3,00,000

19. Grocery Store

A grocery store or a supermarket is a good business opportunity for entrepreneurs who are looking for something that guarantees a stable revenue stream and a consistent customer base.

If you can deliver the groceries to the customer’s home, then you will have a much bigger customer base as most people want to shop even the necessities from the comfort of their homes.

Business owners need to plan and understand a few things before opening a grocery store. Here are they – 

• Business Plan– It is crucial to decide on a business model while setting up a grocery store business. Include all the relevant details about your business such as the size of the store, expected daily footfall, the possibility of home delivery, etc.
• Location– It plays a vital role in this type of business. A business owner should finalize the location based on budget, competitors, location of target customers, etc.
• Staff– No matter how big or small your grocery store is, a successful grocery store is always run by good and efficient staff who will take care of the customers’ needs.
• Legal Expenses and Taxation– There is a lot of paperwork and legal formalities that you need to take care of while starting this business. For example, you might be asked to obtain a trader’s license, FSSAI certificate, etc.
• Pricing– Decide the pricing model of your goods. Are you planning to offer a discount from the maximum retail price or charge the customers the MRP?
• Marketing– This helps establish your grocery store’s brand presence and bring in more customers. 
• Business Insurance– Even when you plan for everything, sometimes things can go wrong or out of control. Getting insurance helps you safeguard your assets from any unforeseen risks in the future. 
• Tracking System: From expenses, incomes, to udhaars, you want to make sure you are tracking every rupee. Lio’s shopkeeper-specific registers make it a breeze so do try them out.

Entrepreneurs who would like to do business in its purest (most traditional) form, i.e., buying and selling, should definitely consider opening a grocery store. 

Initial Investment- ₹5,00,000 to ₹50,00,000 depending on the inventory you wish to purchase

Expected Monthly Revenue- ₹50,000 to ₹5,00,000

20. Photography 

The huge popularity of photography in recent years can be attributed to the growth of social media – especially image-based ones like Instagram and Pinterest.

It takes skill and a creative eye to take good photographs. If you have them, even if you are an amateur photographer, you can convert your hobby into a full-time business and start earning money. There is also the possibility of travelling across the world if you get a good project.

A typical photography business can be started with a budget that ranges anywhere between 1 Lakh to 10 Lakh Indian Rupees. A huge chunk of this will go towards purchasing the main equipment, i.e., the camera and lenses.

The main camera body can be purchased for a price range of ₹50,000 to ₹3,00,000. Different types of lenses can be purchased for different types of shots. For example, a telephoto lens for shooting wildlife.

The other essential gadgets that you might need include lighting and a computer. 

In this internet world, it is also important for you to have a strong social media presence to be visible among your target audience. In addition to that, you can create a website, get listed on wedding service provider websites, etc.

Initial Investment- ₹1,00,000 to ₹10,00,000 

Expected Monthly Revenue- ₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000

Also Read: 8 Business Ideas in Kerala in Hindi

21. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is one of the easiest small business ideas in India to implement. You get paid perennially in the form of commission every time a sale is facilitated by your website.

If you are willing to put in the time and effort to build a website that gets enough traffic, you can join an affiliate program and start earning. 

Here are the steps to get started with an affiliate marketing business – 

1. Join an affiliate program
2. Select the products or categories to promote
3. Share/Promote the products on your website, blog, or social media channels.
4. Collect a commission every time a customer uses the links to make a purchase

Depending on the company you partner with, the commission rates vary drastically. On the lower end, you can earn around 5% of the sale, while on the upper end you can earn even 50%.

This is typical when you are promoting an event or a class. Also, there are a few affiliate marketing programs that provide a flat rate per sale instead of a percentage.

Making money with affiliate marketing programs can be a great way to add a new revenue stream without taking on too much risk. All it will cost you is your time. By investing the hours upfront, you can continue to reap 1rewards for years.

Initial Investment- None if you have a computer and an internet connection

Expected Monthly Revenue- ₹5,000 to ₹1,00,000

23. Clothing Store

The Indian clothing market will be worth over 59.3 billion dollars by 2022, as per McKinsey’s FashionScope data. This clearly shows that entering a clothing business will be a good idea not just for the immediate present but also for the future.  

You will have to first select a target audience and then cater to that demographic segment. This will help you come up with the type of fashion that you need to sell. For example, if it is for women who are aged around 40+, then you can start a saree store. 

But whichever clothing categories you sell, follow the below steps to succeed in it – 

• Raise funding and Investment for the business
• Fulfill GST Registration and other legalities
• Pick a location that suits the business
• Be creative and design original styles – don’t forget to follow the latest trends.
• Find distributors and suppliers for inventory.
• Hire trusted and experienced staff for the store as sales is the most important part of a clothing business
• Offer regular discounts to attract customers.

There is always more room for a new clothing business in the crowded fashion industry, particularly if you can offer customers something unique and new in your locality. 

And with e-commerce booming, starting an online store is also a viable option to make your dreams of starting a clothing business come true. However, this is one business where hard work, consistency, motivation, and a solid plan of action is needed to survive.

Initial Investment- ₹5,00,000 to ₹50,00,000 depending on the inventory you wish to purchase

Expected Monthly Revenue- ₹50,000 to ₹5,00,000

24. Candle Making Business

Gone are the days when the use of candles was just limited to illuminating homes during power cuts. Today, they are used primarily for decoration in places like restaurants, hotels, offices, homes, etc.

On top of it, a vast majority of candles produced today are scented candles. People want a refreshing experience after a long day, and scented candles are the best way to get it.

Making candles is not at all a difficult task. With some professional training and little experience, anyone can start manufacturing candles. Your investment will also be minimal. 

Here are a few things to know before starting a candle-making business – 

• Find what are the different types of candles one can make. The choices include pillar candles, container candles, tea lights, liquid candles, gel candles, votive candles, floating candles, and birthday candles. 
• Get the equipment that will be needed to make candles. This includes wax, fragrance oils, molds, dyes, wicks, thermometer, decorative material, and heat source.
• Do plenty of experiments and create multiple candles, each having its own unique characteristics. 
• Create a marketing plan; find out who your target audience is and what are the different channels to reach them.
• Go online! A candle business owner should definitely have his/her own website where people can come and purchase the candles.

You can price the candle anywhere between ₹100 to ₹300. 

Initial Investment- ₹5,00,000 to ₹10,00,000 depending on the size of the business you wish to start

Expected Monthly Revenue- ₹25,000 to ₹1,00,000 every month.  

25. Handmade Soap Business

The handmade soap business is one of the best small business ideas in India, even if you do not know how to make soap. There are thousands of videos on YouTube that you can refer to to start creating soaps. 

People prefer handmade soaps as they are made of organic and natural ingredients. Modern-day people have started realizing the importance of using natural products as they are beneficial for their skin. 

If you are getting into this business, then you need to make a few initial investments in the form of blenders, mixers, molds, essential oils, and pigments.

Apart from these, the only other thing you need is a creative eye to pick the molds in different shapes that appeal to your target audience. 

An average homemade soap can be priced anywhere around ₹200-300. You can even showcase your products at exhibitions or expos. This will be a great way to attract more orders. 

Initial Investment- ₹1,00,000 to ₹5,00,000 depending on the size of the business you wish to start

Expected Monthly Revenue- ₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000 every month

Also Read: Most Profitable Businesses in India in Hindi

Conclusion

Starting a small business is not difficult but maintaining and running it successfully is the bigger challenge. If business owners are dedicated to their business, they will definitely succeed.

Small business ideas in India are aplenty. And given the opportunities people have today, starting their own venture is highly recommended. 

Whether they are getting out of a 9 to 5 grind or looking for a side hustle, there is something for everyone. Most of the small-scale businesses in India in the above list may not be applicable to all.

The business that one chooses will depend on various factors like their skill-set, their interest, and the resources they have. 

Managing every side of the business, including finance, payroll, and budgeting, is also very critical if you have to succeed. Especially for small businesses, this does not and should not cost a penny.

Business owners can simply download Lio and use many of its templates to keep a close eye on their business’s operations and overall growth. 

Use an app like Lio to keep most of the records on any device of your choice.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)