Why Now Is the Best Time to Start a Small Business
The dream of starting your own business no longer requires crores in funding or a fancy degree. With just a clear idea, some determination, and a small budget—as little as ₹1,00,000 or less—you can create a profitable and sustainable startup right from your home.
Thanks to the digital revolution and changing consumer behaviours, there are more opportunities today than ever before. Whether you’re a college student, stay-at-home parent, or professional looking for a side hustle, these ideas are simple, practical, and suited for the Indian market.
Let’s explore 25 low-investment startup ideas that you can launch with minimal risk and maximum potential.
Service-Based Business Ideas
These businesses are built around your skills and time, often requiring little more than a phone, laptop, and the willingness to help others.
1. Virtual Assistant Services
Many business owners and solopreneurs need help managing emails, appointments, and admin tasks. You can assist them remotely from your home.
Startup Cost: ₹10,000–₹25,000
Tools: Laptop, internet, Google Workspace, Zoom
Skills Needed: Organization, communication, basic software tools
2. Home or Office Cleaning Services
Offer customized cleaning services to homes or small offices in your local area.
Startup Cost: ₹5,000–₹15,000
What You Need: Cleaning products, basic equipment, WhatsApp business account
Why It Works: Hygiene awareness post-pandemic is high, and demand for reliable cleaners is growing
3. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
If you love animals, this service is perfect. Busy pet owners need someone to care for their pets while they’re at work or travelling.
Startup Cost: ₹2,000–₹5,000
Platforms: Rover, local Facebook groups
Pro Tip: Offer a free first walk or pet-sitting session to build trust
4. Freelance Delivery Services
Work with small businesses and deliver their products locally—especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
Startup Cost: ₹30,000–₹70,000 (if you already own a vehicle, it’s even cheaper)
Opportunities: Food, flowers, medicine, groceries
5. Online or In-Person Tutoring
You can teach school subjects, languages, music, or even computer skills. Parents are always looking for reliable tutors.
Startup Cost: ₹5,000–₹10,000
Tools: Zoom, Google Meet, basic stationery
SEO Keywords: “Online tutoring business India”, “Start teaching from home.”
Digital & Internet-Based Business Ideas
The Internet gives you direct access to customers and clients around the world. These ideas work great for freelancers or digital entrepreneurs.
6. Content Writing Services
Businesses need blog posts, social media captions, product descriptions, and more.
Startup Cost: ₹2,000–₹5,000
Tools: Grammarly, Canva, Google Docs
Where to Start: Fiverr, Upwork, LinkedIn
7. Social Media Management
Small businesses want a presence on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube—but don’t have the time to manage it. That’s where you come in.
Startup Cost: ₹10,000–₹20,000
Skills Needed: Content planning, design (Canva), strategy
8. Affiliate Marketing
Promote products on your blog, YouTube channel, or Instagram, and earn commission on every sale.
Startup Cost: ₹10,000–₹15,000
Niches to Try: Fashion, gadgets, finance, health
Platforms: Amazon Affiliate, Flipkart, Hostinger
9. Online Course Creation
Share your knowledge by creating courses in areas like digital marketing, graphic design, or cooking.
Startup Cost: ₹15,000–₹30,000
Platforms: Udemy, Teachable, Thinkific
10. Print-on-Demand (POD) Store
Sell custom-designed T-shirts, mugs, and phone cases online. You don’t need to keep inventory—products are printed after a customer places an order.
Startup Cost: ₹30,000–₹50,000
Tools: Shopify, Printrove, Canva
Creative and Craft-Based Startup Ideas
Use your creativity to sell handmade or unique items with a personal touch.
11. Handmade Jewelry or Decor
Create and sell fashion jewellery, resin art, or home décor items online.
Startup Cost: ₹5,000–₹15,000
Sell On: Instagram, Etsy, Meesho
12. Baking & Homemade Food Services
Make cupcakes, cookies, or even healthy tiffins for office-goers.
Startup Cost: ₹8,000–₹25,000
Important: FSSAI registration for food safety compliance
13. Customized Gifting Solutions
Offer personalized gift boxes for birthdays, anniversaries, or corporate events.
Startup Cost: ₹10,000–₹20,000
Target Audience: Millennials, working professionals, corporate HR
14. Eco-Friendly Product Store
Create or curate bamboo toothbrushes, jute bags, or zero-waste kits.
Startup Cost: ₹15,000–₹40,000
Sell On: Amazon, Craftsvilla, your own website
15. Personalized Stationery Business
Create planners, wedding invites, or notepads customized with names and themes.
Startup Cost: ₹10,000–₹20,000
Pro Tip: Collaborate with local printers or use Print-on-Demand services
Consulting, Fitness & Coaching Startups
Help others improve their lives by sharing your expertise in health, wellness, or career growth.
16. Career or Life Coach
Help others navigate their job, business, or personal goals.
Startup Cost: ₹10,000–₹30,000 (certification optional)
Tools: Calendly, Zoom, Google Calendar
17. Yoga or Fitness Instructor
With fitness apps and home workouts trending, you can offer personalized sessions.
Startup Cost: ₹15,000–₹50,000
Tip: Start with friends and family for testimonials
18. Voice-Over Artist
Record ads, audiobooks, or YouTube videos using your voice.
Startup Cost: ₹5,000–₹10,000
What You Need: Good microphone, Audacity (free software), quiet space
19. Language Translation or Subtitling
If you’re fluent in two or more languages, translate documents, subtitles, or websites.
Startup Cost: ₹5,000–₹10,000
In Demand: English–Hindi, English–Tamil, English–Arabic
20. Online Parenting or Education Consultant
Guide new parents on baby care, routines, or child development.
Startup Cost: ₹5,000–₹15,000
Approach: Instagram Reels, blogs, free webinars to build trust
Unique, Local or Hyper-Specialized Startups
Some of the best businesses solve a hyper-local or niche need.
21. Used Book Reselling
Buy second-hand books and sell them via Instagram, WhatsApp, or OLX.
Startup Cost: ₹2,000–₹5,000
SEO Tip: Use “Buy Books Online India” and “Cheap Bookstore”
22. Mobile or Laptop Repair
After a short technical course, offer device repair services.
Startup Cost: ₹20,000–₹50,000
Bonus: Partner with local stores for referrals
23. Local Travel Planning Services
Help people plan unique travel experiences, especially post-pandemic road trips.
Startup Cost: ₹5,000–₹15,000
How to Grow: Start a YouTube channel with travel tips
24. Organic Skincare Brand
DIY soaps, face packs, and lotions are trending among Gen Z and millennials.
Startup Cost: ₹15,000–₹30,000
Where to Sell: Instagram, niche marketplaces, your website
25. Event Decoration or Micro-Event Planning
Plan and decorate for baby showers, birthdays, and small gatherings.
Startup Cost: ₹20,000–₹40,000
How to Start: Showcase work on Instagram and gain referrals
How to Get Started (Even if You’re Nervous)
- Start small – You don’t need a full-blown business plan. Just begin.
- Test first – Offer your service to friends or family to gather feedback.
- Market for free – Use Instagram, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, and local Facebook groups.
- Register your business – Apply for MSME Udyam Registration, GST if required, and FSSAI for food.
- Keep improving – Use free tools like Canva, ChatGPT, or Google Trends to stay relevant.
Final Words: You Don’t Need Big Money to Build Big Dreams
The best businesses solve real problems with simple solutions. And many of them start with small steps and under ₹1,00,000.
So, take your idea seriously—even if it feels small. With consistent effort, learning, and a human touch, your startup can grow into something incredible.
