25 Most Profitable Business Ideas in India (2025)

You don’t need heaps of funds to kickstart a business in India. You can start your own small business with a little creativity and an investment as low as Rs. 50,000.

The current market is full of opportunities for new entrepreneurs who want to start a venture without spending a fortune. This is one of the reasons for the rising startup culture in the
country. Statistics reveal that there are 148,931 DPIIT-recognised start-ups in India. Whether you’re looking for a side gig or want to be your own boss, you can consider plenty of profitable business ideas requiring small initial investment.

In this article, we’ll share affordable and profitable business ideas in India that you can start with a tiny capital. These options are easy on the pocket and meet the needs of today’s market.

Exploring the Landscape of Small Businesses in India

The Indian Business market is estimated to rise by nearly 7.99% (2022-2029), creating a US $82.01 million market volume in 2029. Small startups with innovative ideas have played a crucial role in shaping the country’s economy. This trend highlights that you need superior startup ideas rather than hefty startup funds. It’s no surprise that India has become the world’s third-largest startup hub. These startups contribute about 4-5% to India’s GDP, thus showing their importance.

Small businesses are thriving because they connect well with their customers. They often give their end customers more personalised and flexible services than larger companies. Since these businesses are smaller, they can easily adapt to changes based on customer needs, making them more customer-focused. Additionally, lower investment means less risk when making changes to cater to customers’ needs.

25 Best Low-Investment, High-Return Business Ideas in India

Here are some of the most profitable business ideas to start in India with minimal capital:

Cupcake Business

If your friends and family love your baking, why not turn it into a business? The Indian cake industry is growing; it’s projected to see a 12.5% CAGR in the next five years. Small specialty shops are set to see the most profit. Starting a cupcake business is a great option if you’re on a tight budget. Also it can be considered one of the best business ideas for women. All you need is an oven and basic baking supplies. You can start from home, then expand by selling your cupcakes at local shops, moving to a food truck, and eventually opening your store.

Cloud Kitchen

A cloud kitchen is a smart way to launch a food business from home without a big investment. With busy urban lifestyles, many people don’t have time to cook or dine out. That’s where cloud kitchens come in. All you need to start is a smartphone and a passion for cooking. They’re becoming popular in cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Pune, with growth potential in smaller towns too. Cloud kitchens usually partner with food delivery services to bring meals to customers. If your cloud kitchen does well, you can even turn it into a full-fledged restaurant.

Wedding Planner

Indian weddings are grand and complex, and wedding planning has become a multi-million dollar industry. Planning a wedding involves managing a large budget and organising countless details, from photo shoots to catering and decorations. If you’re good at organising and love planning events, becoming a wedding planner could be one of the great business ideas in low investment. The interesting part is that your income depends on your clients’ budgets, so if you can meet their expectations, there’s no limit to how much you can earn.

Online Grocery Business

With the boom in digital technology in India, everything customers need—from clothes to medicines—is now just a click away. This makes starting an online grocery one of the most profitable businesses in India. The grocery delivery market in India is booming! The future of hyperlocal delivery lies in its ability to meet this rising demand with faster and more efficient services, ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty. You can kick start this business with about ₹30,000 to ₹40,000, depending on the cost of vegetables and delivery charges.

Pickle-Making Business

Pickles are a must-have in every Indian kitchen and cherished by all. A pickle-making business is a fantastic option to manage easily from home. Because making pickles takes a fair bit of time and effort, many people buy them from stores or online. You can start this business with an investment of around ₹25,000 to ₹30,000, depending on the cost of ingredients and packaging.

There are plenty of perks to starting a pickle-making business. You can create a variety of products, giving people lots of choices. The process is relatively straightforward; you can even bring in a local expert to help if needed. Pickles have a steady demand, making this an ‘evergreen business’ with good long-term potential. If you’re looking to expand beyond local markets, exploring import-export business ideas can help you reach international customers who love authentic, homemade pickles. You don’t need much space or fancy equipment to get started and thus an affordable way to dive into entrepreneurship.

Dropshipping

In eCommerce, a lot of time is spent stocking products and shipping them to customers, which can feel overwhelming for beginners. It comes with a lot of responsibilities and requires good management skills. But if you’re willing to learn, dropshipping can be a very rewarding business. 

Starting a dropshipping business in India usually requires around ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 worth of initial investment. This capital covers setting up your online store, marketing, and other basic operational costs. It’s among the most profitable businesses to start with 50k, but profits can vary widely. However, once you get the hang of it, you can make anywhere from ₹20,000 to ₹1,00,000 per month, depending on the items you pick and how well you market your store.

Handmade Clothes/Accessories Business

Starting a handmade clothes and accessories business requires an investment of under ₹50,000 and can be started right from your home. If you have a flair for designing and want to turn your skills into a business, this could be perfect for you. Handmade products require a relatively low investment but can be valuable if you price them right and put your passion into them.

To get started, you’ll need about ₹40,000 to ₹45,000, depending on the cost of materials, clothes, and packaging. Moreover, there are plenty of advantages to this business. Handmade clothing usually offers higher quality, so customers are willing to invest. You can also use your creativity to upcycle or design unique pieces that stand out. Custom designs are popular; people love finding something made just for them. Plus, the process is simple and eco-friendly, making it a great choice for those who care about sustainability.

Pet Care Services

If you like playing with, grooming, and caring for animals, a pet care service might be perfect. Families love their pets and are ready to go the extra mile to ensure they’re happy and healthy. Many pet owners want their furry friends to experience luxury and comfort, which makes pet care a booming business in India. You could also offer pet-sitting services for owners who need to travel. This is a great business idea because it has a high profit potential with a low initial investment.

To start a pet care service, you’ll need an initial investment of around ₹30,000 to ₹50,000. This amount covers basic essentials like grooming tools, pet food, and any necessary certifications or training you might need. Depending on your services, profit margins can be anywhere from 20% to 40%. In the beginning, you can expect to earn about ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 per month, with plenty of room to grow as you take on more clients and expand your services.

Digital Marketing Services

Every business needs a well-designed website and a strong social media presence. That’s why there’s a growing demand for smart marketers who can handle these tasks. Many businesses hire marketing agencies to create strategies that help them reach their customers and investors. If you’re good at running marketing campaigns and selling ideas, this could be a lucrative opportunity. The pay can be attractive and often depends on your clients.

Starting a digital marketing service doesn’t require a huge upfront cost—you can get going with about ₹20,000 to ₹40,000. This budget will cover setting up your website, getting the necessary software for managing campaigns, and some initial marketing to attract clients. The potential profits here are impressive, with profit margins between 30% and 50%. If you’re thinking bigger, exploring the international business ideas can open doors to global clients looking for expert digital marketing services. Businesses worldwide need help reaching their target audience, and offering cross-border marketing solutions can significantly boost your revenue. Once you have a few clients and a solid portfolio, earning between ₹50,000 to ₹1,50,000 per month is common. And as you start building your reputation and client base, your income will take off!

Online Tutoring 

You can start an online tutoring business in under ₹50,000. You will have to spend on a reliable internet connection and some essential accessories like a good webcam and microphone. If you have friends who are experts in different subjects, you could even team up with them to create a comprehensive online study center. 

Online tutoring business has several advantages and is among the most profitable businesses in India requiring low investment. It gives you flexible job hours, allowing you to teach students at times that suit you best. Plus, you and your students can connect from anywhere in the world, eliminating travel time and geographic limitations. Students can access top-notch tutors who can also help with projects and assignments. Additionally, you can add fun to your classes with interactive training and self-development sessions, making learning more engaging for everyone involved.

Interior Design

Interior designing is a booming business in India as more people are seeking professional services to get their interiors done. Rising income levels and urbanisation are among the reasons for the growth of this industry. The interior design market in India is expected to witness a CAGR of 18% between 2025 and 2030. It is likely to reach USD 175.74 billion by 2030. 

Life Coach

This is another promising business idea in 2025. The demand for life coaches is increasing because of the growing awareness about mental health issues. A life coach helps address these issues and promotes a healthy lifestyle by working on various aspects such as career, health, and relationships. If you have good communication skills and are empathetic, this may be a good business option. You may enter this field after undergoing a recognised life coaching training course.

Fitness Center

Fitness centers or gyms can fetch good income if you open the establishment at an appropriate location and hire experienced staff. There are many popular chains spread across various Indian cities. You must equip your gym with high-quality fitness equipment. It is a good option only if you have a substantial amount to invest. The membership fee, on the other hand, should be lower than the established fitness centers to attract members.

Yoga Classes

People across the globe realise the benefits of practising yoga, which makes it a lucrative business idea. The worldwide yoga market size stood at USD 107.1 billion in 2023. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.4% between 2024 and 2030. You may offer special yoga classes for kids, elderly, corporate, and moms-to-be to target a wider base.

Graphic Designing

With businesses going digital, the demand for graphic designers is increasing. This idea is great, especially for those looking to start a business with minimal investment. A short-term course in graphic designing is enough to pave your way into this field. These courses cover all the important aspects including logo designing and social media creatives. You can leverage platforms such as LinkedIn to attract clients.

Day Care Facility

The demand for daycare facilities is on the rise as more women choose to work full-time. Working parents seek reliable daycare centers to ensure their kids remain safe and happy in their absence. In addition to hiring responsible staff and creating a safe environment, you require obtaining certain licenses to run a daycare center. You can start this service with some investment. The initial cost mainly depends on the location and the size of the facility. 

Travel Agency

Starting a travel agency is yet another excellent business idea in 2025. The travel agency market across India was worth USD 38 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow to USD 67 billion by 2027. Though you may face considerable competition in this field, you can beat it with thorough knowledge and right kind of tools. As a travel agent, you can conduct business online and offline mediums. Investing in the latest travel booking software, accounting tools, and customer relationship management software is a good idea to ensure smooth operation. 

Cooking Classes

People have become inclined towards learning cooking. It may be a hobby for some, a necessity for others, while some may want to pursue it as a profession. Whatever the case, you are likely to witness a good number of enrolments if you are good at it. The best part is that you can conduct these classes online or offline, depending on your preference and budget. You can host cooking workshops every once in a while to attract cooking enthusiasts. 

Driving School

This is an evergreen business idea. Though lucrative, it requires considerable investment in the beginning. To start a driving school, you require essential licensing. Next, you require investing in trained instructors and a fleet of cars. It is important to market your services well to attract clients. Collaborating with car dealership companies to get a steady flow of clients is a good idea. 

Boutique

By offering an assortment of beautiful ethnic, western, and fusion wear in high-quality fabrics and stunning designs, you can build a loyal customer base. The ability to offer customised designs further enhances the credibility of a boutique. You can also sell on online marketplaces. Many boutique owners are attracting buyers by promoting their services on social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. As per the latest reports, there are around 491 million social media users in India. This amounts to 33.7% of the total population of the country. Keeping your products budget-friendly and engaging with customers through interactive social media marketing campaigns can help your business stand out and succeed.

Content Writing Agency

The demand for high quality content is growing as businesses promote their products and services online. As a content writing agency, you can offer services such as website content, blogs, newsletters, social media posts, scriptwriting, and more. You may stick to a specific industry and offer niche services or diversify your portfolio by hiring skilled writers. The business can be run online without any initial investment.

Real Estate Agency

The real estate industry is booming in India. Starting a real estate agency is an excellent business idea. It enables you to earn commission on every sale and even on rental deals. It does not require much investment in terms of capital; however, it requires time and effort. You require networking with property developers and home buyers to operate successfully. The high commissions make it a profitable business option.

Dance and Music Classes

If you have the required skills, you can start dance and music classes from your house. You may conduct these online or offline as per your preference and availability of space. By promoting it effectively and building credibility through expert guidance, you can grow this business. As you expand, you can hire training staff to conduct separate classes for different age groups. By offering classes for different dance/music forms, you can attract more people.

Salon

The beauty and wellness industry is growing at a good pace with the increasing demand for its services. The revenue generated by the beauty salon market in India in 2023 was approximately USD 10.55 billion. It is expected to reach USD 22.12 billion by 2032. It is important to choose a strategic location and hire skilled professionals to attract clients and ensure repeat business. You may offer home services, provide beauty consultation, and sell beauty and personal care products to generate greater revenue. 

Recruitment Agency

A recruitment agency can prove to be a rewarding business as the demand for skilled manpower is on the rise. They are needed across industries. By supplying a skilled workforce to different companies, you can earn good commissions. This is yet another business idea that does not require a high initial investment. It is a good idea to niche down in a specific industry such as IT, healthcare, or BPO and concentrate on the same to excel in it. With the use of advanced recruitment tools, you can streamline the process and lower the scope of error.

Secrets to Running a Thriving Business in India

Even with great ideas, running a business can be tricky, especially in a vibrant and fast-changing market like India. The economy is growing, and people’s needs are constantly evolving, so businesses have to keep up. To succeed, you must adapt your offerings to meet these changing needs and provide affordable products and services.

Marketing plays a massive role in adding the needed stars to your business in India. Most people are online; using social media and digital marketing effectively is the key. Given the latest survey data, there are nearly 470.1 million active Indian social media users. Keeping your products budget-friendly and engaging with customers through interactive marketing can help your business stand out and succeed.

Outlook for Small Business Ventures in India

Small businesses in India are booming because people prefer having more local options rather than one big business in a single place. These small ventures are typically expanded in numbers rather than size, contributing to their success. 

However, even with low investments, running a small business can sometimes be tricky. Understanding the local needs and customer preferences before diving in is important. Interestingly, the returns from small businesses can often outpace the salaries of high-ranking positions in private companies, making this an attractive option for many.

What’s Next for Small Enterprises in India?

Small businesses have consistently been the most profitable ventures in India. However, their success largely depends on where they’re set up. India’s diverse geography and cultures mean businesses must be tailored to local needs. For example, a clothing business might need to stock different styles and fabrics in different regions because of varying climate and constantly changing fashion trends and consumer preferences. Thus, adapting to these differences and expanding cautiously can help small businesses bloom.

Why are Small-Scale Businesses in India Lucrative with Low Investments?

Small businesses in India have great profit potential with low investments, but not every venture will be a hit. The trick is to start small, which gives you more flexibility and peace of mind as you grow. Smaller ventures make decision-making easier, provide options for gradual expansion, and help you stay in tune with market changes without overwhelming financial risks. This adaptability is why small businesses remain profitable in India.

The Benefits of Small Businesses

Small businesses come with several advantages:

• They make it easier to make decisions about the future since they’re more flexible.
• You can grow gradually or go big when you’re ready.
• They help you closely monitor market trends and adjust quickly as things change.
• Running a small business can be less stressful, giving you peace of mind when making decisions.

Reasons Behind the Popularity of Small Businesses

Are all small businesses profitable with low investment in India? It’s not a one-size-fits-all answer because there are so many options. Both small and big businesses can be successful, but starting small often means more flexibility and less stress. That’s why many people find small businesses to be the best path to a profitable venture in India.

Strategies for Turning a Business into a High-Profit Venture in India

With the right planning, any business can become profitable, even with a small initial investment. Good planning is essential; consider future trends and carefully map out each step. A smart approach is to grow your business using its profits rather than relying on outside funding, which helps build a solid and sustainable foundation for the long run.

How to Launch a Successful Small Business from Your Home?

Starting a small business from home is a rewarding way to earn income with flexibility. 

• Begin by choosing a business idea that matches your skills and market demand, and do in-depth market research to know your target audience and competitors. 
• Create a solid business plan, set a budget, and manage your finances wisely. 
• Once you have your plan, register your business, choose a name, and get any necessary permits. 
• Finally, launch your business and use effective marketing tactics to attract customers.

Launching a New Business Venture: Step-by-Step Plan

1. Find Your Business Idea: Think about what you’re good at and what you enjoy doing, then explore ideas that fit those strengths. Look for opportunities that can be started with a budget under ₹50,000. Check out who your potential customers are and see what your competitors are doing to stand out.

2. Put Together Your Business Plan: A good business plan will be your roadmap. It should cover your goals, what resources you’ll need, and how you’ll operate. Include details about what you’re offering and insights from your market research to support your ideas.

3. Pick Your Business Structure and Get Registered: Choose a structure that works for you, whether that’s a sole proprietorship, LLC, or something else. Register your business name and handle any required licenses and permits.

4. Sort Out Your Finances and Marketing: Figure out the financial side of things, like how much money you’ll need to get started and keep going. Create a marketing plan; whether setting up a website, getting active on social media, or other ways to get the word out.

5. Launch Your Business: When you’re ready, go ahead and launch! Use different marketing strategies to connect with your target audience, ask for feedback, and network with other small business owners. This will give you valuable insights and help you grow your business.

Kickstart Your Business with Shiprocket

If you plan to start a new venture, we can help you build and take it to the next level. With Shiprocket, you can make shipping easier and keep your customers happy every step of the way. This is how we can help you grow your business and make every order count:

Why Shiprocket?

• Join the Community: Over 2.5 lakh sellers across India already trust Shiprocket to handle their shipping needs.
• Reach Every Corner: With a network that covers 24,000+ pin codes, Shiprocket helps you deliver everywhere—even to those hard-to-reach places.

Make Your Customers Happy with Smooth Shipping

• Domestic and B2B Shipping: Manage all your orders in one place, whether you’re shipping locally or in bulk to other businesses. Shiprocket’s AI-powered system picks the best couriers to save you money and speed up deliveries.
• Go Global: Expand your reach by shipping to over 220 countries. With Shiprocket, you can take your products worldwide without breaking the bank.
• Fast Fulfillment: Keep your inventory close to your customers for quick deliveries. Shiprocket makes it easy to get your products out the door quickly, so your customers get what they need when they need it.

Grow Your Business and Keep Customers Coming Back

• Build Trust: Adding Shiprocket’s badge of trust to your website helps build credibility and reassures your customers.
• Simplify Checkout: Speed up the checkout process with pre-filled details and smart fraud detection so customers can shop confidently.
• Engage and Retain: Shiprocket’s automated marketing tools help you connect with customers and keep them coming back, boosting retention by up to 25%.

Everything You Need in One Place

• Easy Management: Shiprocket lets you handle your sales channels, inventory, and customer data from one platform. With integrations for 12+ sales channels, you can keep things running smoothly without any hassle.
• Tailored to Your Needs: Customise Shiprocket’s features to suit your business requirements and respond to customer needs just as you like.
• Get Expert Help: Shiprocket offers dedicated support with account managers who help you every step of the way.

Conclusion

India has a booming business sector; most of the credit goes to small startups. Starting a small business in India is easier and more profitable as it involves low investment and steeper profit margins with fewer risk factors involved. Some of the most profitable business ideas in India include starting a cupcake, pickle, homemade products, wedding planning, clothing/accessories business, or offering pet care, digital marketing, online tutoring services, etc. You can even begin these small eCommerce ventures from the comfort of your home and scale them later.