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10 Most Profitable Business Ideas in India (2024)

sahil bajaj

Sahil Bajaj

Senior Specialist - Marketing @ Shiprocket

November 11, 2024

15 min read

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. 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.

Most Profitable Business Ideas

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, the lower investment means less risk when making changes to cater to customers’ needs.

10 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:

Low-Investment, High-Return Business Ideas in India

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. 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 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 a great business idea. 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! It’s expected to bring in around ₹30.65 billion by 2024. With an impressive annual growth rate of 19.24% between 2024 and 2029, the market is set to reach about ₹73.89 billion by 2029. 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. 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%. 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.

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. With more than 20 crore transactions annually powered by Shiprocket, you’ll be in great company!
  • 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 under 50K include starting a cupcake, pickle, homemade products, wedding planning, clothing/accessories business, or offering pet care, digital marketing, and online tutoring services. You can even begin these small eCommerce ventures from the comfort of your home and scale them later.  

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