Have you ever sat at home and thought, “I wish I could start my own business, but I don’t have crores of rupees or a big office space”? You’re not alone. Millions of Indians dream of being their own boss, but most think it requires huge investment and fancy infrastructure.
Here’s the good news: The biggest companies in the world today—Apple, Amazon, Google—all started in garages, bedrooms, and small apartments. In India too, success stories like Lijjat Papad (started by seven women in a Mumbai terrace) and Suta (started by two friends from their hostel room) prove that you can build something big from home.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share 25 proven small business ideas from home that are perfect for the Indian market. Each idea includes:
- Estimated startup cost
- Skills you need
- Who can do it (students, housewives, retirees, etc.)
- Earning potential
- Step-by-step guide to start
Whether you have ₹5,000 or ₹5 lakhs to invest, whether you’re a student, homemaker, or retiree—there’s something here for everyone.
Before You Start: 5 Questions to Ask Yourself
Before diving into the ideas, take 5 minutes to answer these questions honestly. This will help you choose the RIGHT business for YOU:
| Question | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| How much time can you give daily? | 1 hour vs 8 hours = different business types |
| What’s your budget? | ₹5,000 vs ₹1,00,000 = different opportunities |
| What skills do you have? | Cooking, writing, teaching, designing? |
| Who is your target customer? | Local neighbors or online across India? |
| What’s your goal? | Extra pocket money or full-time income? |
Be honest with yourself. The best business is one that matches your situation.
Low Investment Ideas (Under ₹10,000)
1. Tiffin Service / Home Food Business
Idea: Prepare and deliver home-cooked meals to office workers, students, or bachelors in your area.
Why it works in India: Indians love home-cooked food. With more people living away from family, there’s huge demand for hygienic, tasty home food.
Startup Cost: ₹3,000 – ₹8,000
- Basic utensils you may already have: ₹0
- Steel tiffin boxes (10-15 pieces): ₹2,000-3,000
- Initial groceries: ₹1,000-2,000
- Packaging/containers: ₹500
- Total: As low as ₹3,500
Skills Needed: Good cooking skills, basic math for accounts, friendly nature
Who Can Do It: Homemakers (ideal!), retired people, anyone who loves cooking
Earning Potential:
- Per tiffin: ₹50-80
- 20 tiffins/day: ₹1,000-1,600 daily
- Monthly: ₹25,000 – ₹40,000
Step-by-Step to Start:
- Decide your menu (3-4 simple, popular dishes)
- Calculate costs (rice, dal, sabzi, roti, delivery)
- Set your price (typical: ₹50-80 for lunch)
- Start with neighbors and society WhatsApp groups
- Ask first 10 customers for reviews/photos
- Expand using posters in nearby offices
Success Tip: Focus on hygiene. Wear gloves and hairnet while packing. Share photos of your clean kitchen—this builds trust.
2. Homemade Snacks and Pickles Business
Idea: Make traditional Indian snacks, pickles, papads, or sweets and sell them locally or online.
Why it works: Everyone loves regional specialties. If your family has a secret recipe for mango pickle or special chakli, that’s a goldmine!
Startup Cost: ₹2,000 – ₹7,000
- Raw ingredients: ₹1,000-3,000
- Packaging materials: ₹500-2,000
- Labels/stickers: ₹500
- Total: Around ₹5,000
Skills Needed: Traditional recipe knowledge, basic packaging skills
Who Can Do It: Homemakers with family recipes, retired people, anyone who enjoys cooking
Earning Potential:
- Per unit profit: 40-60% of selling price
- Monthly: ₹10,000 – ₹50,000 depending on scale
Step-by-Step to Start:
- Perfect your recipe (make it consistent)
- Get FSSAI license (₹100 for registration for small businesses)
- Create simple packaging with your contact details
- Start with friends and family
- Participate in local exhibitions/fetes
- List on platforms like IndiaMART or Amazon
Success Story: Lijjat Papad started with just ₹80 in 1959. Today it’s a ₹1,600 crore business run by 45,000 women.
3. Tailoring and Alterations
Idea: Offer stitching, alteration, and repair services for clothes from home.
Why it works: Everyone needs clothes altered—too long pants, loose fits, torn shirts. Finding a good tailor is genuinely difficult in most areas.
Startup Cost: ₹5,000 – ₹15,000
- Sewing machine (if you don’t have): ₹5,000-10,000
- Scissors, measuring tape, threads: ₹1,000
- Iron and other tools: ₹1,000
- Total: ₹7,000 – 15,000
Skills Needed: Basic stitching knowledge (can learn in 2-3 months)
Who Can Do It: Anyone willing to learn. Many ITIs offer 6-month tailoring courses.
Earning Potential:
- Simple alteration: ₹50-150
- New stitching (kurti/salwar): ₹300-800
- Monthly part-time: ₹8,000-15,000
- Monthly full-time: ₹20,000-40,000
Step-by-Step to Start:
- Practice on family clothes first
- Create a simple rate list
- Tell neighbors and society members
- Deliver on time—this is critical!
- Learn new designs via YouTube
Pro Tip: Offer free pickup and delivery in your apartment complex. This convenience beats market tailors.
4. Beauty and Parlour Services at Home
Idea: Offer basic beauty services like threading, waxing, facials, or makeup to women in your neighborhood.
Why it works: Many women prefer the privacy and comfort of home services over crowded parlours.
Startup Cost: ₹3,000 – ₹10,000
- Basic beauty tools and products: ₹2,000-5,000
- Training/certification (optional): ₹1,000-5,000
- Chair/table setup: ₹1,000
- Total: ₹4,000 – 10,000
Skills Needed: Training in beauty services (3-6 months course)
Who Can Do It: Women who enjoy beauty work. Many vocational training centers offer affordable courses.
Earning Potential:
- Threading: ₹30-50
- Waxing (full arms/legs): ₹200-400
- Bridal makeup: ₹2,000-10,000
- Monthly part-time: ₹10,000-25,000
Step-by-Step to Start:
- Complete basic training (check PMKVY government schemes)
- Practice on friends and family
- Create a simple menu with prices
- Maintain spotless hygiene
- Ask customers to share about you in women’s groups
Safety First: Always use disposable tools where possible and sterilize everything properly.
5. Home Bakery and Cake Business
Idea: Bake cakes, cookies, muffins, and other treats from your home kitchen and sell to local customers.
Why it works: Birthdays, anniversaries, festivals—Indians celebrate everything with sweets. Customized cakes are especially popular.
Startup Cost: ₹5,000 – ₹15,000
- OTG oven (if you don’t have): ₹3,000-6,000
- Basic baking tools: ₹1,000-2,000
- Ingredients: ₹1,000-2,000
- Packaging boxes: ₹500-2,000
- Total: ₹5,500 – 15,000
Skills Needed: Baking interest and practice (YouTube is your best teacher)
Who Can Do It: Anyone with patience and love for baking. Students, homemakers, even retired people.
Earning Potential:
- Regular cake (1 kg): ₹400-600 (cost: ₹200-300)
- Designer cake: ₹800-2,000
- Cookies per pack: ₹100-200 (cost: ₹40-60)
- Monthly: ₹10,000 – ₹50,000
Step-by-Step to Start:
- Master 3-4 basic recipes (eggless vanilla cake, chocolate cake, cookies)
- Buy good quality ingredients
- Create sample photos
- Offer free first cake to a neighbor for review
- Start taking orders for birthdays in your society
- Expand through Instagram with beautiful photos
Legal Note: You may need FSSAI registration (₹100/year for small businesses). Check local rules.
6. Tuition and Coaching Classes
Idea: Teach school subjects, spoken English, or any skill from your home to neighborhood children.
Why it works: Indian parents desperately want extra academic help for their children. If you’re good at any subject, you can earn well.
Startup Cost: ₹1,000 – ₹5,000
- Whiteboard and markers: ₹500-1,000
- Basic furniture (if needed): ₹2,000-4,000
- Study materials: ₹500
- Total: ₹3,000 – 5,500
Skills Needed: Strong knowledge in your subject, patience with children
Who Can Do It: College students, retired teachers, graduates, subject experts
Earning Potential:
- Per student monthly: ₹500-2,000 (subject/class wise)
- With 10 students: ₹5,000-20,000 monthly
- Specialized coaching (JEE/NEET): ₹2,000-5,000 per student
Step-by-Step to Start:
- Decide your subjects and classes you can teach
- Set up a clean, quiet space at home
- Fix reasonable fees (check local market rates)
- Tell neighbors and post in society groups
- Offer first class free as trial
- Focus on results—word spreads fast!
Pro Tip: Take only 4-5 students at a time initially. Quality matters more than quantity for reputation.
7. Online Reselling (Shopify, Meesho, Amazon)
Idea: Buy products from wholesalers and resell them online through platforms like Meesho, Amazon, Flipkart, or your own WhatsApp catalog.
Why it works: You don’t need to manufacture anything. You just need to find customers and take orders.
Startup Cost: ₹2,000 – ₹10,000
- Smartphone (you already have): ₹0
- Internet connection: already have
- Initial stock (if keeping inventory): ₹2,000-10,000
- Packaging materials: ₹500
- Total: ₹2,500 – 10,500
Skills Needed: Basic smartphone use, good communication, persuasion skills
Who Can Do It: Anyone! Students, housewives, retirees—literally everyone.
Earning Potential:
- Per item profit: ₹20-200
- Monthly part-time: ₹5,000-15,000
- Monthly full-time: ₹20,000-50,000+
Step-by-Step to Start:
- Choose products you understand (clothing, home decor, kitchen items)
- Find reliable suppliers (local wholesale market or sites like IndiaMART)
- Decide your model:
- Inventory model: Buy stock, keep at home, sell
- Dropshipping: Only take orders, supplier ships directly
- Start sharing products on WhatsApp status and groups
- Use Meesho app to easily share products to social media
- Build trust by delivering quality products on time
Warning: Start with low investment. Don’t buy heavy stock initially. Test 2-3 products first.
Medium Investment Ideas (₹10,000 – ₹50,000)
8. Handmade Jewelry Business
Idea: Create and sell handmade jewelry—earrings, necklaces, bracelets—using beads, threads, terracotta, or modern materials.
Why it works: Indian women love jewelry. Handmade, unique pieces are in high demand for daily wear and special occasions.
Startup Cost: ₹5,000 – ₹20,000
- Basic tools and materials: ₹3,000-8,000
- Beads, threads, components: ₹2,000-5,000
- Packaging boxes/pouches: ₹1,000-3,000
- Photography setup (good phone is enough): ₹0
- Total: ₹6,000 – 20,000
Skills Needed: Creativity, steady hands, patience (YouTube has free tutorials)
Who Can Do It: Creative people, students, homemakers, anyone with artistic interest
Earning Potential:
- Earrings pair: ₹100-300 (cost: ₹30-80)
- Necklace set: ₹300-1,000 (cost: ₹100-300)
- Monthly part-time: ₹5,000-15,000
- Monthly full-time: ₹20,000-40,000
Step-by-Step to Start:
- Learn basics from YouTube (search “handmade jewelry tutorials”)
- Start with 5-10 designs
- Buy quality materials from local markets or Amazon
- Take good photos in natural light
- Create Instagram and Facebook page
- Participate in local exhibitions/expos
- Offer to corporate offices for women’s day events
Success Tip: Create a signature style. Either temple jewelry, modern minimal, or traditional—find your niche.
9. Content Writing and Blogging
Idea: Write articles, blog posts, website content, or social media posts for clients from your home computer.
Why it works: Every business needs content for their website and social media. Not everyone can write well. If you can, they’ll pay you.
Startup Cost: ₹2,000 – ₹10,000
- Laptop/computer (you may have): ₹0
- Good internet connection: already have
- Basic grammar course (optional): ₹1,000-2,000
- Website portfolio (optional): ₹1,000-5,000
- Total: ₹1,000 – 7,000
Skills Needed: Good English (or Hindi/Tamil/etc.) writing skills, basic grammar knowledge
Who Can Do It: Students, graduates, homemakers who love writing, retired professionals
Earning Potential:
- Beginner: ₹100-300 per 500 words
- Experienced: ₹500-2,000 per 500 words
- Monthly part-time: ₹5,000-20,000
- Monthly full-time: ₹25,000-60,000+
Step-by-Step to Start:
- Practice writing 2-3 sample articles on topics you know
- Create a simple portfolio (Google Doc link is fine)
- Join freelance platforms: Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, WorknHire
- Also check Facebook groups like “Content Writers India”
- Start with small projects to build ratings
- Deliver excellent work—ask for testimonials
- Increase rates as you gain experience
Pro Tip: Specialize in one area (finance, travel, health, tech). Specialists charge more than generalists.
10. Graphic Design Services
Idea: Create logos, social media posts, business cards, brochures, and other designs for clients from home.
Why it works: Every business needs design work. Not everyone can use Canva or Photoshop professionally.
Startup Cost: ₹5,000 – ₹25,000
- Laptop/computer: you may have
- Design software (Canva Pro: ₹1,500/year or Affinity: one-time ₹2,500)
- Online courses (optional): ₹2,000-10,000
- Total: ₹3,500 – 15,000
Skills Needed: Creativity, eye for design, willingness to learn software
Who Can Do It: Creative people, students, anyone willing to learn (free YouTube tutorials exist)
Earning Potential:
- Logo design: ₹500-5,000
- Social media post: ₹200-1,000
- Brochure/flyer: ₹1,000-3,000
- Monthly part-time: ₹10,000-25,000
- Monthly full-time: ₹30,000-70,000+
Step-by-Step to Start:
- Learn Canva first (it’s free and powerful)
- Watch YouTube tutorials for design basics
- Create 10 sample designs (fictional companies)
- Share on Instagram and Behance
- Join “Designers India” Facebook groups
- Approach local businesses for small projects
- Always ask for Google reviews and testimonials
Tool Recommendation: Start with Canva (free). Learn Photoshop/Illustrator later for advanced work.
11. Digital Marketing Services
Idea: Help small businesses with their online presence—social media management, SEO, Google My Business, WhatsApp marketing.
Why it works: Every local business (gym, salon, restaurant, clinic) knows they need to be online but doesn’t know how. You can be their guide.
Startup Cost: ₹5,000 – ₹20,000
- Laptop/smartphone: you have
- Internet: you have
- Online courses/certifications: ₹2,000-10,000
- Total: ₹2,000 – 10,000
Skills Needed: Understanding of social media, basic marketing knowledge, good communication
Who Can Do It: Tech-savvy youngsters, graduates, anyone willing to learn digital skills
Earning Potential:
- Social media management per client: ₹3,000-10,000/month
- Google My Business setup: ₹1,000-3,000 one-time
- SEO basic services: ₹5,000-15,000/month
- With 5 clients: ₹25,000-50,000/month
Step-by-Step to Start:
- Learn basics through free Google Digital Unlocked courses
- Get certified (Google, HubSpot, Meta have free certifications)
- Create your own social media presence as sample
- Approach local businesses in your area
- Offer one free month or heavy discount to first 3 clients
- Document results (increase in calls, followers, etc.)
- Use these case studies to get more clients
Pro Tip: Specialize in one platform (Instagram for salons, Google for doctors) to become expert.
12. YouTube Channel (Finance Focus)
Idea: Create YouTube videos about money, investing, business ideas, or personal finance in Hindi or your regional language.
Why it works: Indians are hungry for financial education in their own language. YouTube is the new TV, and content creators are earning well.
Startup Cost: ₹10,000 – ₹40,000
- Good smartphone camera: you may have
- Basic microphone: ₹1,000-3,000
- Tripod: ₹500-1,500
- Ring light: ₹1,000-2,000
- Basic video editing software (free options exist)
- Total: ₹5,000 – 15,000
Skills Needed: Knowledge of your topic, confidence to speak on camera, basic editing
Who Can Do It: Anyone with expertise in any area—finance, cooking, travel, teaching
Earning Potential:
- Initial months: ₹0 (building audience)
- After 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours: monetization starts
- With 50,000 views/month: ₹10,000-25,000
- With 500,000 views/month: ₹1,00,000-3,00,000+
Step-by-Step to Start:
- Choose your niche (personal finance for salaried people, business ideas, etc.)
- Watch 10 similar channels to understand format
- Plan first 10 videos (batch record to save time)
- Create channel with good profile photo and banner
- Record first video (don’t worry about perfection)
- Improve one thing each video (audio, lighting, content)
- Be consistent—post every week same day
Important: Focus on providing value, not just making money. Help people, and money will follow.
13. Affiliate Marketing Website/Blog
Idea: Create a website reviewing products and including affiliate links. When people buy through your links, you earn commission.
Why it works: People read reviews before buying anything. If your review helps them decide, companies happily share commission.
Startup Cost: ₹5,000 – ₹15,000
- Domain name: ₹800/year
- Hosting: ₹2,000-4,000/year
- Website theme: ₹2,000-5,000 (or free options)
- Content writing (your time): free
- Total: ₹5,000 – 10,000 first year
Skills Needed: Writing skills, basic website knowledge, patience
Who Can Do It: Anyone who can write helpful content. No technical degree needed.
Earning Potential:
- First 6 months: ₹0-2,000
- 6-12 months: ₹2,000-10,000/month
- After 1 year: ₹10,000-50,000/month
- After 2 years: ₹50,000-2,00,000+/month
Step-by-Step to Start:
- Choose your niche (like moneyandwealth.in—great choice!)
- Buy domain and hosting (Hostinger, Bluehost, etc.)
- Install WordPress (1-click installation)
- Write 20-30 high-quality articles first
- Join affiliate programs: Amazon Associates, Flipkart Affiliate, Impact Radius
- Apply relevant links in your content
- Promote via Pinterest, Quora, and social media
Pro Tip: Write for humans first, search engines second. Helpful content always wins.
14. Online Coaching and Consulting
Idea: Offer one-on-one or group coaching in your area of expertise—career guidance, fitness training, language teaching, financial planning.
Why it works: People pay for personalized guidance. If you’re good at something, someone wants to learn from you.
Startup Cost: ₹2,000 – ₹10,000
- Good internet connection: you have
- Zoom/Google Meet account: free
- Basic website/landing page: ₹2,000-5,000
- Total: ₹2,000 – 5,000
Skills Needed: Deep expertise in your field, good communication, teaching ability
Who Can Do It: Professionals (CA, engineers, doctors), fitness experts, language experts, anyone with valuable knowledge
Earning Potential:
- Per session (1 hour): ₹500-5,000
- Group programs: ₹2,000-10,000 per participant
- Monthly with 10 clients: ₹20,000-1,00,000+
Step-by-Step to Start:
- Define exactly what you’ll teach and who is your ideal student
- Create your curriculum/modules
- Set up simple booking system (Calendly is free)
- Create social media content showing your expertise
- Offer free mini-sessions to first 10 people for testimonials
- Use WhatsApp groups for community building
- Collect payments via UPI, bank transfer, or Razorpay
Success Tip: Document your client’s journey and results. Success stories are your best marketing.
15. Handicrafts and Decor Items
Idea: Create and sell handmade home decor items—wall hangings, paintings, diyas, candles, pottery, or terracotta items.
Why it works: Indians love decorating homes, especially during festivals. Handmade, unique items have special appeal.
Startup Cost: ₹5,000 – ₹25,000
- Raw materials: ₹3,000-10,000
- Tools and equipment: ₹2,000-5,000
- Packaging: ₹1,000-3,000
- Total: ₹6,000 – 18,000
Skills Needed: Artistic ability, creativity, patience
Who Can Do It: Artists, craft lovers, anyone willing to learn traditional crafts
Earning Potential:
- Per item profit: 50-200% of cost
- Monthly part-time: ₹5,000-15,000
- Monthly full-time: ₹20,000-50,000
Step-by-Step to Start:
- Perfect 3-4 products that you enjoy making
- Buy materials in bulk from wholesale markets
- Create beautiful product photos
- Start Instagram page with craft videos (people love watching creation process)
- Participate in local craft melas and exhibitions
- Approach interior decorators for bulk orders
- Create special Diwali/Rakhi collections
Pro Tip: Tell the story behind each piece. “Made by rural women artisans” or “Traditional technique from Rajasthan” adds value.
Higher Investment Ideas (₹50,000 – ₹2,00,000)
16. Spice and Masala Business
Idea: Make and sell packaged spice powders—turmeric, red chili, coriander, garam masala, sambar powder—under your own brand.
Why it works: Every Indian kitchen uses spices daily. If your quality is good, customers will keep buying month after month.
Startup Cost: ₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000
- Basic grinding machine: ₹20,000-40,000
- Sealing machine: ₹5,000-10,000
- Raw spices: ₹10,000-20,000
- Packaging materials: ₹10,000-20,000
- FSSAI license: ₹500-2,000
- Total: ₹50,000 – 1,00,000
Skills Needed: Knowledge of spices, consistency in quality, basic packaging skills
Who Can Do It: Families with traditional recipes, anyone willing to learn spice blending
Earning Potential:
- Profit margin: 30-50%
- Monthly with good local reach: ₹20,000-1,00,000
Step-by-Step to Start:
- Perfect your blends (get family feedback)
- Get FSSAI license mandatory
- Design simple, attractive packaging
- Start with local kirana stores on consignment basis
- Offer free samples to 50 homes
- Expand to nearby areas
- Consider selling on Amazon and Flipkart
Quality Check: Always use good quality raw spices. One bad batch can ruin your reputation.
17. Home-Based Garments Manufacturing
Idea: Manufacture ready-made garments like kurtis, kids wear, or ethnic wear from home and supply to local shops or sell online.
Why it works: India’s clothing market is huge. If you can stitch well and understand trends, there’s unlimited demand.
Startup Cost: ₹50,000 – ₹2,00,000
- Industrial sewing machine (2-3): ₹40,000-1,00,000
- Fabric and raw materials: ₹20,000-50,000
- Cutting table and tools: ₹5,000-10,000
- Total: ₹70,000 – 1,60,000
Skills Needed: Professional stitching skills, understanding of sizes and fits, design sense
Who Can Do It: Experienced tailors, fashion design graduates, anyone with professional stitching training
Earning Potential:
- Per piece profit: ₹50-300
- Monthly with 2-3 workers: ₹40,000-1,50,000
Step-by-Step to Start:
- Start with one simple product (basic kurtis or kids wear)
- Buy fabric from wholesale markets
- Create samples in different sizes
- Approach local clothing shops for bulk orders
- Also sell on Meesho and WhatsApp
- Gradually hire 1-2 helpers
- Expand to more designs
Pro Tip: Focus on one category first (like only kids wear or only kurtis) to master it before expanding.
18. Plant Nursery from Home
Idea: Grow and sell plants, saplings, and gardening accessories from your home garden or terrace.
Why it works: Urban Indians are becoming plant parents! Gardening became a huge trend post-COVID and continues to grow.
Startup Cost: ₹20,000 – ₹60,000
- Seeds and saplings: ₹5,000-10,000
- Pots and containers: ₹10,000-20,000
- Soil and fertilizers: ₹5,000-10,000
- Shade net/polyhouse: ₹5,000-15,000
- Total: ₹25,000 – 55,000
Skills Needed: Gardening knowledge, patience, love for plants
Who Can Do It: Plant lovers, retired people, anyone with space and interest
Earning Potential:
- Small plants: ₹30-100 (cost: ₹10-30)
- Big plants: ₹300-2,000 (cost: ₹100-500)
- Monthly: ₹15,000-50,000
Step-by-Step to Start:
- Start with easy plants (money plant, snake plant, tulsi)
- Learn propagation techniques (YouTube)
- Create a small nursery area in your balcony/terrace
- Sell to neighbors and society first
- Join plant lovers Facebook groups
- Offer plant care tips (this builds trust)
- Expand to terrariums and gift plants
Pro Tip: Offer plant care consultation along with plants. “Free care guide with every plant” adds value.
19. Poultry or Goat Farming (if you have land)
Idea: Start small-scale poultry (eggs/meat) or goat farming if you have some land in rural or semi-urban areas.
Why it works: Demand for eggs and meat is consistently high. With proper management, returns are good.
Startup Cost: ₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000
- Shed construction: ₹30,000-70,000
- Birds/animals: ₹20,000-50,000
- Feed and medicines: ₹10,000-20,000
- Total: ₹60,000 – 1,40,000
Skills Needed: Basic animal husbandry knowledge, hard work, consistency
Who Can Do It: People with land in villages/towns, retired people wanting to settle in native place
Earning Potential:
- Layer poultry (eggs): 200 birds = ₹15,000-25,000/month
- Broiler poultry (meat): 45-day cycle = 30-40% profit
- Goat farming: 10 goats = ₹50,000-1,00,000/year
Step-by-Step to Start:
- Visit successful farms nearby and learn
- Attend government training programs (free)
- Start small—don’t invest everything initially
- Ensure veterinary support is available
- Focus on hygiene and vaccination
- Find regular buyers (local shops, hotels)
Warning: This requires daily commitment. Animals need care 365 days a year.
20. Event Planning from Home
Idea: Plan and manage events—birthday parties, weddings, corporate events—from your home office.
Why it works: People are busy and stressed about organizing events. They’ll happily pay someone who can handle everything.
Startup Cost: ₹20,000 – ₹50,000
- Laptop and phone: you have
- Website/social media presence: ₹5,000-10,000
- Initial marketing: ₹5,000-10,000
- Registration (optional): ₹2,000
- Total: ₹15,000 – 30,000
Skills Needed: Organization skills, creativity, negotiation with vendors, people management
Who Can Do It: Social people with good connections, women (especially successful in this field), creative minds
Earning Potential:
- Birthday party planning: ₹5,000-15,000 per event
- Wedding planning: ₹25,000-1,00,000+ per wedding
- Monthly with 2-3 events: ₹30,000-1,00,000
Step-by-Step to Start:
- Build vendor network (caterers, decorators, photographers)
- Create portfolio with sample mood boards
- Offer to plan a friend’s event at cost for photos
- Create Instagram showcasing your work
- Start with small events (birthdays, kitty parties)
- Ask every client for Google review
- Gradually take bigger events
Success Tip: Your network of reliable vendors is your biggest asset. Treat them well.
21. Mobile Repairing Service
Idea: Learn mobile phone repair and offer services from home. Pick up and drop off phones from customers.
Why it works: Everyone has a smartphone. Screens break, batteries die, chargers stop working. Good repair technicians are always in demand.
Startup Cost: ₹20,000 – ₹50,000
- Tool kit: ₹3,000-5,000
- Spare parts inventory: ₹10,000-20,000
- Training course: ₹5,000-15,000
- Total: ₹18,000 – 40,000
Skills Needed: Technical aptitude, patience, problem-solving, good hands
Who Can Do It: Tech enthusiasts, ITI graduates, anyone willing to learn (3-6 months training)
Earning Potential:
- Screen replacement: ₹300-800 profit
- Battery replacement: ₹200-500 profit
- Software issues: ₹200-500
- Monthly: ₹25,000-60,000
Step-by-Step to Start:
- Complete a mobile repair course (check local ITI or online)
- Practice on old phones of friends and family
- Start with basic repairs (screen guards, battery)
- Build trust by being honest—don’t fix what’s not broken
- Offer free pickup and delivery
- Create WhatsApp group of customers
- Expand to laptop repairs as you grow
Pro Tip: Warranty on repairs builds trust. Offer 30 days warranty on parts replaced.
22. Catering Business from Home
Idea: Cater food for small events, parties, and functions from your home kitchen. Start with small gatherings and grow.
Why it works: Every function needs food. If your food is tasty and presentation good, people will book you again and again.
Startup Cost: ₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000
- Large utensils and vessels: ₹15,000-30,000
- Serving dishes and packaging: ₹10,000-20,000
- Initial ingredients: ₹10,000-20,000
- Transportation (maybe hire): ₹5,000-10,000
- FSSAI license: ₹500-2,000
- Total: ₹50,000 – 1,00,000
Skills Needed: Excellent cooking skills, ability to manage quantity, team management, presentation
Who Can Do It: Expert home cooks, former hotel management staff, families with catering experience
Earning Potential:
- Per plate profit: ₹50-150
- 100 people event profit: ₹5,000-15,000
- Monthly with 5-6 events: ₹40,000-1,00,000
Step-by-Step to Start:
- Perfect 3-4 popular menus (North Indian, South Indian, Chinese)
- Calculate exact costs per plate
- Get FSSAI license mandatory
- Create sample photos and menu card
- Start with small events (birthday parties, 50 people)
- Ask guests to leave reviews on Google
- Expand to corporate events and weddings
Quality Mantra: Taste must be consistent. Your biryani should taste same every single time.
Digital-First Ideas (Work from Anywhere)
23. Virtual Assistant Services
Idea: Become a virtual assistant (VA) for busy professionals, entrepreneurs, or companies. Handle their emails, scheduling, social media, research, etc.
Why it works: Business owners are overwhelmed. They need help but can’t afford full-time employees. Virtual assistants are the perfect solution.
Startup Cost: ₹5,000 – ₹15,000
- Laptop and good internet: you have
- Basic software subscriptions: ₹1,000-2,000/month
- LinkedIn Premium (optional): ₹2,400/month
- Total: ₹3,000 – 5,000 initially
Skills Needed: Organization, communication (English helpful), computer skills, reliability
Who Can Do It: Graduates, homemakers with computer skills, organized individuals
Earning Potential:
- Beginner: ₹20,000-35,000/month (Indian clients)
- Experienced: ₹40,000-80,000/month (International clients)
- Specialized VAs: ₹1,00,000+/month
Step-by-Step to Start:
- List services you can offer (email management, calendar, research, social media)
- Create profile on Upwork, Fiverr, and LinkedIn
- Also join Facebook group “Virtual Assistants India”
- Start with smaller projects to build reviews
- Deliver exceptional work—reply within hours
- Increase rates as you gain experience
- Consider specializing (real estate VA, ecommerce VA, etc.)
Pro Tip: Learn tools like Canva, Zoom, Calendly, Asana. These make you more valuable.
24. Online Tutoring (Specialized Skills)
Idea: Teach specialized skills online—coding for kids, spoken English, guitar, yoga, mathematics, Vedic maths, abacus, etc.
Why it works: Parents are willing to pay for quality online classes that save travel time. Specialized skills command higher fees.
Startup Cost: ₹5,000 – ₹20,000
- Good webcam: ₹2,000-5,000
- Headset with mic: ₹1,000-2,000
- Teaching materials: ₹1,000-5,000
- Basic website/landing page: ₹2,000-5,000
- Total: ₹6,000 – 17,000
Skills Needed: Deep knowledge in your subject, teaching ability, patience, good communication
Who Can Do It: Experts in any field—musicians, coders, language experts, fitness trainers
Earning Potential:
- Per hour: ₹500-3,000
- With 20 students/week: ₹40,000-1,50,000/month
Step-by-Step to Start:
- Define exactly what you’ll teach and age group
- Create your curriculum and lesson plans
- Record sample class video
- Join platforms: Classplus, Teachmint, or create your own setup
- Promote on parenting Facebook groups
- Offer first class free as trial
- Collect feedback and improve
Success Tip: Get your students to win competitions/exams. Results are your best marketing.
25. Print on Demand Business
Idea: Design t-shirts, mugs, phone covers, and other products. When someone orders, a third party prints and ships—you never handle inventory.
Why it works: No investment in stock. No packaging. No shipping. Just design and market.
Startup Cost: ₹5,000 – ₹15,000
- Design software (Canva Pro): ₹1,500/year
- Platform subscription (optional): ₹0-2,000
- Marketing budget: ₹2,000-5,000
- Total: ₹5,000 – 8,000
Skills Needed: Design skills (Canva is enough), understanding of trends, marketing
Who Can Do It: Creative people, designers, anyone with good taste and trend awareness
Earning Potential:
- Per item profit: ₹100-300
- Monthly with good designs: ₹15,000-50,000
- Viral design success: ₹1,00,000+
Step-by-Step to Start:
- Choose niche (festival t-shirts, meme t-shirts, inspirational quotes)
- Create designs in Canva
- Upload to Printful, Printify, or Indian platforms like The Whole Shebang
- Connect to your Shopify/WooCommerce store
- Promote on Instagram and Pinterest
- Create designs for upcoming festivals (Diwali, Rakhi)
- Analyze which designs sell, create more similar
Pro Tip: Indian festival themes sell great. “Ganpati special t-shirt” or “Diwali family matching t-shirts” are popular.
Which Business Should YOU Choose? A Decision Framework
Still confused? Answer these questions:
| Your Situation | Best Business Ideas |
|---|---|
| Limited time (1-2 hours/day) | Affiliate marketing, Online reselling, Virtual assistant |
| Full-time commitment | Tiffin service, Tailoring, Mobile repair, Catering |
| Very low budget (under ₹5,000) | Content writing, Tuition, Homemade snacks |
| Medium budget (₹10,000-50,000) | Handmade jewelry, Bakery, Graphic design |
| Higher budget (₹50,000+) | Spice business, Garments, Poultry |
| No specific skills yet | Online reselling, Virtual assistant (learn on job) |
| Have traditional skills | Pickles, Handicrafts, Spices |
| Good with computer/internet | Digital marketing, YouTube, Affiliate marketing |
| Good with people | Event planning, Tuition, Coaching |
Common Mistakes to Avoid (Learn from Others’ Experience)
- Starting too big → Begin small, test the market
- Quitting job too early → Keep your job, start part-time
- Not calculating costs properly → Write down every expense
- Ignoring legal requirements → Get licenses if needed
- Poor quality initially → First customers matter most
- Not asking for reviews → Social proof is everything
- Giving up too soon → Most businesses take 6-12 months to stabilize
Resources to Help You Succeed
Free Learning Platforms
- YouTube (search anything—cooking, designing, marketing)
- Coursera (audit courses for free)
- Google Digital Unlocked (free digital marketing certification)
- MSME government schemes (loans and training)
Tools Worth Investing In
- Canva for design work
- Razorpay for payment collection
- Zoho for business management
- WhatsApp Business for customer communication
Government Help for Small Businesses
- Mudra Loan (loans up to ₹10 lakhs without collateral)
- PMEGP (subsidy for new businesses)
- Stand-Up India (for women and SC/ST entrepreneurs)
- CGTMSE (collateral-free loan guarantee)
Final Words of Encouragement
Remember these three truths:
1. Every big business started small
Ambani started with a small trading firm. Dhirubhai lived in a one-room apartment in Mumbai. What matters is not where you start, but that you start.
2. You don’t need to know everything
Narayana Murthy started Infosys without knowing everything about running a company. You’ll learn along the way. Every problem is a learning opportunity.
3. Consistency beats talent
The person who works steadily for 2 hours daily will beat the genius who works randomly. Show up every day, even when you don’t feel like it.
Your Turn to Start
Look at the 25 ideas again. Pick one that excites you. Not the most profitable, not what others suggest—the one that makes you think “I could do this.”
Then take these three actions today:
- Write down your idea on paper
- Tell one trusted person about it
- Take one small step (buy materials, create sample, tell one potential customer)
That’s it. That’s how every successful business begins—with one small step.
Which idea are you going to try first? Drop a comment on moneyandwealth.in and let me know—I’d love to cheer for you!
Leave a Reply