20 Easy-to-Start Small Scale Business Ideas in India

Starting a business no longer requires huge capital or complex infrastructure. In fact, many successful entrepreneurs in India began their journey with small scale businesses that grew steadily over time. With India’s fast-growing economy, rising digital adoption, and government support for entrepreneurship, there has never been a better time to explore new opportunities. In this article, we’ll explore 20 small scale business ideas in India that are practical, profitable, and beginner-friendly.

📊 Quick Overview: Types of Small Scale Businesses

1. Tiffin and Catering Services

• Why it works: Millions of students and working professionals migrate to metro cities and struggle to get home-style food.

• Investment: ₹20,000 – ₹2 lakh

• How to start: Cook meals at home, market via WhatsApp/Facebook, and expand into office catering.

• Success Example: Mumbai’s dabbawala network is a legendary model of home-cooked food delivery.

2. Bakery and Cake Business

• Why it works: Cakes, pastries, and cookies are always in demand for birthdays, weddings, and festivals.

• Investment: ₹50,000 – ₹3 lakh

• Growth Tip: Sell through Swiggy/Zomato and Instagram reels.

• Highlight: Home-bakers in India earn anywhere between ₹30,000 – ₹1 lakh per month.

3. Mobile Accessories Business

• Why it works: India is the world’s 2nd largest smartphone market. Covers, chargers, and earphones sell daily.

• Investment: ₹30,000 – ₹2 lakh

• How to start: Set up a kiosk near colleges, markets, or partner with e-commerce platforms.

4. Boutique and Tailoring Services

• Why it works: Ethnic wear, custom stitching, and designer outfits have a high demand in Indian weddings and festivals.

• Investment: ₹1 lakh – ₹4 lakh

• Success Tip: Add online services like WhatsApp orders and doorstep delivery.

5. Tutoring & Coaching Classes

• Why it works: Education is a recession-proof industry. Demand for tuition has grown post-COVID with hybrid learning.

• Investment: Minimal (₹10,000 – ₹50,000)

• Examples: Subjects, competitive exams, online coding classes.

• Highlight: Many online tutors earn ₹50,000+ monthly through Zoom/Google Meet.

6. Freelance Digital Marketing Services

• Why it works: Every small shop and brand wants to grow online.

• Investment: Just a laptop & internet (₹15,000 – ₹40,000)

• Skills needed: SEO, social media, ads, content writing.

• Growth Tip: Start with freelancing sites like Fiverr, then scale into a full agency.

7. Blogging & Content Creation

• Why it works: India’s digital content industry is booming. People consume blogs, YouTube, and Instagram reels daily.

• Investment: ₹5,000 – ₹50,000

• Earning: From ads, sponsorships, affiliate marketing.

• Real Case: Bloggers like Amit Agarwal (Labnol) earn lakhs every month.

8. Handmade Crafts & Gift Shop

• Why it works: Indians love personalized gifts and eco-friendly crafts.

• Investment: ₹25,000 – ₹1 lakh

• Products: Handmade candles, soaps, customized gifts.

• Sales Tip: Use platforms like Etsy, Amazon, and Instagram shops.

9. Photography & Videography

• Why it works: Weddings, birthdays, and social media branding demand professional photographers.

• Investment: ₹1.5 lakh – ₹5 lakh (camera & equipment)

• Earning potential: ₹10,000 – ₹1 lakh per event.

10. Fitness Trainer or Yoga Instructor

• Why it works: India’s wellness industry is expected to touch $16 billion by 2025.

• Investment: Certification + basic equipment (₹30,000 – ₹1.5 lakh)

• Tip: Online fitness classes via Zoom reduce infrastructure costs.

11. Pet Care and Grooming Services

• Why it works: India’s pet industry is growing at 14% CAGR.

• Services: Grooming, walking, boarding.

• Investment: ₹40,000 – ₹2 lakh

• Highlight: Many pet-care startups like Heads Up For Tails began small.

12. Event Planning & Decoration

• Why it works: Weddings, birthdays, and corporate events are always happening.

• Investment: ₹1 lakh – ₹4 lakh

• Services: Venue decoration, catering management, logistics.

• Success Tip: Start with birthdays and small functions, then expand.

13. Stationery & Book Store

• Why it works: Students and offices need notebooks, pens, and supplies daily.

• Investment: ₹50,000 – ₹2 lakh

• Profit Tip: Add photocopy & printing services for extra income.

14. Mobile Repair Shop

• Why it works: Affordable repair services are always in demand.

• Investment: ₹50,000 – ₹1.5 lakh

• Training: Short-term mobile repair courses are available.

• Earning: ₹500 – ₹2,000 per repair.

15. Beauty Salon or Home-based Parlour

• Why it works: Beauty and grooming are evergreen businesses in India.

• Investment: ₹80,000 – ₹3 lakh

• Expansion Tip: Offer bridal packages & doorstep services.

16. Cloud Kitchen

• Why it works: No need for a big restaurant, only a small kitchen + delivery apps.

• Investment: ₹1 lakh – ₹3 lakh

• Menu: Biryani, pizza, momos, or regional cuisines.

• Highlight: Many food startups like Faasos started as cloud kitchens.

17. Poultry & Dairy Farming

• Why it works: Milk, eggs, and chicken have huge demand.

• Investment: ₹50,000 – ₹2 lakh

• Tip: Use government subsidies for small farmers.

• Profit: Regular monthly income from local supply chains.

18. Mushroom Farming

• Why it works: High market value, especially in urban areas.

• Investment: ₹30,000 – ₹80,000

• Profit: Farmers earn ₹1.5 – ₹2 lakh annually from small farms.

19. Organic Vegetable Farming

• Why it works: Urban customers pay a premium for chemical-free produce.

• Investment: ₹40,000 – ₹1.5 lakh

• Sales: Direct to consumers, farmer markets, online stores.

20. E-commerce Reselling

• Why it works: Sell products without manufacturing.

• Investment: ₹10,000 – ₹50,000

• How: Source from wholesalers and resell via Amazon, Flipkart, or Instagram.

• Highlight: Many homemakers earn ₹30,000 – ₹70,000 monthly through reselling.

✅ Conclusion

These 20 small scale business ideas in India prove that you don’t need crores of rupees to become an entrepreneur. With smart planning, proper execution, and a little digital presence, anyone can start small and grow big. The key is to choose a business that matches your interest, local demand, and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which small scale business is most profitable in India? Cloud kitchens, tutoring, boutique tailoring, and mobile accessories are among the most profitable.

2. Can I start a business with less than ₹50,000? Yes, businesses like tutoring, blogging, handmade crafts, and reselling can start under ₹50,000.

3. Which is the best business for housewives? Tiffin service, online reselling, home-baking, and beauty parlour services are great options.

4. Do I need GST registration for a small business? Only if your annual turnover crosses ₹40 lakh (₹20 lakh in some states).

5. What are the easiest businesses to start? Tutoring, reselling, blogging, and cloud kitchens are the easiest to start.

6. Is farming a profitable small business? Yes, mushroom cultivation, poultry, and organic vegetables can give high profits with low investment.

7. How much can I earn from a small bakery? A small bakery can earn ₹30,000 to ₹1.5 lakh per month depending on demand.

8. Do small businesses get government support in India? Yes, schemes like PM Mudra Yojana offer loans up to ₹10 lakh for small businesses.

9. Can I run a business part-time? Yes, many businesses like blogging, tutoring, and reselling can be managed part-time.

10. Which small scale business has a future in 2025 and beyond? E-commerce, organic farming, digital services, and cloud kitchens are growing rapidly.