Small Business Ideas in India with Low Investment [2025]

That’s why small business ideas in India with low investment are more relevant than ever. In fact, anyone can get started with just ₹5,000 or less.

Whether you’re a student, housewife, retired professional, or just tired of the job market — this guide will give you 15+ proven business ideas you can start from home with minimal risk and maximum clarity.

Forget “someday.” The best time to start a business in India is right now — with ₹5000 or less.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• Why low-investment businesses are booming in India
• How to launch your business with almost zero capital
• 15+ small business ideas to start today
• Real examples, tools, mistakes to avoid, and bonus tips

Let’s dive into the first thing you need to know — why this opportunity is so hot right now.

Why Low-Investment Businesses Work So Well in India

India is at a tipping point. With over 65% of the population under 35, a digital revolution underway, and rising dissatisfaction with traditional jobs — low-investment business ideas have become a powerful alternative.

Today, you can launch a business from your smartphone. No office. No staff. No heavy capital. Just an idea, internet, and the will to act.

Here’s why this model is working better than ever in India:

And most importantly — people now trust small creators and entrepreneurs more than big brands, because of the personal connection.

“2025 is not about who has the most money. It’s about who acts the fastest with the tools already available.”

So if you’ve been waiting for the right time — this is it. The next section will show you how to start smart, even if you have limited capital or no prior experience.

How to Start a Small Business in India with Minimum Capital

Think starting a business in India needs ₹1 lakh or more? Think again.

With the right mindset, tools, and platform — you can launch your business with less than ₹5000. Some even start with zero.

Let’s break it down:

The goal isn’t to be perfect. The goal is to start now and improve as you go.

Here’s a quick checklist to launch fast:

• ✅ Pick one clear idea based on your skills
• ✅ Set up WhatsApp Business and Instagram
• ✅ Use Canva to create your first post/brochure
• ✅ Share with 20 friends/family and ask for referrals
• ✅ Offer your first service to 3 people for free or discounted rate

That’s it. No complicated setup. No fancy website. No tech jargon.

Now, let’s explore the most exciting part — the actual small business ideas in India with low investment you can start right now.

15+ Small Business Ideas in India with Low Investment

Here’s a quick preview of all the low-investment small business ideas we’ll cover. Click on any to jump directly:

1. Home-Based Tiffin Service

Let’s start with one of the most underrated yet high-potential ideas: a tiffin service business.

In cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Lucknow, thousands of students and working professionals eat outside daily — and most are tired of junk food. That’s where you come in.

All you need is a basic kitchen setup, a daily menu plan, and a way to deliver. Start from home, keep 5–10 customers initially, and scale based on feedback.

Shubham, one of our students, started with ₹3,000 and now serves 45+ clients daily. He shared his journey in this The DM School review — showing how a simple tiffin idea turned into a ₹40K/month business.

“My first customer came from a WhatsApp status. Now I get referrals almost every week.”

This is a perfect example of how to earn ₹5,000 per day without any office, tech, or ads — just your cooking and care.

Tools to use: WhatsApp Business, Google Forms for orders, UPI for payments, Canva for menu designs.

Estimated Investment: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 (ingredients + packaging)

Profit Potential: ₹15K to ₹60K/month depending on scale

2. Freelance Writing or Blogging

If you enjoy writing and have good grammar, this is one of the simplest low-investment online businesses in India you can start today.

Thousands of blogs, startups, and agencies are hiring writers for blogs, ads, SEO content, and emails. You don’t need a journalism degree — just clarity, consistency, and some smart positioning.

You can start on platforms like LinkedIn, Upwork, Fiverr, or even by DMing local businesses. A quick way to stand out? Create 2–3 sample blogs on topics you love and share them as a portfolio.

Many of our students started this way — writing blog content for small brands and eventually scaling it to ₹30K–₹70K per month. Combine this with affiliate links, and it becomes a recurring income stream.

“Writing is one of the few businesses where your knowledge becomes your inventory.”

If you’re already exploring ways to make money online in India, this should be at the top of your list.

Tools to use: Grammarly, Notion, Google Docs, Canva (for blog visuals)

Estimated Investment: ₹0 – ₹1,000 (for internet + sample blog hosting)

Profit Potential: ₹10K to ₹1L+/month as you build clientele

3. Print-on-Demand Products

Love design, memes, quotes, or creative slogans? You can turn them into a business — without ever touching inventory.

Print-on-demand (POD) lets you sell custom T-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and more. You design, upload, and promote. The vendor prints and ships when a customer buys.

This model is ideal if you want to test ideas quickly without stocking products. No upfront inventory. No packing. No delivery headaches.

You can start selling on platforms like Printrove, Qikink, or Shopify using designs made on Canva or Leonardo.ai. And if you know your niche — like gym lovers or cat parents — you can scale fast.

“I sold 27 T-shirts in my first week — all with one Canva design and a simple Instagram Reel.”

Want more product ideas that don’t need stock or risk? Explore our best business ideas in India guide — it’s packed with options like this.

Tools to use: Canva, Printrove, Qikink, Shopify Starter, Razorpay

Estimated Investment: ₹1,500 – ₹3,000 (basic samples, domain, branding)

Profit Potential: ₹200–₹400 per sale; ₹20K–₹1L+/month possible with scale

4. Online Tuition Classes

After COVID, online tuition isn’t just a backup option — it’s the new normal.

If you’re good at English, Maths, Science, Accounts, or even a regional language — you can start online tuition classes from home with zero investment.

Parents today prefer personalized online learning for their kids. All you need is a mobile phone, a quiet room, and basic teaching confidence.

Start by offering 1:1 classes via WhatsApp, Zoom, or Google Meet. Use your local WhatsApp groups or Facebook Marketplace to get your first 5 students. Offer a free trial class to build trust.

“I started with one 5th grade student in my colony. Within 3 months, I was teaching 12 students from 3 different cities.”

In fact, many people combine this with our how to earn ₹5,000 per day model by bundling tuitions with digital notes, worksheets, or even mini-courses.

Tools to use: Zoom, Google Meet, Canva (worksheets), Google Calendar, Notion

Estimated Investment: ₹0 – ₹1,000 (only internet + optional pen tablet)

Profit Potential: ₹500–₹2,000 per student/month; ₹10K–₹80K/month depending on subject and level

5. Instagram Thrift Store

Want to start a business that’s trendy, low-cost, and highly visual? Then starting an Instagram thrift store might be perfect for you.

This idea is booming among students and Gen Z. You resell pre-loved fashion items, accessories, or handpicked pieces — and market them using Reels, Stories, and DMs.

You don’t need a website or warehouse. You just need good taste, camera skills, and a little consistency. Many sellers source from Sarojini Nagar, Janpath, or even Meesho and flip items for 2x–3x profit.

Pair this with our Instagram Hashtag Guide to reach more buyers organically.

“I made my first ₹10,000 selling thrift jackets in winter — just by posting 3 Reels a week.”

Instagram businesses also help you build a loyal audience — so later, you can launch your own fashion label, merch, or even digital products.

Tools to use: Instagram Business, Canva, Snapseed, Google Sheets (orders), Razorpay

Estimated Investment: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 (initial stock + packaging)

Profit Potential: ₹100–₹500 per item; ₹20K–₹1L/month depending on inventory

6. Freelance Digital Marketing Services

If you understand Facebook Ads, Google Ads, SEO, or even just content creation — this is one of the most profitable small business ideas in India with low investment.

Thousands of small businesses, coaches, and shop owners in India are looking for help. They don’t want a big agency. They want a person who can run ads, write copy, or grow their Instagram. That person could be you.

You can start by helping one business in your area for free or at a discount. Track results. Use that as your first case study. That’s exactly how we teach it inside The DM School.

Want to see how we’ve helped others scale with this model? Explore this Google Partner Digital Marketing Agency page and learn what results-driven marketing really looks like.

“I pitched 3 salons in my area. One said yes. I ran Instagram ads for ₹500/day — and they made ₹18,000 in bookings that week.”

This is not theory. This is exactly how people start making ₹10K–₹50K/month — using skills you already have or can learn in 30 days.

Tools to use: Meta Ads Manager, Google Ads, Canva, Google Sheets, WhatsApp

Estimated Investment: ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 (for ad budget + portfolio website if needed)

Profit Potential: ₹5K–₹1L+/month depending on service and niche

7. Affiliate Marketing (Without Website)

Think affiliate marketing needs a website, blog, or YouTube channel? Not anymore.

With platforms like Instagram, Quora, WhatsApp, and even PDF guides — you can promote other people’s products and earn commissions without building anything complex.

Start by picking a niche: skincare, books, fitness, gadgets, or online courses. Then join affiliate programs like Amazon Associates, ClickBank, or Coursera. Promote those links using Instagram Reels, WhatsApp broadcasts, or value-packed content.

One of our students made his first ₹5,200 in 7 days — just by sending a mini eBook with his affiliate link to 47 people. No funnel. No ads. Just smart value delivery.

“I made my first affiliate sale from a PDF I created in Canva and shared via WhatsApp.”

If you’re curious how this system works, here’s a complete Affiliate Marketing Explained guide by The DM School that breaks down the process in simple steps.

Tools to use: Canva, Bitly, Telegram, WhatsApp, Amazon/ClickBank accounts

Estimated Investment: ₹0 – ₹1,000 (optional tools for better visuals)

Profit Potential: ₹5K–₹50K/month depending on traffic and trust built

8. YouTube Automation Channel

Want to earn from YouTube — without showing your face, recording voiceovers, or editing videos?

That’s exactly what a YouTube automation channel lets you do. You create faceless videos using AI tools, upload consistently, and monetize through ads, affiliate links, and brand deals.

Choose a niche: motivational videos, success stories, book summaries, finance, health tips — anything with search volume. Then use tools like ChatGPT for script, ElevenLabs for voice, and Canva or CapCut for visuals.

Many creators are already earning ₹30K–₹3L per month with channels that run on auto. You can even repurpose those videos as Shorts and post them on X, Insta, and Facebook for added reach.

“My first 100 subscribers came from just 3 Shorts — all generated using AI. I didn’t record a single second of footage.”

This model works beautifully with our make money online in India strategy — especially for people who want passive income with minimal ongoing effort.

Tools to use: ChatGPT, ElevenLabs, Canva, CapCut, Thumbnail.ai, YouTube Studio

Estimated Investment: ₹0 – ₹2,000 (only for AI tools or thumbnail upgrades)

Profit Potential: ₹5K–₹2L+/month from ads, affiliate links, and sponsors

9. Meesho or Amazon Reselling

If you want a low-risk business where you don’t need to manufacture or store anything — reselling is a perfect pick.

Platforms like Meesho, Amazon, and GlowRoad let you choose products, add your margin, and sell them online. The supplier handles inventory and delivery. You focus on finding customers.

It’s one of the most popular small business ideas in India with low investment — especially among students, housewives, and people in Tier 2/3 cities. All you need is a smartphone and some basic marketing skills.

Want to stack this with long-term business potential? Build a brand around your store and eventually move into private labeling — something we explore deeply in our best business ideas in India guide.

Tools to use: Meesho app, WhatsApp Business, Canva, Snapseed, Instagram

Estimated Investment: ₹0 – ₹1,000 (optional: sample purchases or ads)

Profit Potential: ₹100–₹500/item margin; ₹10K–₹1L+/month possible with consistency

10. Mobile Repair or Service Kiosk

India has over 1.2 billion mobile users — and millions of devices get damaged, slowed down, or outdated every month.

That’s why a mobile repair and service kiosk is still one of the most underrated low-investment businesses in India. If you’re even a little tech-savvy, this can become a solid local income stream.

You don’t need a big shop. A small desk in a market, near a college, or even your home garage can work. Start with basics like screen guard fitting, charging port cleaning, and basic repairs — then grow into flash tools, second-hand buying, or refurbishing.

This kind of street-smart business works well in Tier 2 cities and towns where affordability beats brand obsession — and word-of-mouth drives growth.

Want to discover more hybrid ideas like this? Check our full business ideas in India article that dives deeper into both urban and rural models.

Tools to use: Screwdriver kit, suction tools, replacement parts, Google Business Profile, WhatsApp

Estimated Investment: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 (tools + basic parts + stall rent if any)

Profit Potential: ₹100–₹800 per service; ₹15K–₹1L+/month depending on volume

11. Homemade Pickles & Snacks Business

If you know your way around traditional recipes — from mango pickle to besan laddoos — you’re sitting on a profitable goldmine.

Homemade pickles, papads, chutneys, snacks, and namkeens have huge demand across India and with NRIs. People want purity, taste, and authenticity — not mass-produced, chemical-loaded jars from supermarkets.

You can start from your kitchen with just ₹1,000–₹2,000 worth of ingredients. Package neatly, use eco-friendly jars or zip pouches, and start selling in your local area via WhatsApp or Instagram.

This idea scales beautifully: you can tie up with Kirana stores, sell on Amazon under “local specialties,” or even export to Indian grocery stores abroad.

For more side-income opportunities like this, check our how to earn ₹5,000 per day resource — where food businesses play a key role.

Tools to use: Clean jars/pouches, labels, Google Forms (orders), Instagram Reels, Paytm

Estimated Investment: ₹1,000 – ₹3,000 (ingredients + packaging)

Profit Potential: ₹20–₹80 margin per item; ₹10K–₹70K/month depending on scale

12. Small-Scale Event Planner

Love organizing birthdays, weddings, or get-togethers? Turn that energy into a business.

As a small-scale event planner, you help people create memorable experiences — without needing a huge team or office. Start with birthdays, engagement functions, baby showers, or retirement parties.

Use your network, vendors, and negotiation skills to handle décor, food, photos, and logistics — while you take a neat management fee. Most families are happy to pay ₹5,000–₹20,000 for smooth execution, even for small events.

This business thrives on referrals. So focus on delivering a wow experience — and your clients will become your promoters.

It also aligns beautifully with several ideas from our best business ideas in India collection — especially in the offline + service combo category.

Tools to use: Canva (portfolio), Google Forms (inquiries), WhatsApp, Paytm, basic vendor contacts

Estimated Investment: ₹1,000 – ₹5,000 (portfolio + transportation + small décor inventory)

Profit Potential: ₹2K–₹20K/event; ₹10K–₹80K/month with just 4–5 events

13. WhatsApp Marketing for Local Shops

Local shops are sitting on gold — they just don’t know how to use WhatsApp to bring customers back.

If you understand WhatsApp Business, Broadcast Lists, Catalogs, and Status — you can offer WhatsApp marketing as a service to salons, Kirana stores, boutiques, coaching centers, and more.

You help them create digital catalogs, set up auto-replies, and run weekly offers via broadcast. This builds loyalty, repeat sales, and footfall. All they need is someone to manage it — that’s you.

One DM School student used this model to sign 11 local clients in 30 days — all via walk-ins and referrals. No ads. No fancy pitch. Just real help and fast delivery.

To stack more of these micro-income models, visit our how to earn ₹5,000 per day playbook.

Tools to use: WhatsApp Business App, Canva (flyers/catalogs), Google Sheets, InShot

Estimated Investment: ₹0 – ₹1,000 (for design tools or samples)

Profit Potential: ₹1K–₹5K per client/month; ₹20K–₹1L/month at scale

14. Pet Sitting or Grooming Services

India’s pet care industry is growing like crazy — and most cities don’t have enough reliable pet sitters or home groomers.

If you love animals and have a clean home or spare room, you can start a pet sitting service from home. Just 2–3 pets a week can earn you more than a part-time job.

Busy pet parents also need home grooming — nail trimming, basic baths, combing, etc. With ₹2K–₹3K in tools and training from YouTube, you can start offering it in your neighborhood or gated society.

One DM School follower turned her love for dogs into a ₹40K/month side business — with zero marketing, just repeat customers and referrals.

Want more real-life, low-cost ideas like this? Dive into our best business ideas in India guide for inspiration.

Tools to use: Pet combs, tick powder, towels, leash set, WhatsApp, Google Maps listing

Estimated Investment: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 (tools + initial care supplies)

Profit Potential: ₹300–₹1,500 per session; ₹10K–₹60K/month depending on demand

15. Local Handicraft Business (Sell on IG)

From jute bags to clay diyas, handmade jewellery to wooden toys — India’s handicrafts have a global fanbase.

If you or someone in your family makes crafts, this is a fantastic low-investment business idea to turn passion into income. And no, you don’t need a big brand to get started.

Create a simple Instagram business account. Post reels showing how your products are made. Offer customisation. Use WhatsApp for orders. That’s it — the business is live.

Many of our community members started with 10–15 handmade items, priced at ₹299–₹699, and now ship across India weekly — all without a website.

For more such creator-first models, explore our earn ₹5,000 per day guide — it’s filled with handcrafted income ideas like this.

Tools to use: Instagram, Canva (pricing sheets), Google Forms, Paytm, India Post or Shiprocket

Estimated Investment: ₹1,000 – ₹4,000 (materials + packaging)

Profit Potential: ₹100–₹500/item; ₹10K–₹70K/month depending on niche

16. Self-Publish eBooks on Amazon KDP

If you love explaining things, sharing ideas, or teaching — you can turn your knowledge into digital books and earn globally.

Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) lets you publish eBooks and paperbacks with ₹0 investment. You upload your manuscript, set your price, and earn royalties every time someone buys your book.

No printing, no shipping, no marketing required upfront. Just value + positioning + some basic keyword research.

Start with topics you already know: personal finance, parenting tips, recipes, digital marketing, freelancing, or how-to guides. You can write in English or regional languages — both have audiences.

We’ve seen creators make their first ₹1,000–₹5,000 in under 30 days — without spending a single rupee. If that’s not smart hustle, what is?

For more digital-first ideas that stack like this, check out our make money online in India guide — where content turns into cash.

Tools to use: Google Docs, Canva (cover design), Grammarly, Amazon KDP account, Notion (outline planner)

Estimated Investment: ₹0 – ₹500 (optional cover upgrades)

Profit Potential: ₹100–₹500 per book/month (per title); ₹5K–₹1L+/month with multiple titles

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Starting Small

Starting a business with low investment sounds easy — and it is — if you avoid the mistakes that most people make in the first 30 days.

These mistakes are silent killers. They don’t just waste money — they kill motivation. So before you start, read this twice:

The truth is, you don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be consistent, curious, and coachable.

The biggest mistake is doing nothing. Take action. Then improve as you go.

Free Tools & Platforms to Launch with ₹0

You don’t need fancy tools or paid subscriptions to start a business. With the right stack of free tools, you can launch, sell, manage, and grow — all without spending a rupee upfront.

Here’s a list of battle-tested platforms we recommend to every beginner:

Every successful business you admire started with these basics. The difference isn’t the tools — it’s what you do with them.

Don’t let tech overwhelm you. Pick 3 tools. Start building.

Bonus Tips to Scale Without Big Spending

Most people think scaling a business means spending more on ads. Not true.

In reality, the smartest small businesses grow with systems, consistency, and word-of-mouth. Here’s how you can grow from ₹5K to ₹50K/month — without burning cash:

• 📢 First, use WhatsApp Broadcast Weekly.
  Send offers, testimonials, or behind-the-scenes stories. Don’t just post — push directly.
• 🤝 Turn Customers into Referrers
  Give ₹100 cashback or a small gift for every successful referral. Let them promote you.
• ⚙️ Use AI to Save Time & Create Content
  Use tools like ChatGPT, Canva, and CapCut to create 7 days of content in 1 hour. Consistency = trust.
• 🔗 Stack Income Streams
  Sell a product + service + affiliate offer. Example: Offer tuition + sell your notes as eBooks.
• 💸 Reinvest First ₹5K Profit into Reach
  Boost your best Instagram Reel or post. Use ₹200/day for 5 days and test what brings inquiries.

FAQs – Small Business Ideas in India with Low Investment

Still have questions? Here are honest, practical answers to what people ask most before starting a low-investment business in India.

1. What business can I start with ₹5,000 in India?

You can start a tiffin service, Instagram thrift store, digital marketing freelancing, WhatsApp marketing service, or even affiliate marketing — all under ₹5,000.

2. Which is the most profitable small business in India?

Course selling, print-on-demand, and service-based freelancing (like digital marketing or tuition) top the list — because they scale without inventory or physical limits.

3. Can I start a business in India without any investment?

Yes. With platforms like Instagram, Meesho, WhatsApp, and affiliate networks, you can launch with ₹0. Use free tools and focus on building relationships and trust.

4. Which business is best for students or housewives?

Home tuition, pet sitting, reselling, or content creation via YouTube automation or blogging are all great. They’re time-flexible and low-risk.

5. How much can I realistically earn per month?

From ₹5,000/month (starting) to ₹1 lakh+/month (scaling). It depends on consistency, niche, and how well you market and follow up.

6. What’s the best way to learn how to do all this?

Start small. Use free content. And when you’re ready to move faster, book a free strategy call with our team — we’ll guide you step-by-step.

Conclusion – Start Small, Grow Big

Starting a business doesn’t require lakhs of rupees, an MBA, or a big office. It requires action.

All the small business ideas in India with low investment we’ve shared here are real, practical, and working for thousands of people already — from housewives and students to 9–5 employees and retired professionals.

Will it be perfect from Day 1? No. But that’s not the goal. The goal is to start — and keep going.

You already have the tools. You already have the ideas. Now it’s time to do something with them.

You don’t need permission. You need momentum. Start today. You’ll thank yourself in 90 days.