7 Profitable Small Business Ideas with Low Startup Cost

Starting a business in India with low investment doesn’t mean you have to follow the same old business models like dropshipping, freelancing, or YouTube. The Indian market is evolving, and new business opportunities are emerging that many people haven’t tapped into yet.

7 Unique Ways to Start a Business in India with Low Investment: Each idea includes a step-by-step business plan, required investment, and earning potential.

---

1. AI-Powered Resume Writing & Job Search Assistance

With AI-powered hiring tools like ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems), LinkedIn AI screening, and AI-driven job applications, job seekers struggle to stand out. Most resumes don’t even get seen by recruiters due to poor formatting or keyword optimization.

How to Start?

1. Learn about ATS & AI job search trends – Research how AI filters resumes in India’s job market.
2. Use AI tools for resume optimization – Platforms like ChatGPT, Resume.io, and Canva help craft ATS-friendly resumes.
3. Offer services online – List your services on LinkedIn, Fiverr, and Upwork.
4. Expand into career coaching – Provide mock interview coaching, LinkedIn profile optimization, and AI-driven job search strategies.
5. Create a subscription-based model – Offer premium resume review + career guidance at a monthly fee.

Investment & Earnings Potential

• Investment: ₹5,000 (for website, tools, and branding).
• Earnings Potential: ₹40,000–₹2,00,000/month depending on client volume.

---

2. Local Home Energy Consulting (Solar & Energy Savings Advisor)

• Rising electricity bills in India are making homeowners and businesses look for energy-efficient solutions.
• Many homes and commercial spaces want to install solar panels but don’t understand cost, feasibility, or government subsidies.
• The solar and home energy market is expected to grow exponentially in India.

How to Start?

1. Educate yourself on solar and energy efficiency – Take free online courses on renewable energy and green consulting.
2. Partner with local solar companies – Work as a commission-based agent for solar panel and inverter suppliers.
3. Offer energy audits – Help clients calculate their energy savings by switching to LED lighting, smart appliances, and solar solutions.
4. Create a local brand – Market services through WhatsApp groups, local Facebook pages, and YouTube videos.
5. Provide government subsidy guidance – Educate customers about solar subsidies & tax incentives.

Investment & Earnings Potential

• Investment: ₹10,000 (for marketing & basic training).
• Earnings Potential: ₹50,000–₹1,50,000/month depending on consultation fees & commissions.

---

3. Subscription-Based Local Farming & Organic Home Delivery

• Rising demand for organic food in India, but limited supply chains.
• People want fresh, chemical-free vegetables, dairy, and fruits.
• Subscription-based models ensure consistent revenue.

How to Start?

1. Tie up with local farmers or start a backyard organic garden – Source fresh organic produce.
2. Create a monthly subscription model – Customers pay ₹999–₹2,999/month for weekly deliveries.
3. Target urban families and fitness-conscious individuals – Sell through WhatsApp, Instagram, and Google My Business.
4. Bundle additional organic products – Add items like cold-pressed oils, herbal teas, or homemade pickles.
5. Offer doorstep delivery – Hire a delivery person or use local courier services.

Investment & Earnings Potential

• Investment: ₹15,000 (for initial sourcing & branding).
• Earnings Potential: ₹60,000–₹2,00,000/month.

---

4. Smart Home Automation & IoT Installation

Why is this a great business idea?

• The Indian smart home market is booming, but installation services are still limited in many cities.
• Most people want Alexa, Google Home, smart security cameras, and IoT devices, but don’t know how to integrate them properly.
• Home automation improves security, energy savings, and convenience, increasing demand.

How to Start?

1. Learn about smart home devices – Study products from Syska, Wipro, Philips Hue, Xiaomi, and Google Nest.
2. Buy basic smart home kits – Start with smart bulbs, security cameras, and smart plugs for demonstration.
3. Offer home automation consultation & installation – Market services to apartment owners, offices, and restaurants.
4. Build partnerships – Work with real estate agents, electricians, and hardware stores to get clients.
5. Create packages – Offer basic (₹10,000), advanced (₹25,000), and premium (₹50,000+) setups.

Investment & Earnings Potential

• Investment: ₹20,000 (for basic smart devices & marketing).
• Earnings Potential: ₹75,000–₹3,00,000/month.

---

5. Niche Subscription Boxes (Regional Specialties, Artisanal Goods, etc.)

• People love curated, high-quality Indian products but don’t know where to buy them.
• Great for ethnic snacks, handcrafted products, eco-friendly goods, and wellness kits.

How to Start?

1. Choose a niche – E.g., Kashmiri dry fruits, Rajasthani handicrafts, or eco-friendly self-care kits.
2. Source products directly from local artisans – Buy wholesale from IndiaMart or local markets.
3. Create an attractive subscription plan – Charge ₹999–₹2,999/month for curated boxes.
4. Sell via Instagram & WhatsApp – Use reels and WhatsApp business catalogs.
5. Offer customization options – Allow customers to pick & personalize items.

Investment & Earnings Potential

• Investment: ₹15,000–₹30,000.
• Earnings Potential: ₹50,000–₹1,50,000/month.

---

6. 3D Printing Business for Small-Scale Manufacturing

• 3D printing is still a new market in India, with very few service providers.
• Small businesses need custom parts, prototypes, and personalized gifts.

How to Start?

1. Buy an entry-level 3D printer – Start with a basic model (Creality, Anycubic, etc.).
2. Offer customization services – E.g., phone cases, jewelry, home decor, industrial parts.
3. Sell on Instagram, Amazon, and Etsy – Take custom orders online.
4. Target local businesses & students – Many engineering students need 3D-printed prototypes.
5. Scale by offering bulk production – Work with architects, product designers, and brands.

Investment & Earnings Potential

• Investment: ₹25,000–₹50,000.
• Earnings Potential: ₹60,000–₹2,00,000/month.

---

7. AI-Driven Local Marketing Agency for Small Businesses

• Most local businesses in India struggle with digital marketing.
• AI-powered tools can automate SEO, ad creation, and content marketing.

How to Start?

1. Learn AI marketing tools – Use ChatGPT, Canva AI, Writesonic, and Jasper AI.
2. Offer services to local businesses – Help restaurants, salons, and retailers get more customers.
3. Create a social media presence – Showcase success stories.
4. Charge for monthly services – Offer ₹5,000–₹30,000/month plans.

Investment & Earnings Potential

• Investment: ₹10,000.
• Earnings Potential: ₹50,000–₹2,00,000/month.

---

Closing Thoughts

These 7 unique business ideas have low startup costs but high future potential. Starting a business in India with low investment is possible if you leverage digital platforms, market effectively, and stay consistent.

Which idea interests you the most?