Starting a business can sometimes require a hefty investment. However, with creativity, dedication, and strategic planning, you can kickstart a successful venture even with a budget of less than Rs. 1 lakh.
In this blog, we’ll delve into 10 promising small business ideas under 1 lakh in India that fit this criteria, discussing their potential, investment requirements, market trends, and essential tips for success.
1. Freelance Services
Freelancing is a great business idea for those who have a skill they can offer online. Whether you’re a writer, designer, developer, or marketer, platforms like Upwork and Fiverr help you find clients worldwide.
You don’t need much money to begin. Just a laptop, internet connection, and a solid profile. You can build your reputation by completing small jobs and slowly move to bigger projects. As remote work becomes more common, the demand for freelancers is growing.
To succeed, keep learning, deliver quality work, and focus on building long-term client relationships.
2. Home-Based Catering
If you enjoy cooking, you can turn your passion into a business by starting a home-based catering service. Start by catering for small family gatherings or birthday parties. You can offer specialised menus like healthy meals, regional cuisines, or festive dishes.
The setup cost is low. You’ll need basic kitchen tools, ingredients, and simple packaging. You can promote your service through word of mouth or social media. As orders grow, you can expand with the help of a small loan.
Always maintain food quality, hygiene, and timely service to gain loyal customers.
3. Tutoring Services
If you’re good at a subject, language, or skill, tutoring is a reliable business you can start from home. You can teach school subjects, music, art, or spoken English to children or adults. Many parents look for extra academic help, and online tutoring has become very popular.
You’ll need teaching materials, a good internet connection, and a quiet space. A small investment can help you set up your workspace and promote your service. To build trust, be patient, stay consistent, and adapt your teaching method to suit different students.
4. Handmade Crafts and Artwork
If you’re creative, making and selling handmade crafts is a good small business idea. You can create jewellery, home decor, personalised gifts, or paintings. Many people look for unique, handmade items for gifting or decoration.
You can sell through social media, online marketplaces, or local exhibitions. Your investment will go into raw materials, tools, and simple packaging. Keep your designs original and use good photos to showcase your products.
Focus on quality, tell the story behind each item, and keep engaging with your buyers to build a loyal customer base.
5. Pet Services
With more people owning pets, pet-related services are in high demand. You can offer grooming, dog walking, pet sitting, or basic training. Many pet owners need help during travel or work hours, and they look for someone trustworthy. This business can be started from home or by offering doorstep services.
You’ll need basic grooming tools, some pet supplies, and clear service pricing. You can use local ads or social media to reach pet owners. Be kind to animals, keep your space clean, and focus on building trust with both pets and their owners.
6. Fitness Trainer or Yoga Classes
If you enjoy staying fit and have the skills, you can start your own fitness or yoga classes. You don’t need a fancy studio to begin, just a quiet space and some basic equipment.
You can offer one-on-one training, group sessions, or even take classes online. This business allows flexible timings and steady income. As more people become health-conscious, demand for fitness instructors and yoga trainers continues to grow.
With proper certification and regular clients, this can become a full-time profession or a rewarding side hustle.
7. Custom Apparel Printing Business
Starting a custom apparel printing business is a great way to tap into the growing demand for personalised clothing. You can design and hoodies, print t-shirts, or uniforms for schools, events, and small businesses.
Begin with a few orders, and as demand grows, invest in better printing equipment. You can take orders online, through social media, or even via word of mouth. The key to success is offering quality prints, trendy designs, and timely delivery.
This business works well from home and doesn’t need a big setup to start.
8. Event Management Services
If you’re organised and enjoy planning things, event management can be a great business idea. From birthday parties and weddings to small corporate events, people always look for someone who can handle all the details.
You can start by planning events in your neighbourhood and slowly take on bigger projects. Build a list of reliable vendors and service providers. Being active on social media helps get more clients. It’s a business where your network, creativity, and planning skills matter more than big investments or fancy offices.
9. Digital Marketing Agency
With most businesses going online, digital marketing services are in high demand. If you know how to handle social media, run ads, or write content, you can start your own agency. Begin by offering services to local shops or small startups.
Build a portfolio and slowly grow your client base. You can run this business from home with just a laptop and internet connection. Learning new skills and staying updated is important. Over time, you can grow into a full-service agency and hire a small team.
10. Smartphone Screen Guards
Smartphones are everywhere, and so is the need for screen guards. Selling screen protectors is a simple business that doesn’t need much investment. You can set up a small counter in a busy market or sell online.
People prefer on-the-spot screen guard installation, especially in areas with high footfall like malls or near colleges. Buy stock in bulk at wholesale prices to keep costs low. Good service and fair pricing will help build regular customers. It’s a low-risk idea that works well with the right location.
Final thoughts
Starting a business under 1 lakh is feasible with the right idea, strategy, and execution. Whether you choose freelancing, home-based catering, tutoring services, or crafting handmade items, each venture offers unique opportunities for growth and success. By understanding market trends, investing wisely, delivering quality, and adapting to customer needs, you can realise your entrepreneurial dreams with a business idea under 1 lakh.
When it comes to financing your business dreams or enhancing your ventures, Tata Capital has you covered. Tata Capital offers a variety of financial solutions, from small business loans to investment products, ensuring a seamless experience.
FAQs
Freelancing, tutoring, or starting a small-scale e-commerce store are great options under 1 lakh. Low-investment ventures like handmade products or pet services can also yield good returns.
1 lakh is enough to start a small business like a tutoring, handmade crafts, or home-based bakery. Focus on minimising overheads and maximising value to grow steadily.
Identify a profitable niche, plan your finances carefully, and start small with minimal overheads. Consider online platforms to reduce operational costs and reach a broader audience efficiently.
With 1 lakh, you can explore low-cost ideas like pet services, home-based catering, or personalised gifting like handmade soaps. Prioritise quality and customer satisfaction to scale your business over time.
With Rs 1 lakh, you can start a small business like home-based catering, custom t-shirt printing, freelance services, or tutoring. Choose something that matches your skills and interests. Start small, keep costs low, and grow with time.
In 2025, you can explore affordable business ideas like digital marketing services, pet care, handmade products, yoga classes, or selling smartphone accessories. These options need low investment, offer steady demand, and can be managed from home or a small setup.
02 April 2025
6 mins read
Previous Post
