19 Best Business Ideas to Start in India 2025: From Low Investment to High Demand

By Shan | Sep 03, 2025

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Starting a small business in India in 2025 is not just about being your own bossits about seizing opportunities in one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. From local kirana shops going digital through ONDC to D2C startups gaining traction on Instagram, Indias entrepreneurial wave is stronger than ever.

Today, over 6.3 crore micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) operate in India. Together, they:

(Source: Ministry of MSME, 2025)

That means just about every second person you meet is either a business owner, working for a business, or relying upon a business. And opportunities are only increasingfurther intensified by digital adoption, government schemes, and a consumer base with younger and aspirational customers than ever before! 

So if you're thinking of starting your own business this year, here's a guide to 19 of the best business ideas in India for 2025a mix of low-investment opportunities, services in high-growth demand areas, and future-ready opportunities.


What Counts as a Small Business in India?

In India, a small business falls under the MSME category, defined by investment and turnover:

Category

Investment Limit

Annual Turnover

Micro

Up to 1 crore

Up to 5 crore

Small

Up to 10 crore

Up to 50 crore

Medium

Up to 50 crore

Up to 250 crore

(Source: Ministry of MSME)

This classification is not just a labelit determines your access to loans, tax benefits, and government support under schemes like:

Steps to Start a Small Business in India

Heres a roadmap for new entrepreneurs:

Step

Action

Tools / Support

1

Register your business

Udyam portal, GST registration, FSSAI (for food businesses), Shops & Establishment license

2

Secure funding

MUDRA loans, SIDBI, NBFCs, fintech lenders like Paytm & Razorpay Capital

3

Choose your model

Physical store, cloud kitchen, online D2C, service-based

4

Go digital

UPI, POS software, ONDC integration, WhatsApp Business

5

Build your team

Part-timers, gig workers, freelancers

6

Market smartly

Instagram, YouTube, Google Business profile, referrals

Pro Tip: Even if your business is offline (like a pet shop or food outlet), create an online presence. Today, most customers Google before they buy.

19 Best Business Ideas to Start in India 2025

Here are the top opportunitieseach with its potential, investment, and real-world relevance.

1. Home Improvement Services 

2. Cleaning Services 

3. Tutoring & Edtech Coaching 

4. Personal Training & Wellness Studios 

5. Local Delivery & Hyperlocal Courier 

6. Baby & Childcare Products 

7. Pet Care & Grooming 

8. Digital Marketing Agency

9. App Development & IT Services 

10. 3D Printing & Prototyping 

11. Accounting & Tax Consultancy 


12. Fashion Resale & Thrift Stores 

  • Why in demand: Young Indians prefer sustainable and affordable fashion.

  • Investment: 14 lakh (curated stock, online store).

  • Example: Instagram thrift stores in Delhi and Mumbai selling out in hours.

  • Takeaway: Social media presence is the key driver.

13. Bike Stores & Repair Shops 

  • Why in demand: Fitness + eco-friendly commuting drives cycling growth.

  • Investment: 26 lakh (shop, tools).

  • Example: Gurugram shops offering rentals + repair.

  • Takeaway: Repairs = steady income even when sales dip.

14. Auto Repair & Spare Parts 

  • Why in demand: More used cars higher repair demand.

  • Investment: 310 lakh (garage setup).

  • Example: Doorstep auto service startups expanding across cities.

  • Takeaway: Trust = repeat customers.

15. Electronics Repair 

  • Why in demand: With 1B+ smartphones in India, repairing is cheaper than replacing.

  • Investment: 13 lakh (training, tools).

  • Example: Small shops in Mumbai earning 12 lakh/month.

  • Takeaway: Skill-focused, repeat customers guaranteed.

16. Dental Clinics & Diagnostics 

  • Why in demand: Preventive healthcare is rising, especially in cities.

  • Investment: 515 lakh (clinic + equipment).

  • Example: Chains like Clove Dental scaling pan-India.

  • Takeaway: Requires degree, but high ROI.

17. Candy Shops & Regional Sweets 

  • Why in demand: Indians love experiential shoppinglive mithai/candy making draws crowds.

  • Investment: 38 lakh (shop, raw material).

  • Example: Jaipur shops doing live jalebi demos during tourist season.

  • Takeaway: Blend of food + entertainment.

18. Discount & Liquidation Stores 

  • Why in demand: Inflation pushes shoppers toward value deals.

  • Investment: 26 lakh (bulk sourcing).

  • Example: Stores selling branded apparel at 50% discounts.

  • Takeaway: Smart sourcing = high margins.

19. Dropshipping & ONDC eCommerce 

  • Why in demand: Selling online without inventory is attractive to beginners. ONDC makes it accessible for local sellers.

  • Investment: 50,0002 lakh (website, ads).

  • Example: Regional handicraft sellers are now selling globally through ONDC and Amazon Global.

  • Takeaway: Competitive, but branding and niche focus make the difference.

Which Businesses Will Be Most Profitable in the Future?

Looking ahead, some sectors clearly stand out:

  • AI-driven services: SMEs need automation tools, chatbots, and AI marketing.

  • Green businesses: EV charging stations, eco-packaging, solar-powered services.

  • Digital-first exports: Handicrafts, ayurvedic products, and D2C brands selling on ONDC and Amazon Global.

FAQs

Q1. Which small business is most profitable in India?
Consulting, digital marketing, app development, and online educationlow investment, high margins.

Q2. Which sector will boom in 2025?
E-commerce, wellness, EV-related services, and sustainable products.

Q3. Whats the cheapest profitable business?
Freelance writing, tutoring, digital marketing, or dropshipping.

Q4. Which business is easiest for beginners?
Pet sitting, tiffin services, cleaning, or personal coaching.

Final Takeaway

Starting a small business in India in 2025 is about recognizing opportunities, being digital-first, and managing costs properly. In a country as rich in opportunities as India, regardless of a business's investment, whether it be selling pet food, online tutoring, or starting a delivery service, there is something for everyone, but also plenty for low-investment ground-up folks, as well as growth-minded entrepreneurs.

If you are excited about starting your own small business, then consider starting with one of these 19 ideas about running a business as the right side hustle. Focus on running a lean business, and embed yourself in a digital-first mindset. Understand that the future is a competition of flexibility, data, and customer experience.

Also Read: Rupee Forecast 2025: Key Drivers Behind INR Weakness Against the US Dollar

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