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

Starting a small business in India in 2025 is not just about being your own boss—it’s 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, India’s entrepreneurial wave is stronger than ever.

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

• Employ 11 crore+ people.
  
  

• Contribute 30% to India’s GDP.
  
  

• Account for 45% of exports.
  
  

(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 increasing—further 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 2025—a 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:

(Source: Ministry of MSME)

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

• MUDRA Loans: Collateral-free loans up to ₹10 lakh.
  
  

• CGTMSE: Credit guarantee for entrepreneurs.
  
  

• Startup India: Tax and funding support for innovative businesses.
  
  

Steps to Start a Small Business in India

Here’s a roadmap for new entrepreneurs:

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 opportunities—each with its potential, investment, and real-world relevance.

1. Home Improvement Services 

• Why in demand: As urban housing expands, homeowners need reliable professionals for plumbing, carpentry, interior design, and painting.
  
  

• Investment: ₹2–10 lakh for tools, skilled staff, and marketing.
  
  

• Growth factor: New home buyers in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities prefer professionals over DIY.
  
  

• Example: Platforms like Urban Company have proven how big this market is. A local entrepreneur can serve niche areas with less competition.
  
  

• Takeaway: Ideal if you have trade skills or can manage small teams.
  
  

2. Cleaning Services 

• Why in demand: Busy professionals and offices are outsourcing cleaning. Hygiene awareness remains high post-pandemic.
  
  

• Investment: ₹1–3 lakh (equipment, staff).
  
  

• Example: Subscription-based cleaning for gated societies in cities like Pune and Bengaluru.
  
  

• Takeaway: Simple to start, recurring income if you sign contracts with offices.
  
  

3. Tutoring & Edtech Coaching 

• Why in demand: From JEE prep to skill-based training (coding, communication), demand never dips.
  
  

• Investment: ₹50,000–2 lakh (basic setup, marketing).
  
  

• Growth factor: NEP 2020 reforms + digital adoption.
  
  

• Example: A Lucknow teacher grew from Zoom classes to a coaching center within 2 years.
  
  

• Takeaway: Low-cost, high-return business.
  
  

4. Personal Training & Wellness Studios 

• Why in demand: Indians are spending more on health, fitness, and wellness experiences.
  
  

• Investment: ₹2–5 lakh (certification, space, equipment).
  
  

• Example: Trainers leveraging Instagram Reels and YouTube for hybrid (online + offline) coaching.
  
  

• Takeaway: Great for fitness enthusiasts with people skills.
  
  

5. Local Delivery & Hyperlocal Courier 

• Why in demand: Quick-commerce isn’t just for metros. Small-town consumers now expect groceries, medicines, and essentials within hours.
  
  

• Investment: ₹1–3 lakh (bike, delivery tie-ups).
  
  

• Example: Local services in Indore delivering medicines to seniors within 30 minutes.
  
  

• Takeaway: Reliability builds loyalty; can scale into logistics.
  
  

6. Baby & Childcare Products 

• Why in demand: Baby care is recession-proof. Parents spend heavily on organic food, toys, and safe clothing.
  
  

• Investment: ₹2–6 lakh (D2C brand or local retail).
  
  

• Example: Mamaearth started small, now a ₹10,000 crore brand.
  
  

• Takeaway: Safety certifications + loyalty programs = repeat customers.
  
  

7. Pet Care & Grooming 

• Why in demand: India has 35 million pets, projected to double by 2030. Grooming, premium food, and accessories are booming.
  
  

• Investment: ₹3–8 lakh (tools, shop).
  
  

• Example: Heads Up For Tails grew from one store to a national chain.
  
  

• Takeaway: Combine grooming + retail for higher margins.
  
  

8. Digital Marketing Agency

• Why in demand: SMEs are shifting online but lack expertise in SEO, ads, or content.
  
  

• Investment: ₹1–3 lakh (laptop, tools).
  
  

• Example: Freelancers in India already earn ₹1–5 lakh/month managing campaigns.
  
  

• Takeaway: Pick a niche (restaurants, D2C brands, real estate).
  
  

9. App Development & IT Services 

• Why in demand: Every business wants an app or website. AI-based tools are rising too.
  
  

• Investment: ₹1–5 lakh (training, software).
  
  

• Example: Agencies in Pune serving global clients remotely.
  
  

• Takeaway: Best for skilled developers, scalable to large teams.
  
  

10. 3D Printing & Prototyping 

• Why in demand: Used in healthcare, automotive, and education. Demand for low-cost prototyping is rising.
  
  

• Investment: ₹5–10 lakh (3D printer, materials).
  
  

• Example: Startups in Chennai making prosthetics with 3D printing.
  
  

• Takeaway: Niche B2B, high profit potential.
  
  

11. Accounting & Tax Consultancy 

• Why in demand: MSMEs need help with GST, tax filing, and payroll.
  
  

• Investment: ₹50,000–2 lakh (software, licenses).
  
  

• Example: Small CA firms expanding online with cloud-based services.
  
  

• Takeaway: Stable recurring clients, but requires qualifications.