Starting your own business doesn’t always need a lot of money. In fact, with the right mindset, skill, and strategy, you can build a profitable business with very little capital. Whether you’re a student, homemaker, working professional, or retiree—here are 10 great business ideas with low investment that can help you earn steadily and even grow into a full-time venture.
1. Freelancing Services (Writing, Design, Programming)
Investment: Internet connection + Laptop
Skills Needed: Writing, graphic design, video editing, coding, etc.
Earning Potential: ₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000/month
If you have any digital skill like content writing, graphic design, web development, SEO, or video editing, freelancing is one of the quickest and cheapest ways to earn. You can offer your services on platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr, or even LinkedIn. The best part? You choose your projects, your price, and your time.
Why it works:
• No office needed
• Global clientele
• Scale up with a team later
2. Online Tutoring or Coaching
Investment: Zero to minimal (Zoom account or whiteboard)
Skills Needed: Subject knowledge or a talent (music, yoga, coding, etc.)
Earning Potential: ₹500 to ₹2,000/hour
Do you excel at maths, science, English, or even yoga or a musical instrument? You can start online tutoring via Zoom, Google Meet, or Vedantu/Teachmint. There’s growing demand for academic support, soft skills coaching, and entrance exam prep (JEE/NEET/IELTS).
Why it works:
• No transportation or classroom required
• Can be done part-time
• Grows with word-of-mouth
3. Virtual Assistant (VA) Services
Investment: Basic computer + Internet
Skills Needed: Email handling, research, scheduling, data entry
Earning Potential: ₹15,000 to ₹50,000/month
Many small businesses and solopreneurs need remote support for admin tasks. As a VA, you might manage calendars, emails, social media, research, and basic customer support. All of this can be done from the comfort of your home.
Why it works:
• Low entry barrier
• High demand in US/UK markets
• Long-term recurring clients
Also Read:- Top 10 Profitable Low-Investment Business Ideas to Start Today
4. Social Media Management
Investment: Internet + Mobile or laptop
Skills Needed: Social media knowledge, content planning
Earning Potential: ₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000/month
Every small business wants to be visible online but may not know how. If you’re good with Instagram, Facebook, YouTube Shorts, or Reels, offer to handle their pages, create posts, run ads, or reply to comments.
Why it works:
• High ROI for businesses
• You can manage multiple clients
• Learn while doing
5. Dropshipping Business
Investment: ₹3,000 to ₹15,000 (basic website and ads)
Skills Needed: Product research, digital marketing
Earning Potential: Varies – profit per product sale
Dropshipping lets you sell products online without holding inventory. When a customer orders, your supplier ships the product directly. You only pay after the order comes in.
Popular dropshipping platforms: Shopify, WooCommerce, Meesho
Why it works:
• No stock required
• Test different products easily
• Global and local reach
6. Affiliate Marketing
Investment: Mobile or laptop + content platform (YouTube, Blog, Instagram)
Skills Needed: Content creation, SEO, persuasive writing
Earning Potential: ₹1,000 to ₹2,00,000/month (based on traffic)
In affiliate marketing, you promote products using a special link. You earn a commission whenever someone buys through your link. Amazon, Flipkart, and many ed-tech and fintech platforms have affiliate programs.
Why it works:
• Passive income model
• No product handling
• Endless niche options
Also Read:- India’s Stock Market in 2025: A New Era of Investment Opportunities
7. Selling Handmade or Homemade Products
Investment: ₹5,000 to ₹20,000 for raw materials
Skills Needed: Crafting, baking, candle-making, soap-making, etc.
Earning Potential: ₹500 to ₹50,000/month
If you’re good at making jewellery, candles, soaps, gift hampers, home decor, or baked goods, start selling them on Instagram, WhatsApp, or Etsy. These are perfect for festive gifting and niche markets.
Why it works:
• Personal touch attracts loyal customers
• Perfect for home-based entrepreneurs
• Can expand to bulk or wedding orders
8.Home-Based Tiffin or Bakery Services
Investment: ₹5,000–₹15,000 for ingredients and packaging
Skills Needed: Cooking skills, hygiene maintenance
Earning Potential: ₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000/month
Many working professionals and students prefer home-style food. If you’re good at cooking, start a tiffin delivery service, or specialize in cakes, cookies, snacks for events. Get orders via Zomato, Swiggy, or Google Business Profile.
Why it works:
• Low overhead
• High repeat orders
• Word-of-mouth marketing works wonders
Also Read:- From Rejection to ₹500 Crore: The Unstoppable Journey of Vineeta Singh and Sugar Cosmetics
9. Online Course Creation
Investment: ₹2,000–₹10,000 (equipment + course platform)
Skills Needed: Teaching and presentation
Earning Potential: ₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000/month (scalable)
Create a course around your skill – coding, Excel, Instagram growth, trading, cooking, anything! Use platforms like Udemy, Teachable, or your own website. Once uploaded, it becomes a source of passive income.
Why it works:
• Create once, sell forever
• Global student base
• Builds authority in your niche
10. Photography Services
Investment: Camera/mobile phone + editing software
Skills Needed: Photography, lighting, basic editing
Earning Potential: ₹5,000 to ₹1,00,000/event
If you have an eye for photography, start small by clicking for birthdays, pre-wedding shoots, events, or product photos for Instagram sellers. Build a portfolio and charge higher as your skills grow.
Why it works:
• High demand in metros & tier-2 cities
• Word-of-mouth builds trust
• Opportunity to sell stock photos online too
Tips for Succeeding in Low-Investment Businesse
✅ Start with skills you already have.
✅ Validate your business idea first—test it with a few customers.
✅ Keep costs low initially—use free tools, work from home.
✅ Market through WhatsApp groups, Instagram, Google Business, and referrals.
✅ Reinvest profits instead of spending them.
Final Thoughts
Low-investment businesses are not just side hustles anymore—they are real income generators when done right. Whether you’re a student, homemaker, or job-seeker, the ideas above can help you start earning in under 30 days.
All you need is consistency, creativity, and a never-give-up attitude