Top 10 Cheapest Businesses to Start from Home in India with Low Investment
Want to Start a Business Without Spending Lakhs? Here Are 10 Super Affordable Ideas You Can Start From Home in India
Dreaming of starting your own business but worried about high startup costs? You’re not alone. With remote work becoming the norm and India’s digital economy booming, more and more people are moving away from traditional 9-to-5 jobs and embracing the freedom of home-based businesses.
Whether you’re a student looking to earn extra cash, a homemaker wanting to support the family financially, a retiree hoping to stay active and independent, or simply someone who wants to break free from the rat race there are real, low-investment opportunities out there for you.
The best part? You don’t need lakhs of rupees, a fancy office, or even a business degree. All you need is a laptop or a smartphone, some internet access, and the drive to build something on your own terms.
In this post, I’ll walk you through 10 of the most affordable and profitable home-based business ideas in India each backed by real-world insights, actionable tips, and an honest breakdown of what it takes to get started.
1. Freelance Content Writing
- Investment Needed: ₹0 – ₹5,000
- Skills Required: Strong Knowledge of English/Hindi, creativity, research ability
If you love writing and expressing ideas, content writing can be your gateway to consistent freelance income. The demand is huge businesses, blogs, YouTube channels, and eCommerce sites constantly need quality content.
You can start by writing blogs, website copy, product descriptions, or even ghostwriting books.
How to Start:
- Build a simple portfolio on Google Docs or a personal blog
- Register on freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Refrens, or Worknhire
- Pitch to startups and agencies on LinkedIn
- Register on Freelance Platforms:
- Use LinkedIn for Outreach:
Connect with startup founders, marketing agencies, and solopreneurs. Send a personalized message with your sample work.
🔑 Pro Tip: Focus on niches like personal finance, health, or SaaS content to charge higher rates.
2. Home-Cooked Food Business
Investment Needed: ₹2,000 – ₹10,000
Skills Required: Cooking, Basic Hygiene, Local Marketing
With rising demand for hygienic, tasty, and affordable food—especially among working professionals and students—starting a home-cooked food business can be a smart and soulful venture.
You don’t need a fancy setup. Just a clean kitchen, passion for cooking, and some local buzz can get you started.
What You Can Offer:
- Daily Tiffin Services – Basic lunch/dinner with 2 sabzis, roti, rice, and dal
- Customizable Meals – Jain, diabetic-friendly, or high-protein meals
- Meal Plans – Weekly/monthly subscriptions for regular customers
- Add-ons – Sweets, snacks, pickles, or festival specials
Example Packages:
- Student Tiffin Box: 4 rotis, dal, sabzi, rice – ₹70/day
- Protein Meal Plan: Grilled paneer/chicken, salad, sprouts – ₹150/day
- Weekend Treats: Homemade biryani or khichdi-kadhi – ₹120 per box
- Corporate Lunch Box: Packed hygienically with label – ₹100-₹200
How to Start:
- Set Up Kitchen:
Get basic utensils, containers, and raw materials. Maintain cleanliness and food safety. - Start Small, Sell Smart:
- Share menus in local WhatsApp groups or society communities
- Post Instagram Reels showing food preparation or customer feedback
- Use Google My Business for local discovery
- Deliver Yourself or Partner:
- Use cycles or two-wheelers for initial delivery
- Collaborate with Dunzo, Zomato Hyperpure, or Swiggy Genie for logistics
Pro Tip:
Begin with lunch/dinner only to manage time and cost. Once you build regular customers, introduce:
Small catering for office parties or birthday events
Evening snacks (e.g., Poha, Sandwiches)
Festive treats (e.g., Diwali faral, Holi gujiya)
3. Online Reselling (Without Inventory)
Investment Needed: ₹0 – ₹5,000
Skills Required: Product research, social media selling
Online reselling is a great low-investment business where you don’t need to keep any stock. You simply source products from wholesale apps and sell them at a profit on platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram. The supplier handles shipping, while you earn the margin.
How It Works:
- Choose a Niche: Like ethnic wear, kitchen tools, or baby care.
- Download a Reseller App: Try Meesho, GlowRoad, or Shop101.
- Share Products: Post images and prices on your social media or WhatsApp.
- Take Orders: Collect payments from customers.
- Place Order with Supplier: They deliver directly to your buyer.
Example 1: Fashion Reseller on Instagram
- Finds a Kurti on Meesho for ₹500
- Lists it on Instagram Stories for ₹800
- Customer pays ₹800 → Meesho ships the product → ₹300 profit earned
Example 2: Kitchen Tools on Facebook Groups
- Lists a vegetable chopper from GlowRoad (₹150 cost)
- Sells it in a Facebook group for ₹250
- Earns ₹100 without touching the product
Example 3: Baby Products via WhatsApp
- Shares baby blanket sets from Shop101 on WhatsApp
- Sells at ₹600 (cost: ₹400) → ₹200 profit
Pro Tip: Focus on categories with repeat buyers like home décor, ethnic fashion, or baby products.
Growth Tip: Build trust through regular updates, honest pricing, and timely responses. Over time, you’ll grow a loyal customer base.
4. Online Tuition or Coaching Classes
Investment Needed: ₹0 – ₹3,000
Skills Required: Subject Knowledge, Communication, Teaching Skills
In a world that’s going digital, online coaching is a booming space. If you’re good at explaining concepts, solving doubts, or demonstrating a skill—this business can bring consistent income with almost no investment.
Whether it’s school subjects, coding, dance, yoga, music, or spoken English—you can teach from your home with just a phone or laptop.
What You Can Teach:
- Academic Subjects: Math, Science, English for Class 6–12
- Competitive Exams: JEE, NEET, UPSC, IELTS, etc.
- Skills: Spoken English, Graphic Design, Python Coding
- Hobbies: Guitar, Drawing, Public Speaking, Yoga
Example Niches:
- “Math Tricks for Class 9–10” – ₹300/class
- “Spoken English for Beginners” – ₹2,000/month
- “Yoga for Back Pain Relief” – ₹500/session
- “Crash Course: Class 12 Chemistry – CBSE” – ₹3,999 for 1 month
How to Start:
- Pick a Niche + Define Your Audience:
Are you teaching kids, college students, or working professionals? - Offer Free Demo Classes:
Helps build trust and word-of-mouth marketing. - Go Visual:
Make Instagram reels, carousels, or YouTube shorts explaining concepts to build credibility and grow organically. - Use Free Platforms:
Zoom, Google Meet, Telegram, and Notion are enough to begin.
Pro Tip:
Start niche-specific. For example:
“Maths Booster Classes for SSC Students”
“Coding for Class 6–10 using Scratch & Python”
“Spoken English for Housewives”
5. Social Media Management
Investment Needed: ₹0 – ₹7,000
Skills Required: Creativity, Content Planning, Design Sense
Every business wants to be on social media—but most don’t know how to create content or stay consistent. If you’re creative and know how Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn works, you can offer social media management services to local brands, creators, and coaches.
It’s a perfect low-cost, high-demand service business.
What You Can Do:
- Create posts, reels, and stories
- Write captions and plan content calendars
- Design graphics using Canva
- Schedule posts using tools like Buffer or Meta Business Suite
Example Clients You Can Target:
- Local boutiques and cafes
- Fitness or yoga instructors
- Motivational speakers or life coaches
- Real estate agents or interior designers
Example Services:
- Basic Plan: 3 posts/week + 2 stories + 1 reel – ₹4,000/month
- Full Management: Daily content + DMs + strategy – ₹10,000+/month
- Reel Editing Package: 8 short-form videos – ₹2,500
How to Start:
- Learn the Tools:
- Canva for design
- CapCut or VN for reel editing
- Buffer or Meta Suite for scheduling
- Create Sample Work:
Make 2–3 mock brand profiles to show your skills and style. Choose niches you want to work in. - Start Outreach:
Message businesses on Instagram or reach out to local cafes, gyms, or solopreneurs in your city.
Pro Tip:
Pick 1–2 industries like:
- Beauty & Skincare
- Health & Fitness
- Education & Coaching
It’s easier to build a strong portfolio, charge more, and scale faster.
6. Dropshipping Business
Investment Needed: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000
Skills Required: Marketing, Website Handling, Product Selection
Dropshipping is one of the easiest ways to enter eCommerce — without investing in bulk inventory or managing shipping. You only purchase products when a customer places an order. Your supplier ships it directly to the buyer.
You handle the storefront, marketing, and customer support, while your supplier does the rest.
Popular Dropshipping Niches:
- Pet accessories (toys, grooming kits)
- Eco-friendly products (bamboo toothbrushes, reusable bottles)
- Fitness gear (resistance bands, yoga mats)
- Gadget accessories (phone holders, charging docks)
Example Product Ideas:
- Custom pet name tags – ₹299 retail / ₹120 supplier cost
- Mini LED ring lights – ₹499 retail / ₹200 supplier cost
- Reusable grocery bags – ₹399 retail / ₹150 supplier cost
How to Start:
- Pick a Niche:
Choose a niche based on trends + your interest. - Build a Store:
Use Shopify (paid) or WooCommerce (on WordPress) for a low-cost setup. - Find Suppliers:
Use platforms like GlowRoad, Spocket, or IndiaMART for local/international suppliers. - Market the Store:
Run Facebook or Instagram ads, or use nano influencers to promote your products.
Pro Tip:
Focus on a single product with high demand at the beginning (like a “Pet Hair Remover Roller”) and build your store around that.
7. Blogging (With Monetization Plan)
Investment Needed: ₹3,000 – ₹5,000
Skills Required: Writing, SEO Basics, Consistency
Blogging can be more than a hobby—it can become a profitable online business if you approach it with the right plan. You can monetize using:
- Google AdSense
- Affiliate Marketing
- Sponsored Posts
- Digital Product Sales
Popular Blogging Niches:
- Personal Finance (saving tips, investing)
- Parenting (baby care, kids’ routines)
- Travel (itineraries, budget travel tips)
- Food (recipes, kitchen hacks)
Example Blog Topics:
- “5 Easy Tax-Saving Tips for Salaried Indians”
- “7-Day Itinerary for Kerala on a Budget”
- “Top 10 Diabetic-Friendly Indian Recipes”
- “Best Hosting Plans for Beginners in 2025”
How to Start:
- Buy Domain & Hosting:
Use Hostinger, Bluehost, or GoDaddy to start a WordPress blog. - Set Up Your Blog:
Install WordPress, use an SEO plugin like Rank Math or Yoast, and pick a clean theme. - Write Weekly Long-Form Content:
Focus on blog posts that solve a problem or answer a question. - Monetize Strategically:
Add affiliate links (Amazon, Digistore, etc.), use Google AdSense after a few months, or sell your own eBooks later.
Pro Tip:
Learn keyword research using Ubersuggest, Google Keyword Planner, or free Chrome extensions like Keywords Everywhere to rank on Google faster.
8. Customized Gifts & Handmade Crafts
Investment Needed: ₹2,000 – ₹10,000
Skills Required: Creativity, Crafting, Packaging
People today are looking for unique, personalized gifts — not boring, mass-produced items. If you love DIY projects, this is a fun and creative business that can grow quickly through Instagram or local events.
You can create handmade items like:
- Resin keychains and bookmarks
- Customized mugs and nameplates
- Scented candles or soaps
- Scrapbooks and explosion boxes
Example Product Ideas:
- Name resin keychain – ₹299 each
- Handmade photo frame – ₹499
- Soy wax candle in jar – ₹399
- Custom birthday explosion box – ₹799+
How to Start:
- Pick a Product Range:
Focus on 2–3 core items to begin with. - Promote on Social Media:
Use Instagram reels, Pinterest pins, and WhatsApp Status to show your creations. - Take Prepaid Orders:
Use Razorpay, Google Pay, or Paytm to collect advance payments and avoid inventory losses. - Package Creatively:
Attractive, eco-friendly packaging adds huge value in gifting.
Pro Tip:
Document your process (reel of making a candle or keychain) — people love watching behind-the-scenes, and it builds trust + virality!
9. Affiliate Marketing
Investment Needed: ₹0 – ₹3,000
Skills Required: Content Creation, Persuasive Writing, SEO
Affiliate marketing is one of the easiest ways to earn passive income online. You promote products or services using a unique affiliate link, and when someone buys through it—you earn a commission. No need to create or manage the product yourself.
You can do this via a blog, YouTube channel, or even Instagram and WhatsApp.
Examples of Affiliate Products:
- Amazon Products: Gadgets, home items, books
- Digital Products: Courses from platforms like Udemy or Coursera
- Web Tools: Hosting (Hostinger, Bluehost), email tools, Canva Pro
- Travel Portals: Goibibo, Booking.com, Agoda affiliate programs
Content Ideas to Promote:
- “Top 5 Budget Laptops for Students (2025)”
- “Best Diwali Gift Ideas Under ₹1,000”
- “Hostinger vs Bluehost – Which Hosting Should You Choose?”
- “My Favorite YouTube Gear for Beginners”
How to Start:
- Choose a Platform:
Start a blog, Instagram page, or YouTube channel. - Pick a Niche:
Stick to one area like tech, skincare, finance, travel, or fitness. - Join Affiliate Programs:
Sign up for: - Create Content Around Products:
Write blog posts, shoot reels or videos, or post reviews that help people decide what to buy.
Pro Tip:
Focus on high-ticket items (like hosting plans, courses, software) because they give ₹500 to ₹5,000+ per sale compared to smaller items like pens or phone cases.
10. Virtual Assistant (VA) Services
Investment Needed: ₹0 – ₹2,000
Skills Required: Organization, Communication, Digital Tools
If you’re organized, good at multitasking, and digitally savvy, you can work as a Virtual Assistant (VA) for clients across the world. VAs help with everyday business tasks like replying to emails, scheduling, posting content, or managing customer queries.
It’s a flexible, work-from-home career that can earn ₹15,000 to ₹80,000/month depending on your experience and clients.
Tasks You Can Offer:
- Email and calendar management
- Social media content scheduling
- Customer support and data entry
- Creating reports or presentations
- Booking appointments or travel
Clients You Can Work With:
- Coaches and consultants
- YouTubers and influencers
- Small eCommerce stores
- Podcasters and authors
How to Start:
- Learn Basic Tools:
- Google Workspace (Gmail, Calendar, Docs)
- Trello or Notion for task management
- Canva for social media posts
- Zoom or Microsoft Teams
- Create a Simple Portfolio:
Make a free website (like on Carrd or Notion) listing your services and skills. - Find Clients:
Pro Tip:
Offer a free trial week to get testimonials and build confidence. Once you have 2–3 happy clients, you can increase your rates and go full-time.
Final Thoughts: Start Small, Grow Smart
You don’t need a big budget to start a business. What you do need is a smart idea, the willingness to learn, and consistent execution. These 10 businesses can all be started from your bedroom or kitchen — and scaled into serious income sources.
So, which idea are you most excited about?
Let us know in the comments, bookmark this guide for future reference, and don’t forget to share it with someone who’s looking to kickstart their business journey from home!
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