Starting a business can seem like a daunting task, especially when capital is limited. Thoughts like inventory management, logistics, marketing, etc., often shake a beginner’s confidence.

It’s a long, arduous journey, but when the plans are right, it benefits founders, stakeholders, and many others who depend on it for their livelihood.

Today, starting a business in the online medium with a small investment is not difficult. SMBStory has listed eight profitable online business ideas, which can be started with a minimum investment of Rs 25,000.

artificial jewelry

Jewelry never goes out of style, nor does it demand. Even during the COVID-19 lockdown, when most businesses were closed, the demand for man-made minimalist jewelry remained constant.

Starting an imitation jewelry business is doable with an investment as low as Rs 25,000. Chinu Kala, founder of Rubans – a Bengaluru-based jewelry brand – says starting an imitation jewelry business is a great idea and suggests that one can invest between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000 in purchasing products in bulk.

“There are portals like TradeIndia, where people can connect with good manufacturers to buy and sell jewelry by setting up an online store,” Chinu explains.

She adds that the company’s first customers can also be friends and family who can endorse the products of those around them and encourage them to buy online.

Home bakery

Starting a basic home bakery business does not require a huge investment, but a strong intention to cook and a handful of money to get an oven and buy ingredients for baking.

Mariam Mohuideen, founder of Baker’s Treat, Mangalore, started from a small bakery built out of passion. She says that baking is a profession and to start a business in this industry, “you have to think outside the box to be successful”.

“You don’t have to build a brand image when you’re starting small, but focus on quality and deliver a flavor that customers would appreciate,” she adds.

A home bakery can start with an investment between Rs 15,000 and Rs 25,000.

homemade candles

In recent years, people have started to buy more candles, especially scented candles, to beautify their home and for gifting purposes.

One can start a candle business with minimal investment either by making it at home or by sourcing it from a third party.

The raw materials used to start the business include wax, wick, molds, wire, aromatic oils, etc.

In addition, you also need to have candle making equipment, which includes a crucible, thermometer, pouring pot, scales, hammer, and furnace (for melting the wax).

Many newbie candle makers can start by listing their products on Itsy Bitsy – a one-stop-shop for making arts and crafts to retail at the D2C stack nationwide.

It has 26 stores across the country including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Panjim, Ahmedabad, Mysore, Shimoga and Delhi.

Bed sheets

Starting an online bed sheet business is quite convenient for founders because products can be purchased in bulk and cheaply from manufacturers.

Entrepreneurs can get in touch with manufacturers through Indiamart or buy directly from cities like Panipat, Jaipur, Delhi, Surat and Kolkata which are famous for their linens.

Jabalpur-based entrepreneur Rekha Sabharwal said she started a home-based linen business by sourcing goods from Delhi’s Sadar bazaar.

She started selling through WhatsApp groups, and today she runs a successful business, selling in and around Jabalpur.

dad

A papad business can be profitable, due to the low investment required. One can start the business at a micro level by making papad at home or collaborate with papad makers in Amritsar, Guruvayoor and Bikaner to get started.

Papads come in many varieties – rice papad, urad dal papad, moong dal papad, aalu papad or phool papad – one can select the SKU according to the prevailing demand in the region.

The Ludhiana-based entrepreneur’s grandfather, S. Amanpreet Thind, started Amritsari’s papad business in 1937 with Rs 100. on e-commerce.

Disposable cutlery

From plastic, areca to bamboo spoons, bowls and plates, the disposable cutlery market has steady demand in India, especially from quick service restaurants (QSRs), retail and customers at many times.

The disposable cutlery business is a low investment and a very profitable business, as the purchased items are sourced from local wholesalers or manufacturers.

Spices

India is a big market for spices, with significant demand coming from all over the country. Previously, we used fresh home-made spices, and we continue to do so. Many spices, including garam masala, jeera masala, paratha masala, etc., are made at home and their demand is constant.

Mother-daughter duo Urmila and Aarti Samant launched Masala Tokri, a Mumbai-based spice brand, which they started by selling to their circle of family and friends.

In just over two years, the duo are now aiming to hit revenue of Rs 1 crore.

The business is profitable and requires a small investment for the supply of raw materials.

The masalas are carefully selected by Urmila. Aarti says their experience running a family masala chakkis business has helped them connect with top quality raw material suppliers across the country.

Buttons

Whether for men, children or women, buttons always enhance the elegance of an outfit. The button business requires minimal investment and can be started from home to set up an online store for selling.

From plastic buttons to fabric and steel buttons, there are different categories in this niche that you can select depending on your choice of business.

For sales purposes, creating a local online group on social media or messengers can be a first step. SME entrepreneurs can also create their personalized online store in minutes on the MyEasyStore platform.