Best Startup Ideas Under 1 lac Investment

Starting a business in 2025 no longer requires crores or even lakhs of rupees. With the right idea, skill, and internet access, you can launch a profitable startup with less than ₹1 lakh.

India’s startup ecosystem is booming. From Tier 1 cities to small towns, people are turning passions into income. And thanks to digital tools, logistics support, and UPI-based payments, it’s easier than ever.

This article brings you the best startup ideas in 2025 that require low investment but have high potential for growth.

1. Print-on-Demand Clothing & Merchandise

Investment: ₹20,000 – ₹50,000
How It Works:

• Create and sell T-shirts, hoodies, mugs, bags, etc., using platforms like Printrove, Qikink, or Shopify Print-on-Demand.
• You don’t need to maintain stock — just upload designs and earn profit on each sale.

Skills Needed: Canva design, marketing via Instagram/Reels
Earning Potential: ₹30,000–₹1.5L/month
Real Example: Multiple Indian creators make ₹80,000+/month through niche merchandise (Source: Shark Tank India S3, Printrove Blog)

2. Online Course or Coaching Business

Investment: ₹0 – ₹20,000 (Zoom, Canva, or Notion setup)
What You Do:

• Teach a skill you know — spoken English, yoga, digital marketing, or coding.
• Host classes live or record them once and sell forever.

Best Platforms: Gumroad, Teachable, Zoom, YouTube
Monetization: Course sales, 1-on-1 coaching
Earning Potential: ₹50,000 to ₹5L/month depending on niche
Growth Tip: Build trust through Instagram Reels & LinkedIn

3. Reselling via WhatsApp or Meesho

Investment: ₹5,000 – ₹25,000
How It Works:

• Buy trending products (jewelry, clothing, gadgets) from wholesale apps or markets, and resell with margin via WhatsApp, Meesho, or Facebook groups.

Tools Needed: WhatsApp Business, payment link, catalog
Skills: Negotiation, product research, communication
Real Example: Meesho reported over 13 lakh women entrepreneurs selling part-time (Source: Meesho Business Report 2024)

???? 4. Homemade Beauty or Skincare Brand

Investment: ₹25,000 – ₹50,000
Business Model:

• Make and sell natural soaps, hair oils, lip balms, or creams using Ayurveda and clean ingredients.
• Sell via Instagram, DMs, Amazon, or local exhibitions.

What You Need: Basic ingredients, jars, Canva for labels, FSSAI registration
Earning Potential: ₹40,000–₹2L/month
Hot Trend: Organic & vegan skincare – rising 28% YoY in India (Source: FICCI Wellness Report 2024)

???? 5. Dropshipping Store (No Inventory Needed)

Investment: ₹15,000 – ₹50,000
Model:

• Create an online store using Shopify or WooCommerce, list products from Indian or global suppliers, and promote via Facebook/Google Ads.

No Inventory: The supplier ships directly to the customer
Margins: 20–50%
Best Niches in 2025: Home decor, pet accessories, gadgets
Risk Tip: Test products before scaling ads

???? 6. Social Media Management Agency

Investment: ₹10,000 – ₹30,000 (Laptop, Canva Pro, phone)
How It Works:

• Handle Instagram/Facebook pages for local businesses, coaches, or brands.
  Services include: posts, reels, reply to DMs, and growth campaigns.

Earning Model: Monthly retainers of ₹10,000–₹50,000/client
Tools to Use: Buffer, Canva, Google Sheets
Hot Tip: Focus on real estate, fitness, fashion niches for quick results

7. Mobile Food Business or Cloud Kitchen

Investment: ₹40,000 – ₹1,00,000
Options:

• Tiffin service for working professionals

• Regional snacks (chaat, idli, momos)

• Cloud kitchen for Swiggy/Zomato orders

Things to Consider: FSSAI, local licenses, food hygiene
Real Example: Home chefs in Delhi, Mumbai earn ₹80,000–₹2L/month with regional tiffin startups (Source: Swiggy Trends Report 2024)

???? 8. Smartphone Photography/Videography Studio

Investment: ₹25,000 – ₹50,000
Model:
Use a good smartphone, ring light, gimbal, and editing apps (VN, InShot) to shoot reels, product videos, portraits, or events.

Ideal Clients: Instagram sellers, restaurants, influencers, small weddings
Income Potential: ₹20,000 – ₹1L/month
Bonus: Offer “Reels Packages” to local cafes or influencers

Startup Summary Table

Summary & Action Steps

You don’t need to be rich to start a business — you need a good idea, action, and consistency.
With tools like UPI, Instagram, Canva, and marketplaces like Meesho and Shopify, starting a legit business under ₹1 lakh is easier than ever.

What You Should Do:

1. Pick an idea that suits your skill and interest

2. Study 3–4 successful brands in that niche

3. Start small, test the market, and scale gradually

4. Use Instagram and WhatsApp for marketing

5. Reinvest early profits to upgrade tools or ads

Sources Referenced

• Meesho Business Report 2024

• FICCI Wellness Report

• Swiggy Trends 2024

• Printrove & Qikink Merchant Blogs

• Shark Tank India 2024 Business Cases

• LinkedIn Small Business Data India 2025