1. SOCIAL MEDIA ASSISTANCE SERVICE
We have previously talked about how big social media is for big and small businesses both. This kind of Business is merely an extension of how well you know your social networks and how best to use them for business clients. Under this service, you could be doing ghost-writing for businesses, posting on their blogs, Facebook, LinkedIn and twitter accounts. You could also actively monitor the networks for mentions of your client and manage them accordingly
We have previously talked about how big social media is for big and small businesses both. This kind of Business is merely an extension of how well you know your social networks and how best to use them for business clients. Under this service, you could be doing ghost-writing for businesses, posting on their blogs, Facebook, LinkedIn and twitter accounts. You could also actively monitor the networks for mentions of your client and manage them accordingly
Seed capital: Rs.10,000
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: 6 months
Resources: You should know your social networks. Guides on how to effectively use social media for businesses are available online. Social media workshops have also begun in Indian cities
Expected revenues: Rs.15 Lakh (5 years); Rs.50 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space, laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting cards + letterheads)
Licensing and permissions: You will need a specific permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your local authority
2. HR AND RECRUITING SERVICE
Not every business can afford a human resources department. Not everyone can afford a big recruitment firm either. There is a gap here that can be exploited, especially by human resources professionals, to start building their own recruiting firm. Further on, you can also actively manage these firms’ HR processes for them, all the time putting yourself to be one of those big firms as well.
Not every business can afford a human resources department. Not everyone can afford a big recruitment firm either. There is a gap here that can be exploited, especially by human resources professionals, to start building their own recruiting firm. Further on, you can also actively manage these firms’ HR processes for them, all the time putting yourself to be one of those big firms as well.
Seed capital: Rs.10,000
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: Immediate
Resources: If you are not trained already, pursue a short course or workshop at an institute like Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning or IGNOU
Expected revenues: Rs.10 lakh (5 years); Rs.20 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space, laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting cards + letterheads)
Licensing and permissions: You will need a specific permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your local authority
3. TRANSLATION SERVICES
Globalization and the positives in business infrastructure mean that even small and medium businesses now work across at least a few nations. But this comes with the hurdle of language in which they invariably need assistance. So, if you know any language of business, you are going to be in business yourself as translators are in big need. A translation service would be required to interpret all sorts of documents, but their greatest source of revenue will be legal and medical companies. You can specialize in the one or two languages you speak fluently, or you can hire other linguists to translate dozens of other tongues.
Globalization and the positives in business infrastructure mean that even small and medium businesses now work across at least a few nations. But this comes with the hurdle of language in which they invariably need assistance. So, if you know any language of business, you are going to be in business yourself as translators are in big need. A translation service would be required to interpret all sorts of documents, but their greatest source of revenue will be legal and medical companies. You can specialize in the one or two languages you speak fluently, or you can hire other linguists to translate dozens of other tongues.
Seed capital: Rs.10,000
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: Immediate
Resources: If you are not trained already, pursue French at Alliance Francaise, German at the Max Mueller Bhavan, Spanish at Instituto Hispanico, Chinese at the India China Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Japanese at the Language School of Indo-Japan Chamber of Commerce
Expected revenues: Rs.20 lakh (5 years); Rs.40 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space, laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting cards + letterheads)
Licensing and permissions: You will need a specific permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your local authority
4. BOARDROOM FACILITIES
This is a business idea that, though a tad expensive, can bring in huge revenue over time. Most small and medium businesses do not have boardrooms of their own owing to the space crunch in most big cities. In addition, some do not want to commit that much investment towards a boardroom of their own. Hence, they rent boardrooms for meetings, events and general socialization. So, if you have space of your own, you can easily modify it to suit a business’ needs.
This is a business idea that, though a tad expensive, can bring in huge revenue over time. Most small and medium businesses do not have boardrooms of their own owing to the space crunch in most big cities. In addition, some do not want to commit that much investment towards a boardroom of their own. Hence, they rent boardrooms for meetings, events and general socialization. So, if you have space of your own, you can easily modify it to suit a business’ needs.
Seed capital: Rs.2 lakh (Assuming you have space)
Can be started from home? No
ROI period: 1 year
Resources: No training needed. One must look up the internet to see what business facilities are in trend
Expected revenues: Rs.30 lakh (5 years); Rs.60 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space, laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting cards + letterheads). Projectors, laptop, broadband connection, tea and coffee machines, fax, and stationery needed for boardrooms too
Licensing and permissions: You will need a specific permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your local authority. You also need a fire safety clearance from local fire department in some cases
5. MEDICAL TOURISM SERVICE
That India has some of the best-trained and qualified medical professionals is a foregone conclusion. What is of note to us, however, is that medical costs in India are also one of the lowest in the world. This is why many foreign nationals come to India for surgeries or medical treatment. This has created an opportunity for Indian entrepreneurs to offer services to overseas patients looking to get treated at local hospitals.
That India has some of the best-trained and qualified medical professionals is a foregone conclusion. What is of note to us, however, is that medical costs in India are also one of the lowest in the world. This is why many foreign nationals come to India for surgeries or medical treatment. This has created an opportunity for Indian entrepreneurs to offer services to overseas patients looking to get treated at local hospitals.
Seed capital: Rs.30,000
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: Immediate
Resources: No specific qualification is essential but industry knowledge helps
Expected revenues: Rs.15 lakh (5 years); Rs.25 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space, laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting cards + letterheads), and lots of material on hospitals in India
Licensing and permissions: You will need a specific permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your local authority
6. DIETARY CONSULTANCY SERVICES
Eating right is as big as working out amongst the fitness crowd in our urban cities. However, that cannot be done without a bit of external guidance and this is where a dietary consultant comes in. This is a business for the dietitian or nutritionist to startup. Given that more and more of urban India has progressively lesser time to eat and take care of their diet, clientele size will always be growing in this sector.
Eating right is as big as working out amongst the fitness crowd in our urban cities. However, that cannot be done without a bit of external guidance and this is where a dietary consultant comes in. This is a business for the dietitian or nutritionist to startup. Given that more and more of urban India has progressively lesser time to eat and take care of their diet, clientele size will always be growing in this sector.
Seed capital: Rs.10,000
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: Immediate
Resources: A course in nutrition would be necessary here. You can do such courses at the National Institute of Nutrition, the International life Sciences Institute and J. D. Birla Institute
Expected revenues: Rs.10 lakh (5 years); Rs.20 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space, laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting cards + letterheads)
Licensing and permissions: You will need a specific permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your local authority
7. USED CAR DEALERSHIP
Buying a car is a status symbol in our country now, and many middle-class Indians think it is necessary to own one. But, given that costs of new cars are very prohibitive, the need for having used cars on the market is justified. You can start a dealership with not much if you make your first sales on a commission basis rather than a buy-and-sell basis. Also, the used car market tends to do better in a slow market and that is one big positive.
Buying a car is a status symbol in our country now, and many middle-class Indians think it is necessary to own one. But, given that costs of new cars are very prohibitive, the need for having used cars on the market is justified. You can start a dealership with not much if you make your first sales on a commission basis rather than a buy-and-sell basis. Also, the used car market tends to do better in a slow market and that is one big positive.
Seed capital: Rs.1 lakh
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: 6 months
Resources: No specific training needed, but knowledge of RTO procedures will come in handy
Expected revenues: Rs.50 lakh (5 years); Rs.1 crore (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space, laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting cards + letterheads), and at least 2 more assistants
Licensing and permissions: You will need a specific permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your local authority
8. MOBILE GARAGE SERVICE
This one is for the engineers and trained mechanics. Garages tend to be in the more grey parts of any town and the car does not always break down there. Mobile mechanics are then a Godsend. You can start this service with just a motorcycle of your own and a couple of assistants. You can even offer packages for car owners by tying up with dealerships.
Seed capital: Rs.1 lakh (Assuming you have some transport of your own)
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: 1 year
Resources: No specific training needed
Expected revenues: Rs.10 lakh (5 years); Rs.20 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space, laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting cards + letterheads), garage equipment, and at least 2 more assistants
Licensing and permissions: You will need a specific permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your local authority
9. AUTO MODIFICATION SERVICE
Not everyone can afford a swanky imported car or motorcycle. But many of them can afford small modifications to their set of wheels. All thanks to movies like The Fast and The Furious, people are also more eager to get their wheels tuned for better performance. All this spells a business idea for all the design-leaning auto enthusiasts amongst our readers.
Not everyone can afford a swanky imported car or motorcycle. But many of them can afford small modifications to their set of wheels. All thanks to movies like The Fast and The Furious, people are also more eager to get their wheels tuned for better performance. All this spells a business idea for all the design-leaning auto enthusiasts amongst our readers.
Seed capital: Rs.3 lakh (Assuming you have space)
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: 1 year
Resources: No specific training needed. Just an eye for design and the latest trends in the auto world
Expected revenues: Rs.20 lakh (5 years); Rs.40 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space, laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting cards + letterheads), at least 1 assistant, garage equipment and modification kits
Licensing and permissions: You will need a specific permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your local authority
10. DRIVING SCHOOL
This is again an evergreen business idea in the auto sector. With the number of cars increasing and more and more people wanting to learn how to drive a car, this business will always have a steady flow of clients. All you need is a car of your own, and good-enough patience to be able to teach people how to safely drive their cars.
This is again an evergreen business idea in the auto sector. With the number of cars increasing and more and more people wanting to learn how to drive a car, this business will always have a steady flow of clients. All you need is a car of your own, and good-enough patience to be able to teach people how to safely drive their cars.
Seed capital: Rs.10,000 (Assuming you have a car)
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: Immediate
Resources: No specific training needed
Expected revenues: Rs.10 lakh (5 years); Rs.30 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space, laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting cards + letterheads)
Licensing and permissions: You will need specific permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your local authority. Also, you will need permission from the local RTO to run a driving school
11. CAR STORAGE
This is a new business concept in India and one which is still in its nascent stages. Here, your customers will be people who need to store their cars in a safe environment for short or extended periods. The first step to establishing a car storage business is to secure low-cost indoor storage space, such as a vacant warehouse or manufacturing building. The next step is to simply market the business, which you do by joining auto clubs and auto associations.
Seed capital: Rs.4 lakh (To lease a space)
Can be started from home? No
ROI period: 2 years
Resources: No specific training needed
Expected revenues: Rs.20 lakh (5 years); Rs.40 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space, laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting cards + letterheads), and at least two caretakers
Licensing and permissions: No specific permissions required, though the local RTO or corporation may have something to say if it classifies your area as a paid parking space
12. HOBBY CLASSES
More and more parents are now interested in more holistic development of their children. And, thankfully, that means they get time do things other than deep-dive into their books. Hobby classes are one such getaway for kids. If you have a skill in art, crafts, music or any other such discipline, you can offer hobby classes in your neighborhood. This can be started in your home and will expand quickly via word-of-mouth through the kids themselves.
More and more parents are now interested in more holistic development of their children. And, thankfully, that means they get time do things other than deep-dive into their books. Hobby classes are one such getaway for kids. If you have a skill in art, crafts, music or any other such discipline, you can offer hobby classes in your neighborhood. This can be started in your home and will expand quickly via word-of-mouth through the kids themselves.
Seed capital: Rs.1 lakh (Assuming you have space)
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: 6 months to 1 year
Resources: No specific training needed. Just your own skills
Expected revenues: Rs.20 lakh (5 years); Rs.40 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space, laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting cards + letterheads), at least 1 assistants, and activity kits for your discipline
Licensing and permissions: You will need a specific permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your local authority
13. CHILDREN’S PARTY PLANNING SERVICE
Make no mistake. Organizing a child’s party is way tougher than organizing a wine get-together. But if you do it well, these kids will be your biggest marketers. It is a fun business that will throw up something new every time, and will most definitely make you money, especially in urban India.
Make no mistake. Organizing a child’s party is way tougher than organizing a wine get-together. But if you do it well, these kids will be your biggest marketers. It is a fun business that will throw up something new every time, and will most definitely make you money, especially in urban India.
Seed capital: Rs.20,000
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: Immediate
Resources: No specific training needed. Just your own organizational skills and a penchant for fun
Expected revenues: Rs.20 lakh (5 years); Rs.40 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space, laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting cards + letterheads), and at least 1 assistant
Licensing and permissions: You will need a specific permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your local authority
14. CHILDPROOFING SERVICE
This one is for interior decorators amongst our readers. Children love to fool around. Alas, parents do not always prefer that. Not only do kids damage stuff, but, more dangerously, hurt themselves while they are at it. A childproofer visits homes, installing safety latches, catches and other safety devices and alerting parents to potential hazards like poisonous plants and other materials. It is a low-cost business idea that has an element of doing good attached to it.
This one is for interior decorators amongst our readers. Children love to fool around. Alas, parents do not always prefer that. Not only do kids damage stuff, but, more dangerously, hurt themselves while they are at it. A childproofer visits homes, installing safety latches, catches and other safety devices and alerting parents to potential hazards like poisonous plants and other materials. It is a low-cost business idea that has an element of doing good attached to it.
Seed capital: Rs.10,000
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: Immediate
Resources: No specific training needed. Just your own skills and the ability to think like a child
Expected revenues: Rs.15 lakh (5 years); Rs.25 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space, laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting cards + letterheads)
Licensing and permissions: You will need a specific permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your local authority
15. NANNY SERVICES
This is a business idea that has been around since the British Raj in India. While there is the informal baisystem in our country, more and more parents are looking for nannies who will bring something more to the table, like helping with the child’s education, keeping a watch on his dietary needs as well as able to give an educated feedback when needed. A nanny service would see you hunt for such nannies, train them if needed and then place them with the right families.
This is a business idea that has been around since the British Raj in India. While there is the informal baisystem in our country, more and more parents are looking for nannies who will bring something more to the table, like helping with the child’s education, keeping a watch on his dietary needs as well as able to give an educated feedback when needed. A nanny service would see you hunt for such nannies, train them if needed and then place them with the right families.
Seed capital: Rs.10,000
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: Immediate
Resources: No specific training needed
Expected revenues: Rs.10 lakh (5 years); Rs.20 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space, laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting cards + letterheads)
Licensing and permissions: You will need a specific permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your local authority
16. SPORT COACHING
Thanks to the rise of Indian sportsmen in the last three years on the global stage, more and more parents are now opening up to the idea of their children pursuing sports as a career. If you are a professional or state level-plus player of any sport, you have the opportunity of starting your own coaching service for kids. There is no shortage of children wanting to be the next superstars. You make one, and you would have made millions.
Thanks to the rise of Indian sportsmen in the last three years on the global stage, more and more parents are now opening up to the idea of their children pursuing sports as a career. If you are a professional or state level-plus player of any sport, you have the opportunity of starting your own coaching service for kids. There is no shortage of children wanting to be the next superstars. You make one, and you would have made millions.
Seed capital: Rs.10,000 (Assuming you have free access to sporting facilities)
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: Immediate
Resources: You must be a player of some repute and level. For some sports, you will also be needed to be certified as a coach by the relevant sporting body
Expected revenues: Rs.25 lakh (5 years); Rs.50 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space, laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting cards + letterheads), and at least 1 assistant
Licensing and permissions: You will need a specific permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your local authority
17. COURIER SERVICE
This is one of the oldest business services in the world and as such may not seem the biggest business idea either. But the fact is that a lot of businesses are always on the lookout for better shipping costs and times locally, and that’s your cue to start up in. A local courier service, which relies upon public or private transport, and has a knack for efficiency, would always find takers here in India.
This is one of the oldest business services in the world and as such may not seem the biggest business idea either. But the fact is that a lot of businesses are always on the lookout for better shipping costs and times locally, and that’s your cue to start up in. A local courier service, which relies upon public or private transport, and has a knack for efficiency, would always find takers here in India.
Seed capital: Rs.2 lakh (Assuming you are using public transport)
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: 1 year
Resources: No specific training needed
Expected revenues: Rs.20 lakh (5 years); Rs.40 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space, laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting cards + letterheads), and at least 5 assistants
Licensing and permissions: You will need a specific permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your local authority
18. RESTAURANT LOGISTICS
Restaurants have logistic needs comparable to small armies. They need their groceries in time, as even a change of an hour means their costs change. They also need them delivered safely and in good, hygienic conditions. Alas, that sector in India is very disorganized and depends on local informal players. You can come into this high-cost business, with a bit of common sense and listening to restaurant owners, and offer them a way out of their tensions by letting you take care of their logistics
Restaurants have logistic needs comparable to small armies. They need their groceries in time, as even a change of an hour means their costs change. They also need them delivered safely and in good, hygienic conditions. Alas, that sector in India is very disorganized and depends on local informal players. You can come into this high-cost business, with a bit of common sense and listening to restaurant owners, and offer them a way out of their tensions by letting you take care of their logistics
Seed capital: Rs.30 lakh (Assuming you will buy your vehicles)
Can be started from home? No
ROI period: 2 years
Resources: No specific training needed. Just common sense and an understanding of the transport logistics business in your area
Expected revenues: Rs.50 lakh (5 years); Rs.80 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space, laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting cards + letterheads), at least 5 assistants
Licensing and permissions: In some states, your business will be categorized as goods carriage and hence will have to pay RTO tax appropriately
19. MOVING AND PACKING SERVICE
This is one of those businesses that will be handled best by women whose husbands moved frequently. It is an art to pack an entire household into a few boxes. A house-owner will gladly get himself rid of such a headache and let you do it for a fee. You can expand the scope by throwing in a moving service too for your client. It is a business idea with the maximum number of clients coming from the central government services.
This is one of those businesses that will be handled best by women whose husbands moved frequently. It is an art to pack an entire household into a few boxes. A house-owner will gladly get himself rid of such a headache and let you do it for a fee. You can expand the scope by throwing in a moving service too for your client. It is a business idea with the maximum number of clients coming from the central government services.
Seed capital: Rs.20 lakh (Assuming you lease transport vehicles)
Can be started from home? No
ROI period: 2 years
Resources: No specific training needed. Just common sense and an understanding of the transport business
Expected revenues: Rs.50 lakh (5 years); Rs.80 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space, laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting cards + letterheads), at least 2 assistants
Licensing and permissions: Your business can be categorized as goods carriage and hence you will have to pay RTO tax appropriately. Also, your vehicle will need an all-India permit from the RTO
20. CARPOOLING SERVICE
This might be one of the dark horses amongst our business ideas. Carpooling means that a few people get together to use one car to go to the same destination, splitting the fuel costs, thus saving money individually. While office goers and school children both do this informally, there is a need for this to be done formally as well. You can start a service by identifying potential customers, linking them up and charging a fee on facilitation of such a service. The best way to do this, however, has to be online.
This might be one of the dark horses amongst our business ideas. Carpooling means that a few people get together to use one car to go to the same destination, splitting the fuel costs, thus saving money individually. While office goers and school children both do this informally, there is a need for this to be done formally as well. You can start a service by identifying potential customers, linking them up and charging a fee on facilitation of such a service. The best way to do this, however, has to be online.
Seed capital: Rs.50,000 (Assuming you are going to hire a web developer)
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: 6 months to 1 year
Resources: No specific training needed
Expected revenues: Rs.15 lakh (5 years); Rs.30 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space, laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting cards + letterheads)
Licensing and permissions: You will need specific permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your local authority
21. SAFE DRIVER SERVICE
The concept of partying hard has hit India in earnest. After work meet-ups and casual drinking on weekdays is on the rise, not to mention the huge number of people who frequent pubs and bars in the major cities during the weekend. Alas, some overdo it. For them, a safe driver service is like a boon. For a fee, a driver can either drive the pub goer’s car back to his home after the night is over, leaving him tension-free during the partying itself. This service can also work well for girls who go out partying on their own and might need a safe service to take them back home.
Seed capital: Rs.30,000 (Assuming your patrons have their own cars)
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: 6 months
Resources: No specific training needed. Just your own organizational skills
Expected revenues: Rs.10 lakh (5 years); Rs.20 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space, laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting cards + letterheads), and at least 2 certified and police-verified drivers
Licensing and permissions: You will need specific permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your local authority. If you run your own car, it may be classified as a taxi and you may have to pay RTO tax for it
22. RAINWATER HARVESTING
The concept of rainwater harvesting, though not new, is only now gaining popularity in urban India. Rainwater harvesting is a process by which one simply collects rainwater and then stores it until required. Corporations in cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai have made it mandatory for new buildings to have rainwater harvesting facilities. In some cities, this includes private bungalows as well. This translates to a windfall for people who have learned the process of rainwater harvesting.
The concept of rainwater harvesting, though not new, is only now gaining popularity in urban India. Rainwater harvesting is a process by which one simply collects rainwater and then stores it until required. Corporations in cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai have made it mandatory for new buildings to have rainwater harvesting facilities. In some cities, this includes private bungalows as well. This translates to a windfall for people who have learned the process of rainwater harvesting.
Seed capital: Rs.20,000
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: 3 months
Resources: The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), Delhi, offers a five-day certificate course on rainwater harvesting that teaches topics like principles, components, planning and designing among others
Expected revenues: Rs.20 lakh (5 years); Rs.40 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space, laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting cards + letterheads) and at least one assistant
Licensing and permissions: You will need a specific permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your local authority. Also, you will need to be certified in some cities by local corporations, as fit to set up a harvesting system
23. GREEN CONSULTANCY
More and more businesses are going green today. But they need to be showed how. This is a business opportunity for people with an environmental bent of mind. They can put their skills and knowledge to practice by helping other businesses to go green — implementing green practices and reducing inefficiency in energy consumption. Crucially, this business has clientele across the board from medium-sized businesses to even government authorities.
More and more businesses are going green today. But they need to be showed how. This is a business opportunity for people with an environmental bent of mind. They can put their skills and knowledge to practice by helping other businesses to go green — implementing green practices and reducing inefficiency in energy consumption. Crucially, this business has clientele across the board from medium-sized businesses to even government authorities.
Seed capital: Rs.20,000
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: 6 months
Resources: A lot of best practices on going green can be picked up on the Internet. Besides that, formal education at schools teaching environmental sciences also has modules on such practices
Expected revenues: Rs.20 lakh (5 years); Rs.40 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space, laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting cards + letterheads) and at least one assistant
Licensing and permissions: You will need a specific permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your local authority
24. RECYCLED FASHION
For all those fashion designers out there, this is as much a business ideas as it is a challenge. Materials like rubber, leather and others are known to be used in apparel as well. Reusing old material to make apparel that is wearable and usable is one of the more green businesses you can start. All it takes is a bit of ingenuity and an ability to innovate.
For all those fashion designers out there, this is as much a business ideas as it is a challenge. Materials like rubber, leather and others are known to be used in apparel as well. Reusing old material to make apparel that is wearable and usable is one of the more green businesses you can start. All it takes is a bit of ingenuity and an ability to innovate.
Seed capital: Rs.20,000
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: 1 year
Resources: The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), Delhi, offers courses in recycling and reusing of material that can be used in clothing
Expected revenues: Rs.15 lakh (5 years); Rs.25 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space, laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting cards + letterheads) and at least one assistant
Licensing and permissions: You will need a specific permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your local authority
25. REFURBISHED FURNITURE
This is a business idea for those who have the ability to find beauty in old things. As they say often now, the same kind of furniture is not made anymore in the country; not the same wood, not the same work. Interior decorators have a chance to set up a business here where they can hunt out old furniture, refurbish it and sell to it to customers keen on old, solid furniture.
This is a business idea for those who have the ability to find beauty in old things. As they say often now, the same kind of furniture is not made anymore in the country; not the same wood, not the same work. Interior decorators have a chance to set up a business here where they can hunt out old furniture, refurbish it and sell to it to customers keen on old, solid furniture.
Seed capital: Rs.20,000
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: Immediate
Resources: An eye for furniture trends as well as a penchant for places like Chor Bazaar in Mumbai and the timber markets in Delhi
Expected revenues: Rs.15 lakh (5 years); Rs.30 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 10×10 room as office space, laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting cards + letterheads) and at least one assistant
Licensing and permissions: You will need a specific permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your local authority
26. GREEN PRODUCTS STORE
As more and more people become aware of how the earth is being damaged by us, the more is their leaning towards products that are green in nature and do not harm the environment. However, access to such products is not always easy. A green products store, preferably an online one, can be a great problem solver here as well as a good business idea.
As more and more people become aware of how the earth is being damaged by us, the more is their leaning towards products that are green in nature and do not harm the environment. However, access to such products is not always easy. A green products store, preferably an online one, can be a great problem solver here as well as a good business idea.
Seed capital: Rs.50,000-Rs.5 lakh (Depending on what you sell and whether you outsource your IT )
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: 1 to 2 years
Resources: The Internet is your best resource on tips to sell online. Green business blogs on the web will direct you to products which are hot. Also connect with the major shipping firms to find out who will give you the best deal
Expected revenues: Rs.15 lakh (5 years); Rs.30 lakh (10 years), but depends a lot on what you are selling
Office requirements: One 20×20 room as office/stock space, laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting cards + letterheads), merchant account
Licensing and permissions: You will need a specific permission on running a commercial business out of your home from your local authority
27. DOG GROOMING
Dog owners are always in need of ways to beautify their canine companions. You would be surprised to know that most owners think nothing of spending a bundle on a regular basis to keep their pampered pooches well-groomed. You can tap into this business if you like pets, specifically dogs, and have a sense of what works and does not work in dog grooming.
Dog owners are always in need of ways to beautify their canine companions. You would be surprised to know that most owners think nothing of spending a bundle on a regular basis to keep their pampered pooches well-groomed. You can tap into this business if you like pets, specifically dogs, and have a sense of what works and does not work in dog grooming.
Seed capital: Rs.50,000 (Assuming you have space of your own)
Can be started from home? No
ROI period: 1 year
Resources: The Internet is your best resource on tips to dog grooming. While there no specific courses in India, there are dog grooming courses available in the west
Expected revenues: Rs.25 lakh (5 years); Rs.40 lakh (10 years)
Office requirements: One 20×20 room as office/stock space, laptop (with internet), phone, printer, fax, own stationery (visiting cards + letterheads), one assistant, and lots of grooming equipment
Licensing and permissions: You will need a specific permission on running a pet business from the local corporation on sanitation and health standards
28. PET FOOD
Not all pet owners really know what is best for their pet. Many just pick up food from the shelves to feed their pets. The more informed ones go on the internet to find out what is best for their dog or cat. There is an opportunity here, especially in the big towns, to prepare and deliver healthy food for pets, as prescribed by nutritionists. This is viable business, provided you get your target clients right.
Not all pet owners really know what is best for their pet. Many just pick up food from the shelves to feed their pets. The more informed ones go on the internet to find out what is best for their dog or cat. There is an opportunity here, especially in the big towns, to prepare and deliver healthy food for pets, as prescribed by nutritionists. This is viable business, provided you get your target clients right.
Seed capital: Rs.50,000-Rs.1 lakh (For the kitchen )
Can be started from home? Yes
ROI period: 6 months
Resources: The Internet is your ideal resource for what food is best for pets in India. Also, you must join the various dog and cat clubs to network and market your business
Expected revenues: Rs.15 lakh (5 years); Rs.30 lakh (10 years)
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