Quick Summary
- Generating a business idea, crafting a solid plan to secure funding and launching your venture, are some steps to take before starting your business.
- Business ideas uniquely suited for women entrepreneurs in India include food businesses, arts and handicrafts, blogging, and more.
- Find strategies to navigate and overcome the challenges and barriers women entrepreneurs face in overcoming gender stereotypes and biases.
Table of Contents
According to Instamojo, 22% of businesses in India are now owned by women, reflecting a powerful rise in female entrepreneurship. If you’re looking to start a small business from home or aiming to start a larger company, there’s never been a better time. Numerous business ideas for women offer flexibility and high profits. Whether you’re interested in creating handmade crafts, offering online tutoring, diving into content writing, or running a home-based daycare, the opportunities are vast and diverse. These ideas not only provide the freedom to work on your own terms but also the chance to build a successful and profitable business.
If you want to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality, dive into our article. It explores the top 25 profitable business ideas for women, providing valuable insights and inspiration to help you get started.
Top 25 Profitable Small Business Ideas for Women in India
We have shortlisted the most popular start-up or small business ideas for women requiring low financial investment. These business ideas for women provide flexibility and offer them the opportunity to become different types of entrepreneurs, ranging from creative and service-oriented to digital and retail.
- Food Business
- Freelancing
- Business in Arts or Handicrafts
- Career Coach
- Landscape Designer
- Clothing Store
- E-commerce Store Owner
- Provide IT & Software Services
- Fitness Instructor
- Affiliate Marketing
- Blogging
- Become a Tutor
- Interior Designing
- Bakery Owner
- Customized Gifts Business
- Beauty Salon
- Event Planning Business
- Pet Boarding Service
- Childcare Services
- Dietitian/ Nutritionist for Women
- Makeup Artist
- Candle Making
- Personal Chef
- Social Media Agency
- Reseller
1. Food Business
Starting one’s own food business is one of the most attractive business ideas for women who are skilled in cooking tasty food. The growing trend of local, healthy food combined with a high demand for online retailing makes running a business in the food industry both profitable and personally rewarding.
This business idea is ideal for women who love to cook. Firstly, you need a suitable recipe that is appealing enough to attract customers. Secondly, you need a proper place to store or sell your food items. The location should be convenient and easily accessible for your customers. Additionally, you might consider offering home delivery to enhance convenience. These steps are part of the broader landscape of business ideas for women looking to turn their culinary passion into a profitable venture.
Also, read: From Home Cook to Entrepreneur: Best Food Business Ideas
2. Freelancing
Freelancing is the best way to become self-employed. It gives you freedom, flexibility and control over your workload and income. As a freelancer, you can choose if, when and how much you work. You can freelance for different roles like freelance writing, graphic designing, social media marketing, digital marketing, web design, etc., and each comes with pros and cons but, in general, the freelancer lifestyle does bring flexibility.
Freelancers have many opportunities to work from home. In addition to these lifestyle rewards, freelancing allows you the freedom to take on multiple clients and jobs or choose the ones that interest you most. This flexibility makes it one of the most appealing business ideas for women at home, offering both professional growth and personal convenience.
Recommended read: Discover The World of Freelancing
3. Business in Arts or Handicrafts
Arts and Handicrafts have become a major way of making money and earning a livelihood, particularly for ladies. Women living in urban and semi-urban areas, who are housewives and who have some spare time can use this time to do handicrafts or paint arts and earn money in the process.
In most cases, the start-up cost can be kept to a bare minimum or can even be done from home with minimal investment. If you’re skilled in art and craft, this is one of the best home-based business ideas for women like you.
4. Career Coach
A career coach or career counsellor is a professional who can help job seekers develop the attitudes and strategies they need to build a successful career. If you’re interested in helping others prepare for new careers, you may want to consider becoming a career coach.
You can start coaching within your own professional network or use mediums like LinkedIn or other social media sites to find clients for career counselling. This is one of the best business ideas for women looking to restart their careers.
5. Landscape Designer
Landscape designers help connect the spaces we inhabit with their natural settings. They create beautiful, functional and sustainable designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally efficient.
Landscape design is a career option that women should consider as they look for well-paid professions in which they can combine important duties with high mobility. Landscape designers are provided opportunities to be self-employed or offered lucrative job opportunities working full-time for a firm.
6. Clothing Store
The clothing business is among the best business ideas for women who want to take control of their income and live life on their own terms. An entrepreneur can take charge of her earnings and have plenty of time to enjoy with her family, friends, and interests outside the business. Clothes are one of the biggest items people buy, so they’re perfect for a wholesaler who wants to build a business with a steady income.
You have to ensure that the clothes you sell are trendy and in line with the competition. Also, you will have to focus on building a network of returning customers to keep your business afloat. You can also consider opening an online store and promoting your products on social media.
Also, read:
- A Beginner’s Guide on How to Become a Freelancer
- Top 25 Freelance Jobs from Home that Pay Really Well
7. E-commerce Store Owner
Women looking to earn additional income from their stitching skills can start an e-commerce store. This business model provides a platform for women to work from home with minimal investment. If you are skilled in stitching, knitting, or embroidery, you can launch your own e-commerce store, making it a great option among business ideas for women seeking to leverage their crafting talents.
You have to create a network of people interested in purchasing your products. Handmade, embroidered, or knitted products are also sold at a higher price as compared to machine-made products. Hence, this is one of the best jobs for women who are skilled in knitting or stitching.
8. Provide IT & Software Services
IT Industry is one of the most lucrative business ideas for women entrepreneurs both in India and abroad. There is a huge demand for IT Professionals specializing in app development, website development, programming, or data analytics.
If you want to become a corporate woman, the IT industry is one of the most profitable and secure industries out there. You can start providing IT services on a freelance basis and as the number of clients increases, you can start your own firm.
9. Fitness Instructor
For women interested in starting their own business, becoming a fitness instructor offers a perfect opportunity to meet new people, relax, and stay fit simultaneously.
Begin by obtaining certification to become a yoga instructor or fitness expert. Once certified, you’ll need a place and equipment to start training people. You can conduct online training sessions too. This can be one of the best online business ideas for women passionate about fitness.
10. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate Marketing is a good business for women because it allows them to build passive income at home. An affiliate marketing program allows business owners to pay other people for doing the work by using their website as a medium, instead of having to invest any of their own money. This creates an incentive for the affiliates to do well and make their business owners some money. It’s generally a win-win situation, where everybody makes some money.
Affiliate marketing can be an effective way for women to earn income while they stay at home. They do not have to work outside but they can promote business online and make money out of it. Hence, affiliate marketing is one of the latest business ideas for women with low investments.
Recommended Read: Affiliate Marketing in India- Beginner’s Guide
11. Blogging
Blogging is a great way for professional women to establish credibility, build a community and position themselves as an expert. It allows women to work from home and avoid the daily commute, dress code, and office politics. If you are proficient in writing or even creating videos, you can start your blog. These days, blogging on social media has become quite a trend.
Once it kicks off, you can monetize it to earn money. You can display ads or help brands with promoting their products. There are so many platforms available nowadays where you can easily learn how to blog. The best example is WordPress.com.
12. Become a Tutor
Thanks to technology, today, an individual can teach from anywhere. Tutoring is perhaps one of the most traditional business ideas for women. You can easily earn extra money by tutoring online. If you are proficient in a subject, you can teach at a coaching institute, as an independent tutor or even take online courses. Many websites offer in-person as well as online tutoring gigs.
You can start by tutoring school children. Once you gain more experience, you can help students prepare for competitive exams or even college exams. If you want to teach online from the comfort of your home, online tutoring is the best online business for ladies at home.
At Chegg India, you can join us as a subject matter expert. You can work from anywhere and answer questions for students across the world. You get paid for each answer. Top experts earn up to 1 lakh per month.
13. Interior Designing
Interior designing gives a lot of opportunities to people who want to earn a name in this field. In the present scenario where it has become necessary to have a beautiful home rather than just an ordinary one, the need for interior designers has also increased on a large scale.
An interior designer is an individual, who designs and decorates interiors of residential, industrial and commercial properties. It is one of the most sought-after small business ideas for women in India. Being professional interior designers, women in India can earn a handsome salary and become independent by joining this fashion business.
14. Bakery Owner
If you love baking cookies, cakes, or brownies for your family, you can turn your hobby into a home-based business. You can operate from your home and provide food deliveries, or you can start your own bakery or cake shop.
A bakery business would require full-time efforts and creativity due to high competition. However, if you provide good quality baked goods at an economical price, your business can grow exponentially. Therefore, opening a bakery or restaurant can be one of the successful small business ideas for women.
15. Customized Gifts Business
In today’s generation, everyone looks for convenience therefore starting a customized gift business is one of the best small business ideas for women. Through this women can unleash their creativity and also earn money.
This is undoubtedly one of the best business ideas for women. You would require a place to set up your boutique. If you’re into fashion designing, you can design and sell clothes or you can hire a fashion designer for the same. You can also get clients online and invite them to your boutique.
16. Beauty Salon
The beauty industry is a multibillion-dollar industry that employs more than two million women. Beauty products, skin care products and all kinds of cosmetics are found in almost every girl’s room. Beauty salon businesses and cosmetic studios are excellent small business ideas for women.
The field is always in demand and has low startup costs. One would require a place to start the salon and a few staff members to assist you. You can also join online beauty service companies or existing salons as an independent beautician and charge on a per client basis. This is one of the traditional business ideas for women.
17. Event Planning Business
Any event such as conferences, weddings, functions, birthday parties, etc requires a team of event planners who manage every little part of the event. If you’re someone who loves planning parties and family gatherings, event management is a great business idea for you.
Businesses related to social work and event management are surely the best options for women entrepreneurs as these businesses are based on experience, organizing and efficiency.
18. Pet Boarding Service
Starting a pet boarding service can be one of the most rewarding and profitable business ideas for women who love pets. By providing a safe and comfortable environment for pets, you can tap into a growing market and provide a much-needed service to pet owners.
To get started, you’ll need to find a suitable location for your boarding business. You’ll also need to procure the necessary supplies and equipment, such as cages, bedding, food, and water bowls. Once you have everything in place, you can start marketing your business to potential clients.
19. Childcare Services
A childcare day boarding business option for women is a great way to provide quality care for children while also providing a valuable service to working mothers. This type of business can be run out of a home or commercial space and can offer a variety of services such as drop-off and pick-up, meals, and activities.
Running a childcare day boarding business requires a lot of planning and organization, as well as a genuine love for children. You will need to be able to create a safe and nurturing environment for the children in your care and be able to manage the needs of multiple children at once. Hence, childcare is one of the easiest business ideas for women who love children.
20. Dietitian/ Nutritionist for Women
Dietitian is increasingly becoming a popular business idea for women. Such businesses can provide a much-needed service to women of all ages. They can offer tailored nutritional advice and support that takes into account the unique hormonal changes that women experience throughout their lives.
They can also provide guidance on how to maintain a healthy weight, how to eat for fertility and pregnancy, and how to stay healthy during menopause. You can also help women to reach their fitness and weight loss goals.
Recommended read:
21. Makeup Artist
One of the popular business ideas for women is becoming a makeup artist. Nowadays, makeup artists are hired for every small and big event. You don’t even require certifications in this field. You can easily start at home by offering services to family and friends and then gradually expand your network.
Additionally, you can use social media to showcase your work, attract clients, and build a strong online presence to grow your business. With dedication and creativity, you can turn your passion for makeup into a thriving career.
22. Candle Making
Candle-making is among the most profitable homemade jobs for women. They can start this business from the comfort of their homes, offering a wide range of scents, colors, and designs. Homemade candles are in high demand for home decor, gifts, and special occasions, making it a standout choice among business ideas for women looking to turn their creative passions into a lucrative venture..
You can begin with a small investment in materials like wax, wicks, and moulds. Selling your candles at local markets or through online platforms can help you reach a broader audience. Additionally, promoting your products on social media can attract more customers and grow your brand.
23. Personal Chef
Becoming a personal chef is one of the business ideas for women who are passionate about cooking. This service is popular among busy professionals who want a tasty home-cooked meal after a long day at work.
You can expand your network through friends and families. With the increasing demand for healthy home-cooked meals, a personal chef business can be both rewarding and profitable.
24. Social Media Agency
If you are social media savvy, starting a social media agency is the perfect small business idea. You can offer your expertise to social media influencers and businesses, helping them manage and grow their brand. Services you can provide include creating engaging content, developing effective social media strategies, and analyzing performance metrics.
By leveraging your skills, you can help clients increase their followers, enhance their brand, and achieve their marketing goals. This business can be started with minimal investment and operated from home, making it an accessible business idea for women.
25. Reselling
Reselling is a flexible and scalable business ideas for women interested in retail. You can purchase products in bulk at discounted prices and sell them individually at a profit. You can resell electronics, clothes or home goods.
Online marketplaces like eBay, Amazon and Meesho provide platforms to reach a broad audience without the need for a physical store. A successful reseller business owner needs to identify trending products, provide excellent customer service, and create effective marketing strategies. With low startup costs and the ability to work from home, reselling can make high profits.
How to Start a Small Business in 2024?
Before starting your own small business, you might be wondering what you should always keep in mind. Some of those things are:
1. Business Idea
Looking for the best business ideas for women can be challenging and frustrating. You need to find out what you’re passionate about. Then, you must evaluate whether you can turn your interest or passion into a business. This requires understanding the market demand for your business idea. Consequently, you might find a few interesting business ideas for women.
2. Business Plan
A business plan is an essential tool for small businesses. It provides a road map for your business and can help you secure funding and partners. A well-thought-out business plan can also keep you on track as your business grows. If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of resources available to help you write a business plan. The Small Business Administration website is a good place to start.
3. Funding
Now, you might have a brilliant business idea but no money to execute it. In this case, you can go for external funding. There are a number of ways to get funding for business ideas for women. One way is to approach potential investors and pitch your business idea to them. Another way is to apply for grants specifically designed for women-owned businesses. You can also look into crowdfunding platforms that focus on women-led businesses. And finally, you can try to get a loan from a bank or other financial institution. Whichever route you decide to take, make sure you do your research and put together a strong case for why your business deserves funding.
Recommended Read: Angel Investors: What Is Angel Investing & How Does It Work?
Also Read:- How to start a business as a woman
Overcoming Challenges
There are plenty of successful businesswomen in India today. They are fearlessly running businesses and leading at the top of their game. Whether your goal is to become a businesswoman or just contribute to the household income, these small, home based business ideas for women are perfect to generate extra money.
Money is an essential factor in starting your own business. One of the most important things to remember when seeking funding is to have a clear and concise business plan. This will give potential investors an idea of what your business is all about and what you hope to achieve.
It is also important to have a solid track record, if possible. This will show potential investors that you are serious about your business and that you have the experience and expertise to make it successful.
Running a business requires the utmost dedication and hard work. These were the top 20 business ideas for women at home. Good luck!
Want to know more about business tips, ideas, and resources? Head to our Business section and explore more reads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which type of business is best for ladies?
The small, home-based business best suited for ladies is to become a tutor. Tutoring online is a simple way to supplement your income. If you are an expert in a field, you can tutor privately or at a coaching facility. Numerous websites provide both in-person and online tutoring opportunities. You can also become an online expert at Chegg and can earn up to Rs. 1 lakh per month. Other business ideas you can look into are affiliate marketing, freelancing, or selling your art or handicrafts.
Which business is best for a housewife?
The business best suited for a housewife is to sell handicrafts or art items made by her online. It requires minimal investment and can be a great way to earn extra income. Some common items you can make and sell are paintings, earrings, mugs, embroidered crafts, etc.
How can a single woman start her business?
A woman can start her business in three easy steps:
1. Develop a business idea
2. Draw out a business plan
3. Get funding to initiate the plan
What is the best business to start as a woman?
The best businesses to start as a woman are:
1. Food Business
2. Online Tutoring
3. Selling Arts or Handicrafts
4. Career Coach
5. Landscape Designer
Which business is good for beginners?
Opt for businesses that require minimal investment or none at all, such as selling digital templates, online courses, or affiliate marketing. Alternatively, leverage your skills in writing or editing, which have no upfront costs. Starting a YouTube channel or becoming a social media influencer can also be done with just your phone, avoiding the need for professional equipment.
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