Business Ideas after Lockdown in India

The global outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and the resulting lockdown as a precautionary measure was one of the most challenging times for everyone. It was a time when, the world over, people were grappling with so many concerns simultaneously. There were personal health concerns, the concerns of the aged, the availability of daily essentials, the global slowdown and their impact on businesses and job losses as a result. Travel restrictions made it even more challenging to deal with the extended lockdown.

But then, many people also came up with interesting business ideas during lockdown in india. Citizens learnt to adapt, innovate, and explore new ways to get through the challenges the pandemic had forced on us. Some became solopreneurs, while others formed partnerships and are as happy to continue with their new meaning to life.

Additional Read: Small Business Ideas with Low Investment and High Returns

Here are some business options that were born in the lockdown and still have the potential to earn a decent living.

E-learning

Edtech or e-learning got a boost during the pandemic, and its impact is for all to see even now. So many self-paced e-learning courses came up and continue to do so. It is one of the few sectors that mushroomed during the lockdown and one that found many takers. Those planning to start independently can consider teaching a particular subject or conducting after-school online classes. Academicians or subject matter experts can easily offer this service from their homes or a small room dedicated to e-learning.

Health/Yoga/Fitness Trainer

Another essential aspect that gained importance during the lockdown was health. As a result, many health experts, having in-depth knowledge of the various types of health education, began coaching health/yoga. Yoga can potentially help you earn profit as it is a low-cost business and suitable for all age groups. One can consider early morning or evening sessions to suit different customer groups.

Doorstep delivery

What started as one of the no-contact, lockdown business ideas has become a convenient option for most people even now. The service now includes delivery of pharmaceuticals, alcohol, essential items and even parlour and banking services. Mainly operating through an app or the service’s or store’s website, doorstep delivery is a model that continues to enjoy success even today. Citizens having contacts with local producers/farmers/vendors can get into strategic tie-ups and begin their delivery services.

Dropshipping

When looking to do the best business in lockdown, some even explored dropshipping. Apparel, art objects, jewellery, bags, home decor, kitchen & dining items, bath & body items, wellness accessories and other household items are ideal products for dropshipping. Dropshipping does not require the entrepreneur to invest in inventory, so there are no inventory costs. All it needs is a reliable and assured supply of products and prompt customer and post-sales service.

Bakery/Food and Food Delivery Services

The lockdown brought out the latent cookery skills among hidden chefs and propelled them to become solo foodpreneurs. Bakery treats and confectionery items are in demand throughout the year and it is always advantageous to find one such service in one’s vicinity. Besides, taking away the hassle of stepping out, one is assured of quality products, hygiene and of course, are light on the pocket too.

For those with advanced culinary skills, people to help and decent availability of space can also consider food delivery or tiffin service.

Jewellery Making

Anybody with even informal knowledge of making jewellery and a mind full of creative ideas can consider jewellery-making. All it takes is raw materials, the patience to ideate on crafting beautiful pieces of intricate ethnic or contemporary jewellery and attractive packaging. A fun and creative business that gives creative satisfaction and is also a profitable option.

Online Hobby Class

Are drawing & painting, handicrafts, mandala drawing, paperwork and DIY activities your areas of interest? Then, it can be another business idea to make money from. Advertise yourself on your residential and neighbouring society’s Social Media. Get kids, teens and even interested adults to join you on Zoom and Gmeet for an hour of fun and learning.

Vlogging (Youtubing)

If you love facing the camera, even if it is your phone camera, and love sharing your area of interest with the public, then vlogging is a good idea. It could be as simple as showing your terrace garden, teaching photography tips, sharing knowledge on how to use Excel/Word, writing simple emails to the older generation, or teaching the basics of Photoshop, make-up, and other interesting and creative video content.

Soap-making

Can you make a simple product a luxurious accessory? Then soap-making is a lucrative idea for you. Hand-made, creative and organic soaps are in demand for personal use or gifting. This business mainly generates enough traction on birthdays, important corporate events, or just for gifting all the year round.

Mehendi / Make-up artist

Want to provide your services for selective occasions only? Then, you can market yourself as a make-up professional or a Mehendi artist for weddings, engagements, traditional baby showers, religious and auspicious occasions or as a prosthetic make-up artist. Expect to be busy in the season, with the rest of the year available to you.

Blogging

If you have a way with words and can express your thoughts, ideas and imagination through error-free content, you can become a blogger. You can blog about anything under the sun, provided you have subject matter expertise. A captivating writing style, a curious bent of mind and an adventurous attitude can help you curate new and differentiated content. Besides writing for yourself, you can also take up freelance projects to supplement your income.

SM/Digital Marketing

If you have experience as a digital marketer with relevant experience in handling social media, then with just a laptop, you can reach out to local businesses to help them increase their customer base. It would help if you first marketed yourself as a SM/Digital Marketing expert.

Graphic Designing/ Copywriter

If you know about writing short-form content against tight deadlines, have lots of ideas and can think in pictures, memes, gifs and creatives, you can consider becoming a graphic designer or a copywriter. You can supplement your copywriting skills with vibrant, eye-catching and captivating pictures. It takes a laptop with software and a coloured printer to get started.

Website Development

Want to work from anywhere, anytime? Then website development is your best choice. Web designing is about crafting engaging experiences that bridge the gap between the digital and real worlds. If you are brimming with creative ideas, are driven by problem-solving, and see your ideas come to life online, then this career path might be the perfect fit for you.

Virtual Assistant(VA)

In the era of technology, it is possible to offer administrative, technical and creative support to clients remotely. This is the virtual way of providing your service, and thus you become a Virtual Assistant. It is a secretarial-cum-administrative role that involves scheduling appointments, making phone calls, preparing documents/presentations/spreadsheets, ensuring travel arrangements, planning meetings/conferences, and managing email accounts.

Conclusion

The pandemic was a game-changer for individuals and businesses as well. It brought people together and also reflected the resilience of the human spirit in more ways than one. Most importantly, it brought out the entrepreneurial skills in some, while some got to know their creative and other unknown skills. They inspired others worldwide after pursuing new and convenient business ideas in lockdown. Individuals became entrepreneurs and explored their business potential while providing employment to those in need.

 

FAQs

1.How do I identify the right business for me?

To begin with, identify your skills, passion and experience. Study the market for your product/service, understand how much time you can give the business, determine your budget and risk appetite, whether it is scalable and how, and analyse competitors and their market share. Also, research how you are going to source goods or inputs. Also, compare your options and then decide the next course of action.

2.How many years of experience and what skills do I need to start a business?

It is not always possible to quantify the skill or the experience. However, you should gain an in-depth knowledge of the product/service you want to sell, especially if it is a new venture.

3.What is the initial investment required for these businesses?

As each of these businesses is different, the initial investment will be different. It will be an amount that one can pay from their pockets initially.

4.How much commitment do these businesses require?

Again, it is impossible to quantify the level of commitment a business requires. Always remember that a business is more demanding than a job, and involves many sacrifices. It is not a 9-to-5 job. A business always demands more of an individual in terms of time, resources and skills.

5.What resources are available to me to help start and grow businesses in India?

Among the many resources available to help one start and grow their business, one can visit https://www.startupindia.gov.in/, a one-stop platform for entrepreneurs with various resources like startup schemes, funding options, mentorship, and incubation centres. Also, there is the MUDRA loan scheme and the Skill India Mission. One can even approach incubators and accelerators as they offer mentorship, networking and funding advice.

6.Where do I sell my products?

Besides selling them offline, you can also sell your products on Amazon, Snapdeal, Meesho and Flipkart. Alternatively, you can set up your website and market your products on it.

7.Is online marketing critical to growing my business?

Yes. In today’s times, having an online presence is very important as most of the population has a smartphone and is very active there. Also, having an online presence helps connect with customers and is another method of communication.

8.Do I have to have an online banking system when starting a new business?

Yes. Yet again, it is crucial to opt for online banking to make and accept payments without making trips to the bank.