Top 10 Side Business Ideas For Women Entrepreneurs in India

During the last few decades, India has seen a remarkable increase in women entrepreneurs. As a result of their entrepreneurial skills, women are now entering almost every industry and sector.

Still, many women with an entrepreneurial mindset do not venture into business because they don't know what to start. This article highlights some of the most important business ideas for women.

Top 10 Business Ideas For Women In India

1. Online Bakery Business

One of India's most successful and lucrative small enterprises is the online food business. You can open a bakery, share homemade recipes and earn money if you enjoy baking. It's easy to start this low-cost business from your kitchen. A few ingredients and an oven are all you need.

Investment Required: Around Rs.2 lakhs

How to Start the Idea:

• Arrange for the necessary tools and equipment
• Figure out the branding, logo, and packaging design 
• Register your brand name and get FSSAI registration
• Set up the quality and production control
• Device the marketing strategy

2. Daycare or Pre-School

Starting a daycare business from home has proven to be one of the most successful small business ideas for women. You will need a love for children, an eye for details, and to childproof your home for this home business idea to succeed.

Investment Required: Approximately Rs.15-20 lakhs. The initial investment can decrease if you choose to use the spare space in your house.

How to Start the Idea:

• Choose a location that ensures safety and hygiene
• Develop a curriculum
• Obtain necessary licenses
• Device a promotion drive or marketing strategy 

3. Catering/Tiffin Business

As young people leave their hometowns and move to other cities, the demand for food delivery services is increasing. Eating out every day is certainly not a good idea. Home-cooked food is therefore in demand, and women can set up successful catering or tiffin businesses from their homes.

Investment Required: If you plan to start from home, the cost can be around Rs.1 lakh. But if a commercial kitchen is set up, costs can sum up to Rs.5 lakhs. 

How to Start the Idea:

• Define your niche- a particular cuisine and the target customers
• Plan your menu 
• Decide on the logo, branding, and packaging
• Build a network for delivery service
• Utilize social media marketing, local partnerships, and online delivery platforms to reach potential customers.

4. Freelancing

Become a freelancer if you have strong skills in content writing, graphic design, and web design or have the ability to use Photoshop and Illustrator. This avenue is a great business for ladies with low investment.

Investment Required: Under Rs.10,000.

How to Start the Idea:

• Narrow down your skills and select a service accordingly
• Build a portfolio
• Set your service charges
• Network and find clients

5. Yoga Studio

The rise in trend toward living a healthier lifestyle can make a home yoga studio a profitable business. With minimal investment and knowledge of yoga, one can set up a thriving yoga studio.

Investment Required: If you plan for an offline studio, you may need at least Rs.5 lakhs. If it is an online setup, it can be done in under Rs.50,000 as well. 

How to Start the Idea:

• Decide on the type of yoga you wish to promote and teach
• Obtain yoga certifications to build credibility
• Decide on the kind of setup- offline or online
• Fix schedules and batches
• Device marketing and networking strategies to get clients onboard

6. Event Planner

Women are already excellent organizers and planners. These qualities make event planning even more attractive as a side business idea for ladies. As part of this job, you need to multitask and coordinate effectively with other departments. It is also essential to contact decorators, caterers, DJs, florists, photographers, and other professionals in advance.

Investment Required: Rs.1 lakh or less (considering the marketing expenses to build an initial online presence)

How to Start the Idea:

• Decide on the type of event you will specialize in.
• Build your network to source decor items, catering, and other inventories
• Create a service package
• Device marketing and client acquisition strategies

7. Beauty Salons

A home beauty parlour has proven to be a successful business model for many women. It is possible to start a small beauty parlour or a unisex salon by investing little money in a business setup.

Investment Required: Roughly Rs.15-20 lakhs

How to Start the Idea:

• Decide on the list of services
• Fix the charges
• Obtain necessary licenses and certifications for operating a salon
• Decide on the location and setup

8. Blogger

Women or mothers who stay at home can try their hand at blogging as a business. You can create a website and write articles about anything that interests you. Once you have enough visitors each month, you can start earning.

Investment Required: Very low, considering it only needs a stable internet connection and a device.

How to Start the Idea:

• Choose your niche
• Pick a platform to share your blogs
• Explore different monetization strategies like affiliate marketing, advertising, or digital products
• Decide on SEO and promotion strategies as well

9. Home Tutoring

Women can provide home and online tutoring by teaching subjects of their proficiency. Registering the home tutoring business will add credibility to its authenticity and the quality of your coaching.

Investment Required: Low initial investment, under Rs.10,000. 

How to Start the Idea:

• Pick your area of coaching as per your expertise
• Prepare lesson plans and delivery methods
• Build your credentials and set up an online platform for promotion and contact details
• Network and find clients

10. Bridal Store

In the clothing industry, bridal stores are one of the hottest retail opportunities. Choosing the right niche and offering products in a wide price range are the most critical aspects of this business.

Investment Required: The offline store will need roughly Rs.15 lakhs. However, if it is online, you can also start with Rs.50,000 or less.

How to Start the Idea:

• Work on your store theme- whether you want to follow a particular theme or idea
• Source inventory and device a management strategy
• Decide on the form of your store- online or offline
• Get expert guidance 
• Set up your marketing channel and fix a customer service plan

Fund Your Business With IIFL Finance Business Loans

If you lack the capital necessary to start your next business venture, getting an online business loan for women from IIFL Finance can be the ideal source of funds for your new business. Small and medium businesses can use these loans to meet all their capital needs.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1. When starting a business, what are the things you need to consider?
Ans. While planning to launch a business venture, women should keep the following three points in mind:
a. Picking a business
b. Creating a business plan
c. Establishing a budget

Q2. What is an example of a side hustle?
Ans. Blogging, freelancing, tutoring, and making and selling handicrafts are examples of side businesses.

Q3. What business is best for ladies?

Ans. Finding profitable side business ideas in India is crucial, especially for women. However, finding the right business idea begins with identifying a business idea that is in demand, requires minimal investment, and aligns with your passion and expertise. 

Here are some ideas you can focus on-

• Starting a daycare center is profitable due to the increasing demand from working parents and nuclear families.
• Given India's rich cultural heritage, selling handmade products online is a great idea. You can use platforms like Etsy, Amazon, and Facebook Marketplace to showcase your products.
• You can start making and selling handmade jewelry if you enjoy its creativity. The business can be profitable with a small investment.
• Online coaching or tutoring is ideal if you have expertise in a particular subject. Use platforms like Zoom or Google Meet to teach.
• Event planning suits those with skills in organizing and decorating. You can plan weddings, corporate events, and more.
• An e-commerce store can be highly profitable. Sell your handmade products online.
• If you know the in and out of social media management, you can offer social media management services.

Q4. Which side business is most profitable?

Ans. Side business ideas for working women in India are side hustles that they run outside of their regular jobs. These can be simple projects, like selling homemade items at local markets, or bigger goals, such as starting an eCommerce store. Starting a side business can be very rewarding at times. Here are a few ideas to consider:

Content writing, freelance service provider, virtual assistant, online tutoring, becoming an influencer, digital marketing consultancy, office supplies store, affiliate marketing, coaching, photography, and selling handmade goods. 

Q5. What business can a homemaker start?

Ans. Home-based businesses let homemakers and moms use their spare time wisely and earn extra money. This helps them become self-sufficient. Homemakers can run various businesses from home, depending on their skills. Some side business ideas include online data entry, daycare services, network marketing, homemade goods stores, designing gifting hampers, affiliate marketing, catering services, and e-book publishing. 

Q6. What businesses can I start alone?

Ans. The rise of solopreneurs and one-person businesses is attracting many. This trend has snowballed as solopreneurs enjoy the freedom of running their own businesses while being solely responsible for themselves. The beauty of this model is its versatility and simplicity—if it's suitable for a self-sustaining business, you can pursue it. Here are a few solopreneur businesses you could start today:

Blogger, content creator (Video & podcast), graphic designer & photographer, copywriting, dog grooming & dog walker, consultancy in your expertise, personal trainer, web/ app developer, Etsy seller, and dropshipping.

Q7. How housewife can earn money?

Ans. As a homemaker, if you are planning to start an extra source of income, you can monetize the additional time that you have- 

• You can start a daycare service. 
• You can also spend extra time updating your skill set and being a freelance service provider.
• You can start catering services, online tutoring, or coaching.
• You can monetize your passion for creative crafts and handmade products or writing (e-books)

Q8. Are there any loans available for female entrepreneurs?

Ans. The government of India has shown its support for women entrepreneurs through various financing and subsidy schemes backed by the government. Some of the schemes include-

• Annapurna Scheme:

This financing option is for women in the food catering industry establishing small-scale businesses. It helps them buy equipment and set up trucks.

• Bharatiya Mahila Bank Business Loan:

This program supports women entrepreneurs across various industries. You can avail of a loan of up to Rs.20 lakhs to scale your business to the next level.

• Orient Mahila Vikas Yojana Scheme:

This scheme offers loans up to Rs.25 Lakhs with a special interest rate concession (up to 2%) and doesn't require collateral. Plus, you get a flexible repayment period of up to 7 years.

• Dena Shakti Scheme:

This scheme caters to women entrepreneurs in various sectors like agriculture, retail trade, and small enterprises. Loan limits vary by sector, with a maximum of Rs.20 Lakhs.

• Udyogini Scheme:

This program is designed to promote self-reliance among women from low-income families. The scheme offers loans up to Rs.1 Lakh specifically for businesses in the trade and service sector.

• Mahila Udyam Nidhi Scheme:

This scheme aims to bridge the financial gap for existing small businesses owned by women. It provides loans of up to Rs.10 Lakhs with a 10-year repayment period, helping you invest in growth or reconstruction.

• Stree Shakti Yojna:

This program offers a small interest rate concession (0.05%) on loans above Rs. 2 Lakhs for women entrepreneurs. However, you must participate in an Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP).

• Synd Mahila Shakti Scheme:

This scheme supports women entrepreneurs and self-employed women by providing loans up to Rs. 5 Lakhs specifically for business expansion.