Published on Jan 11, 2021Updated on Sept 23, 2026
Women belonging to different strata of society have always been multitaskers juggling home and demanding careers. They might, at times, might take a step back to nurture their commitments. However, modern women have taken this in their stride and have turned into job creators instead of job seekers. There has been an increase in the number of women entrepreneurs. They are carving a niche in all walks of life and are contributing to their families and the economy. Starting your business has its own set of risks and challenges. Obtaining the finance required being one of them. However, several providers have started offering business loans for women at reasonable rates of interest.
Here are a couple of side business ideas for ladies with low or almost negligible investment:
Tiffin/food services is a good option for women who love to cook and would love to turn their passion for cooking into a business. The investment is almost minimal and all that it takes is basic marketing efforts. People are open to experimenting with different types of cuisines whereas others are more than willing to invest in a meal that gives them the touch of home. This is one business idea for ladies with low investment.
Spread the word through word of mouth or digital mediums and you are ready to go!
According to a report by Euromonitor International, the Indian pet care industry is growing at a rate of 20 per cent per year. This growth is attributed to several factors that include increased spending on pets. Pet care is no longer an unorganized space and customers are demanding well-trained professionals to provide pet care related services. If you are a pet lover and have experience in dealing with pets, this might be an ideal option for you. Pet grooming and training are options that you might want to consider.
This business will require investment in the form of training and relevant licenses.
This business requires minor investment in the form of training and certifications, however, is quite likely to yield handsome profits. If you are a fitness enthusiast and have a passion for teaching, teaching might prove to be your calling. All you need to do is find a training centre next to you, complete a certification course that provides you with the knowledge required to teach learners at all levels. Register yourself with globally recognized institutions which will help you up your game.
Opening a clothes business is synonymous to women’s side businesses. The fashion and lifestyle industry is booming and expected to grow at a rate of approximately 8-10% every year. Customers are more open than ever to trying different types of clothes and accessories. This demand generates great potential for women to design and create clothes and accessories. You could consider employing skilled craftsmen/weavers to offer an extremely exclusive portfolio of clothes and accessories.
Besides a passion for beauty and grooming, this requires investment in training, good quality products and advertising. Set up the parlour at home or list with service provider applications to provide door to door beauty care services.
Turning your passion for good quality organic toiletries and cosmetics can prove to be a good business idea. There is an ever-increasing tribe of people opting for organic soaps, cosmetics etc. Shortlist on a few unique types of soaps that will make you stand out and keep the initial investment low.
Decide on a USP and make use of paid advertisements on social media to promote your products.
If you have been a working professional, you can capitalize on the knowledge acquired through years of experience and turn it into a business. In this agile business environment, companies are always on the hunt for talented professionals who can help them plan business better. Opt for consultancy projects on a short or long term basis. If you are well-connected with professionals from different industries and are in sync with the latest happenings in the business world, setting up a consultancy business might be the right option for you.
You can turn a part of your living space into a work area and invest in basic office furniture.
This is another viable business option that does not require any special technical skills. Companies are always on the lookout for data-entry professionals to enter data into the computer/specialized software. You might be required to update, verify the authenticity of data, etc. as per the company’s requirements.
A data entry business might require you to invest in a basic computer system and brush up your skills in MS-Excel.
Many city dwellers/corporates are constantly on the lookout for landscape artists to provide a green touch to their environment. You can provide services like setting up a vertical garden, periodical maintenance etc.
The steady increase in the number of nuclear families and both the parents working, has increased the demand for day-care services. Parents are more than willing to invest in day-care services with an environment conducive to their children’s growth.
With the increase in online shopping, starting an online retail store can be a great option. It requires a minimal investment to set up an online store, and it can be done from anywhere with an internet connection. You can sell products that you are passionate about, such as handmade jewelry, clothing, or unique home decor items.
If you have a way with words, freelance writing can be a profitable business. There are many online platforms that offer opportunities for freelance writers, such as creating content for blogs or writing social media posts for businesses.
If you have a knack for social media, starting a social media management business can be a great option. You can help businesses grow their social media presence by creating content, managing accounts, and running advertising campaigns.
If you enjoy planning and organizing events, starting an event planning business can be a great option. You can offer your services for weddings, corporate events, or other social events.
If you have an eye for design and love creating beautiful spaces, starting an interior design business can be a great option. You can offer your services to clients who want to transform their homes or businesses.
Here is how to choose a successful business idea for you:
Must Read: 5 Tips for Women to Start a Business
If you already have an existing business and would like to get financing for expansion, SMFG India Credit offers collateral free business loans upto INR 1 Crore* with preferential interest rates. However, if you are working and would like to start your own business, we recommend personal loans for women – our interest rates start at 12.5%, and we offer loan amounts upto INR 10 lakhs. Thus, no matter what business you have set your heart on, business loans can give wings to your dreams. Go ahead and live the dream!
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