Top 10 Low Investment Business Ideas You Can Start From Home

Starting a business doesn’t have to drain your savings or demand a massive office. There are real, practical ventures you can launch from home with just a small investment, some creativity, and the drive to add value where others don’t see it yet. From food processing to crafts, today’s home-based entrepreneur has more opportunities than ever before.

If you’re ready to stop watching from the sidelines, this list is for you. Each idea here uses the concept of value addition—meaning you take a product people already want, customize or improve it, and deliver something customers will happily pay a premium for. Let’s break them down Top 10 low investment business ideas and see how you can transform a modest start into a profitable venture.

Top 10 low investment business ideas

1. Jam and Pickles Business: Turning Fruit Into Gold

Ever wondered why a jar of homemade mango pickle costs much more than plain mangoes? That’s the power of value addition. By buying fresh fruits (like mangoes), preparing them with spices, and packaging them nicely, you can triple the value of your ingredients.

• Startup cost: ₹3,000–₹5,000 for raw material and basic packaging
• Earnings: ₹2,500–₹5,000 per month possible if you target neighborhood stores and homes
• Essentials: You need an FSSAI license to sell food products in India, which you can apply for online.
• Tip: Focus on high-demand, seasonal flavors and get your neighbors to spread the word.

Curious about other food ventures? These affordable startup ideas offer great alternatives for anyone looking to break into home-based food production.

2. Moringa Powder Business: Selling Health in a Pack

Moringa—also called drumstick—has sky-high demand as a superfood. While fresh leaves spoil fast, drying and powdering them makes the nutrition last longer and fetches a higher price.

• Startup cost: ₹50,000–₹80,000 (equipment, drying, packaging)
• Earnings: ₹25,000–₹40,000 a month by selling 100g packs at premium rates online and offline
• Diversify: You can branch out into moringa oil, capsules, or even make your own product blends.
• Must: FSSAI license is essential.

Market your product through platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, or use your own social profiles to target health-conscious buyers.

3. Personalized Engraving Business: Make Every Gift Special

Customized gifts never go out of style. People love seeing their names or special messages on keychains, nameplates, wooden plaques, or awards.

• Startup cost: ₹60,000–₹1,20,000 (laser engraver, design software, materials)
• Growth route: Start with gifting but expand into corporate goods like awards or branded merchandise.
• Sales tip: Put your creations on local gift shop pages, Instagram, or short video reels for extra reach.

Unique, personalized products fetch higher prices and help you stand out in a market full of generic choices.

4. Tofu and Soya Products Manufacturing: Plant-Based Profits

Health trends are shifting fast, and more people now seek protein-rich vegetarian food. Tofu, soy milk, and paneer are not only nutritious but also easy to make at home with simple equipment.

• Startup cost: ₹50,000–₹1 lakh
• Sales channels: Supply to local gyms, dieticians, health stores, or even run delivery via Instagram.
• Scalability: Once you lock in steady demand for basic products, try tofu snacks or flavored soy drinks.

Keep hygiene and taste consistent, and your small operation can scale as the health movement grows.

5. Herbal Powder Business: Nature Meets Profits

Beauty and skincare customers are moving away from harsh chemicals. Here’s your chance to offer them natural alternatives—herbal face packs, bath powders, or hair treatments made from simple ingredients like green gram, turmeric, or rose petals.

• Startup cost: ₹20,000–₹60,000
• Essentials: Offer attractive, sturdy packaging. Build trust with testimonials and videos online.
• Repeat sales: Target customers via WhatsApp groups, Instagram, or parent communities.

The herbal segment is big on loyalty. Satisfied clients keep returning—and bring friends along.

6. Dairy Products at Home: Fresh Flavors Every Day

If you have a steady milk supply, you can make paneer, ghee, yogurt, or even flavored milk with basic kitchen tools.

• Startup cost: ₹30,000–₹70,000
• Kitchen essentials: Get starter equipment from India Mart or local dealers.
• Market edge: Freshness and chemical-free promise are your unique selling points.
• Customer retention: Offer doorstep delivery, loyalty discounts, or subscription packs.

Want more rural business inspiration? Check out these small village business ideas under 50000 that show what’s possible with low investment.

7. Coconut-Based Products Business: From Oil to Soap

Coconut is a wonder crop—every part can become a money-maker. Virgin coconut oil is in demand for cooking, hair care, and skincare, but there’s more. The leftover shell can be turned into soap or activated carbon for even more profits.

• Startup cost: ₹1–₹3 lakh to cover basic machinery, molds, packaging, and initial raw stock
• Product ideas: Virgin coconut oil, desiccated coconut, soap, coconut water, and more.
• Branding: Launch your own label for higher margins and control over marketing.
• Local strategy: Target hostels, grocery stores, and use social media for personal care lines.

8. Mosquito Repellent Coil & Vaporizer Manufacturing: Safe Homes, Steady Demand

As people get more concerned about chemicals in daily life, demand is soaring for natural mosquito repellents. You can combine oils like citronella, neem, or eucalyptus into coils or liquids for home use.

• Startup cost: ₹25,000–₹60,000 (molds, raw material, basic equipment)
• Sales targets: Medical shops, neighborhood stores, and online medical supply platforms.
• Seasonal but steady: While the biggest sales come before monsoon, households need your product year-round.

A focus on safe, herbal ingredients can help you build a steady customer base.

9. Candle and Wax Product Manufacturing: Lighting Up Creativity

Handmade candles, wax tablets, and diya crafts light up homes and gift packs. With options for colors, scents, and designs, you set your own style.

• Startup cost: ₹15,000–₹50,000 (wax, dyes, scents, molds)
• Sales events: Sell more during festivals and wedding seasons by joining flea markets, social media groups, or running e-stalls.
• Creative control: You can create everything from luxury candles to simple household items.

Candle-making offers high margins and the joy of working with your hands.

10. Millet-Based Snacks Business: Power Food for Modern Families

As more people want healthy “ancient grains,” millet is hot. Biscuits, energy mixes, and instant drinks from ragi or foxtail millet suit all ages.

• Startup cost: ₹50,000–₹1 lakh, plus an FSSAI license
• Packaging: Jars, Ziploc pouches, or tins keep products fresh and appealing.
• Promotion: Post nutrition tips and recipes online to draw in conscious eaters.
• Sales: Local stores, social platforms, and export channels all work.

This business combines health trends and snack cravings in a tasty, reliable package.

Curious about what’s next for entrepreneurs? Check these top business ideas for 2025 for even more inspiration as the market changes.

Conclusion

You don’t need to risk everything to become your own boss. With a sensible investment, some focus on value addition, and the right marketing, these top 10 low investment business ideas can help you earn steady money and build something of your own—starting right from your kitchen or spare room.

If you’re looking for other options that produce steady, repeat income, see businesses with steady income streams for extra guidance on long-term growth.

Pick the idea that matches your skills, space, and interests. Start small, test your market, and scale slowly. Have questions, or want to share your results? Leave a comment or reach out—we’d love to hear which business idea you’re excited to try!