What are the small-scale business ideas in South India?

Small scale industries are the ones that contribute more to a country’s economy. And in a country like India, the small business sector not only helps in the growth of the country’s economy but also provides employment to people. With its modern+traditional outlook and infrastructure, South India is a good ground to start a small-scale business. There are many different small-scale business ideas to begin in South India. You can find some of the unique business ideas here.

As mentioned earlier, there are many different business opportunities. Let us categorise them into two:

(i) businesses with zero or investments as less as Rs. 20000

(ii) businesses with investments of around Rs. Twenty thousand to Rs. 2 lacs

When looking into business ideas that require a lesser investment, the best business ideas are:

1. Blogging

If you are creative or passionate about a particular field, you can start a blog or vlog (video blogging) about the same. Your blog has to be exciting and is a great way to attain viewers. The number of viewers is directly related to the revenue you get. You can host your blog initially with WordPress or Blogspot and, with a decent number of viewers, can host in your domain.

2. Reselling

Reselling is another small profitable business idea. Reselling does not require any investment. You can join as a reseller in any group and sell those products through your social network. The platform takes care of shipping and delivering the products, and you get a profit for the products you sell.

3. Freelancing

Freelancing is another idea that requires less investment. According to your area of interest, you can be a freelancer. A freelance makeup artist, freelance photographer, freelance content writer, and numerous options depend solely on your niche.

4. Homemade food delivery

If you are an exceptional cook and create a storm in your kitchen, you can start a business in the same area. Most people prefer home-cooked food, and hence a better business idea. The kitchen of your home becomes your workplace, and therefore the investment is less.

5. Spices and Condiments

As mentioned earlier, people prefer all things homemade hygienically. If you get regular praise for your “homemade masalas” and ‘chutney powders’ you can select that as your business option. Please make a small batch and sell them to your retail store nearby. Depending on the response, you can increase the amount you prepare.

6. The batter for Idli/Dosa

Idli and Dosa are the identities of South India, and not everyone has the time or can come up with a perfect batter. If you invest in batter-making, your business can catch popularity very quickly. And with the tag ‘homemade,’ you can market these easily. You can set up a small unit in a kitchen. All you need to invest in is good quality rice, urad dal, and a commercial wet grinder.

7. Mushroom farming

Mushroom farming is also a small business idea that can be undertaken from the comfort of your home with less investment. All you need is some polythene bags, mushroom spawns, and straw. With the right conditions and care, you will be able to produce large quantities.

8. Homemade cakes

With the lockdown, many tested their culinary skills, and most excelled in baking. As a result, there are several home-bakers around us. If you are one of them, you can put good use of your skills by taking in orders for birthday cakes, anniversary cakes, or for small get-togethers.

9. Pickles and Papads

Pickles are a go with the rice, and there are many different kinds of pickles to explore. You can try your hand at pickle-making or papad-making. First, try your nearest retail shop. If the product clicks, then you can invest hugely and start your brand.

10. Homemade chocolates

This is another small-scale business idea. You can go in for different variations in homemade chocolates. This is a great business option—the newer variants you provide, the more your customers. You can also sell them online, creating a page of your own.

11. Homemade traditional snacks

South Indian snacks like banana chips, achappam, murukku, thattai, nippattu, shankar pali, chekodi, etc., are craved by many within and outside the country. You can prepare them as a small-scale business and sell them to your nearby bakeries and restaurants.

12. Handmade jewellery/crafts/gifts

Handmade jewelry, handmade gifts, and crafts are remarkable examples of a small business idea from home. You can make unique designs and sell them on an online site or create a page. The more creative you become, the more orders you get as people today lookout for unique ideas.

Let us take a look at some business ideas if you are ready to make a more considerable investment:

13. Leaf Plate Manufacturing

With plastic being banned, the interest has turned to leaf plates instead of plastic plates. Areca leaf plate is one such example. You will have to invest in the machinery (which would cost around Rs. 55,000 to Rs. 70,000) and raw materials. These plates are in huge demand these days.

14. Kid-friendly soy crayons

Kid-friendly products like soy crayons are new business ideas and an instant click in the market as parents are always looking out for safe products. You must make sure to use kid-friendly products, do your research before venturing into this area.

15. Paper Bag manufacture

As plastics are a big no, paper bags are replacing them. You can collect orders from stores or boutiques and provide paper bags with their names and logo printed.

16. Aquariums

With more people becoming pet-friendly and fish are the most preferred pets, this is a profitable business. You will have to buy some glass tanks and famous and if possible exotic varieties of fish as pets, plus the knowledge on how to take care of them.

17. Ice cube manufacture

This is yet another profitable business idea. You can start an ice plant of your own and sell ice cubes to retail stores, supermarkets, restaurants, etc.

18. Scented Candles

Making scented candles is another small-scale business option. With your creative thinking, you can come up with many different ideas rather than the conventional candles. Scented candles are now in huge demand as they are used for relaxation and meditation.

19. Incense sticks

Incense sticks or Agarbattis, as they are commonly called, are a popular sight in every household. You can purchase the machinery needed (which would cost around Rs. 50,000) and above) and the required materials like bamboo sticks and essential oils and start producing them.

20. Tour guide

For those residing in tourist areas, being a tour guide is a profitable idea. You will have to know about the places in detail and also procure a license for them.

21. Juice Points

Juice points that serve fresh juices are a good business option, as is a demand for natural juice over-processed one. This can also be started with less investment. You will have to rent out a shop, some decent furniture, and the equipment.

Conclusion

With endless opportunities at your disposal, there are many more options like mobile recharge and repair shops, handmade soap manufacturing, apiary, etc, that can be considered as a business idea in South India. You can count on OkCredit for maintaining the books and managing your finances. The possibilities are numerous, and for some businesses, you will have to procure a license while some require skills. Choose the one that suits you best.

Also Read:

1) Best Business Ideas for Teenagers
2) What Are Some Business Ideas for Women in Kanpur?
3) Best small business ideas under 50,000
4) OkCredit: All you need to know about OkCredit & how it works.

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FAQs

Q. Can I avail myself of loans for small businesses?

Ans. Yes, you can. The government provides loans for small entrepreneurs under different schemes. The amount varies from Rs. 50,000 to 10 lakh. There are around ten schemes at present.

Q. Where should I apply for loans?

Ans. You can apply with the respective banks that offer the schemes or visit the official website of these schemes.

Q. Is homemade food delivery profitable in South India?

Ans. Homemade food delivery businesses can certainly bring a considerable amount of profit as the need for quality, home-cooked meals only increases in the places inhabited by working individuals and students.