Starting a business in India has never been more promising for women. With more access to digital tools, supportive government programs, and a growing market, women entrepreneurs are making their mark across various industries.
As a result of the Startup India Initiative, almost 73,000 Indian firms currently include at least one female director. Government programs like the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme have already approved ₹227 crore to support 1,278 women-led startups since 2021, helping them get the capital they need.
The number of women-owned businesses in India will expand by 90% during the upcoming five years, exceeding growth predictions for both the US and UK. Due to their ownership of 20.5% of Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs), women in India are at the forefront of business expansion. This rapid growth also highlights the increasing interest in Business Ideas for Women in India, empowering more women to explore entrepreneurial opportunities.
Government Schemes Supporting Women Entrepreneurs in India
The Indian government offers various schemes to support women in starting and growing businesses. These schemes help with financial aid, skill development, and easy access to credit.
Stand Up India Scheme
- Loan range: ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore
- For women and SC/ST entrepreneurs
- For new businesses in manufacturing, services, or trading
- Website: standupmitra.in
Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)
- Loan types: The Shishu scheme provides loans up to ₹50,000 and Kishore covers amounts between ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh and Tarun offers loans from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh.
- For small businesses, no collateral required
- Website: mudra.org.in
Mahila Coir Yojana
- 75% subsidy on motorized equipment
- For women in coir production
- Website: coirboard.gov.in
TREAD Scheme
- 30% government grant via NGOs + bank loan
- For women from underserved sections
- Website: msme.gov.in
Udyogini Scheme
- Loans up to ₹1 lakh (varies by state)
- For women in rural and semi-urban areas
- Interest subsidies for SC/ST and widows
Annapurna Scheme
- Loan up to ₹50,000
- For women in food catering businesses
- Offered by SBI and other banks
Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP)
- Run by NITI Aayog
- Offers mentorship, networking, funding resources
- Website: wep.gov.in
NSIC Women Entrepreneurs Scheme
- Launched by National Small Industries Corporation
- Offers concessional finance and raw materials
- Includes a 1% interest rate concession
Dena Shakti Scheme (Now through Bank of Baroda)
- Loans up to ₹20 lakh (manufacturing), ₹50,000 (microcredit)
- Interest concession of 0.25%
- For women in agriculture, retail, and manufacturing
Bhartiya Mahila Bank Business Loan (Now merged with SBI)
- Loans up to ₹20 crore
- For manufacturing, retail, and service businesses
- Offered at subsidized interest rates
Top 10 Business Ideas for Women in India
1. Tutoring & Education Business
Education is one of the most trusted and recession-proof sectors. Women with expertise in any subject can easily start tutoring, both online and offline.
- In Delhi/NCR alone, over 5 lakh people are engaged in tutoring.
- 78% of parents enroll their children in tuition.
- Approximate hourly tuition rates:
- Private tutor: ₹1,000–₹4,000
- Group tuition: ₹1,000–₹6,000
- Primary students: ₹1,000–₹3,000
- Above primary: ₹3,000–₹5,000
Why It Works:
- Parents lack time to tutor their kids – over 80% agree they can’t manage it.
- There’s strong demand for coaching in competitive exams and skills.
- Teachers leave schools to earn more through tutoring.
Investment: ₹10,000 to ₹50,000
Earnings: ₹20,000 to ₹2,00,000 per month, contingent on subjects and hours
2. Food & Beverage Business
The food and beverage sector is a booming industry in India, with Indian cuisine gaining popularity globally. Women entrepreneurs in this field are successfully running small-scale businesses, cafes, catering services, and even large restaurants.
- The Indian food and beverage market is projected to reach ₹535 billion by 2026.
- India’s FDI in the food sector has been growing steadily, reaching $4.18 billion in 2022.
- Research indicates that food processing businesses will increase by 8% per year.
Why It Works:
- Both locally and abroad, people are looking for Indian food.
- Female entrepreneurs gain access to multiple food aspects including street dining establishments in addition to traditional local food fare.
- Lower entry barriers with options for small businesses (home-based food businesses, cloud kitchens).
Investment: ₹50,000 to ₹5,00,000
Earnings: ₹30,000 to ₹5,00,000 per month, based on location and scale
3. Event Management Business
Event management is an excellent business idea for women, given the growth in corporate events, weddings, and social functions. Women are making their mark in this field as event planners, coordinators, and designers.
- The organized events industry in India grew at 56.31% in 2017 and 66.10% in 2018.
- Over 11% of employees in this sector are women.
- By 2025, the event sector in India is projected to bring in ₹10,000 crore.
Why It Works:
- The industry is rapidly growing with increasing demand for both corporate and social events.
- High profitability due to low investment and scalability.
- Events like weddings and corporate functions provide lucrative opportunities.
Investment: ₹1,00,000 to ₹10,00,000
Earnings: ₹50,000 to ₹5,00,000/month
4. Health & Fitness Studio
Business Ideas for women often include ventures like health and fitness studios. Women entrepreneurs open such studios, offering yoga along with Pilates, Zumba, and additional fitness programs, as awareness for wellness management increases among women in the country. Under current market conditions, the fitness industry in India demonstrates an annual growth of 8.7 percent.”
- The fitness sector in India is projected to expand with an 8.7% CAGR throughout 2022 to 2027.
- Health and fitness business operations continue to grow annually at a rate between 15 and 20 percent.
- In India, women make around 35% of fitness studio memberships.
Why It Works:
- Fitness is an ever-growing industry with increasing health-consciousness.
- Flexible business models (online, part-time, and home-based studios) offer high scalability.
- Women trainers are in high demand, especially for yoga and wellness.
Investment: ₹50,000 to ₹5,00,000
Earnings: ₹20,000 to ₹1,00,000/month
5. Beauty Care Business
Beauty care businesses are thriving, with services ranging from skincare and haircare to professional beauty salons and medical-grade treatments. Many women entrepreneurs are making waves in the beauty industry by offering affordable, high-quality services.
- The Indian beauty and personal care market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2022 to 2027.
- The beauty care industry will expand beyond ₹1,06,000 crore during 2027.
- Women represent 80% of beauty professionals in India.
Why It Works:
- There’s always a steady demand for beauty services, particularly in urban areas.
- Low initial investment and a wide range of business models (salons, home-based, freelance).
- Personalized services and products have a growing consumer base.
Investment: ₹30,000 to ₹3,00,000
Earnings: ₹25,000 to ₹2,00,000/month
6. Apparel & Clothing Business
One of India’s most vibrant sectors is apparel and apparel. Women can enter this industry through retail, wholesale, online stores, or by starting their own clothing line with minimal capital.
- Between 2018 and 2023, the Indian apparel market expanded at a 14.4% annual pace.
- By 2025, the Indian fashion sector is projected to grow to ₹1,20,000 crore.
- Women contribute to 50% of the Indian fashion market, both as entrepreneurs and consumers.
Why It Works:
- There’s always demand for trendy and affordable fashion.
- Multiple entry points: online stores, boutiques, local stores, and social media sales.
- Indian women are more likely to support fashion companies that are owned by women.
Investment: ₹50,000 to ₹5,00,000
Earnings: ₹30,000 to ₹3,00,000/month
7. Arts & Handicrafts Business
India’s rich cultural heritage offers countless opportunities for women entrepreneurs to tap into the handicraft industry. Women can create and sell traditional or contemporary arts and crafts, including pottery, textiles, jewelry, and more.
- From 2020–21 to 2021–22, the Indian handicrafts export market increased from ₹3.5 billion to ₹4.3 billion.
- Women contribute significantly to the handicrafts sector, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
- Over 50% of handicraft businesses in India are run by women entrepreneurs.
Why It Works:
- Handmade products are gaining popularity in the global market.
- Can be launched with a modest financial outlay and grown online.
- Access to a wide range of potential customers through platforms like Etsy and IndiaMart.
Investment: ₹10,000 to ₹2,00,000
Earnings: ₹15,000 to ₹1,00,000/month
8. Photography Business
Another great business idea for creative women is photography. Whether it’s wedding photography, event photography, or freelance portraiture, the demand for professional photographers is rising.
- It is anticipated that the Indian photography market will expand by 10% a year.
- India’s wedding photography market alone is valued at ₹4,000 crore.
- Women photographers now make up 20% of the market share in India.
Why It Works:
- Photography offers creative freedom and high income potential.
- Technology advancements make it easier to start with affordable equipment.
- High demand for photographers in events, fashion, and weddings.
Investment: ₹30,000 to ₹2,00,000
Earnings: ₹25,000 to ₹2,00,000/month (depending on bookings)
9. Digital Marketing Agency
Digital marketing services experience unprecedented growth because businesses operate their operations through online channels. Expert women in SEO together with social media marketing and content creation and advertising skills can establish their own digital marketing agency.
- From 2023 to 2028, the Indian digital marketing market is anticipated to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.5%.
- Over 60% of women-run businesses are now focusing on digital marketing to reach wider audiences.
- By 2025, the Indian digital marketing market is anticipated to grow to ₹24,000 crore.
Why It Works:
- High desire for a digital presence at a low initial cost.
- Skills like SEO, content marketing, and social media management are in demand.
- Flexible business model, can be run from home or with a small office setup.
Investment: ₹20,000 to ₹2,00,000
Earnings: ₹30,000 to ₹3,00,000/month
10. Online Retail Business
Women can take advantage of e-commerce platforms to sell a variety of products, including fashion, home decor, accessories, and even niche products. Starting an online retail store is cost-effective and scalable.
- By 2025, the Indian e-commerce market is projected to grow to ₹10 trillion.
- Over 30% of online retailers in India are women-owned businesses.
- India’s online retail market is growing at a CAGR of 23%.
Why It Works:
- E-commerce is widely accessible and has a low entrance barrier.
- Can be done from home or via platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, or Shopify.
- Flexibility in choosing product categories – from apparel to tech.
Investment: ₹10,000 to ₹3,00,000
Earnings: ₹20,000 to ₹3,00,000/month
Final Thoughts
The time is perfect for Indian women to turn their passions into successful businesses. With digital platforms, skill development programs, and low-cost startup models, it’s now easier than ever to start small and dream big. There are countless Business Ideas for Women in India that can be launched with minimal investment and scaled over time.
Whether you’re a homemaker, a student, or a professional looking to switch, these business ideas are practical, rewarding, and fit into different lifestyles and financial capabilities.
So pick the idea that excites you the most and get started.
FAQs
1. What is the best low-investment business for women in India?
Tutoring, beauty services, food delivery, and online reselling are top low-investment options.
2. Can women start a business from home?
Yes. Homemade goods, online coaching, and home tiffin services are just a few of the lucrative companies that many Indian women own.
3. What are online business ideas for women?
Online teaching, content writing, blogging, YouTube channels, and selling products via Instagram or marketplaces.
4. Is the food business profitable for women?
Yes, food businesses are among the most profitable due to consistent demand and low setup cost for home kitchens.
5. How can a woman get funding to start a business in India?
Several government schemes like Mudra Yojana, Stand-Up India, and SIDBI provide loans and financial support to women entrepreneurs.
