As a college student, launching your business may prepare you for the professional world, earn you extra money, and boost your resume. But finding an affordable, achievable startup idea can be tricky.
This article compiles realistic small-scale business ideas for students—from home baking to event planning to YouTube channels—for Indian students to start part-time businesses with little investment. Continue reading for a comprehensive guide to kickstarting your journey during college in a strategic way.
Why should you start a business as a student?
The common perception is that college is a time for students to figure out what they want to do with their lives and get a head start on their careers. As a result, many students work as interns or part-timers in their preferred fields.
On the other hand, some college students opt for a more entrepreneurial mindset and launch their businesses during their time there. Why are they helpful?
As a first benefit, it might help you prepare for the professional world. It takes diverse abilities, including marketing, client service, and financial management, to successfully operate a business. Secondly, it’s an excellent chance to earn additional money as a student. Lastly, it might make you stand out when you’re ready to hit the job market.
However, consider the benefits and drawbacks before jumping into a business venture as a college student.
Also read: Starting a side business: tips and ideas
Innovative business ideas for students
Here are a few small business ideas for students in India that are affordable and suitable.
- Home baking business
If you’re a young entrepreneur looking for unique business ideas for students, consider launching a home baking business. You may start a small-scale business with no significant financial commitment by baking in your own home, and you can experiment with different recipes, use seasonal and local products, and be innovative.
Using your kitchen as a storage and prepping area might help you reduce overhead expenses. In addition, it enables you to leverage the increasing demand for personalised baked products such as birthday cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and baked goods.
Having the right skills and a great marketing plan will make starting a successful business from home easy.
- Event management business
The correct skills and expertise may help a prospective entrepreneur launch a successful event-planning business. Event management is a popular choice for new business owners.
Event organisers must be creative, careful, and good at solving problems to ensure everything goes off without issues. Working with different individuals is also a part of it. Thus, you’ll need strong interpersonal abilities to do it.
Businesses providing first-rate event management services have much room to grow due to the recent upsurge in live entertainment and corporate events in Indian cities.
- Pet care services
With so many people looking for someone to watch their pets while at work these days, pet care services have become a booming industry. Some individuals even hire sitters to play with or walk their pets. This job doesn’t need to be done by a highly skilled expert, which can be one of the best part-time business ideas for students.
Also read: Scaling Your Side Business: Strategies for Growth
- Drop-shipping business
One popular strategy for running an online store is “drop-shipping,” where you work as an intermediary for buyers and sellers. You may sell items to customers via dropshipping without ever having to buy stuff or manage inventory.
Students with marketing and creative skills will benefit significantly from this business concept. To begin a drop-shipping company, find a supplier that can provide you with things at a discount compared to retail prices.
The next step is to set up a shop online, sell these goods, and make a profit. With each purchase, you profit while the seller handles shipping and processing.
- Content writing and social media management
Content writing is an excellent option for students starting their businesses in India. With many startups popping up in India, content writing is more vital than ever to attract clients and leave a lasting impression.
It would be best to start by creating a portfolio of your written pieces, setting pricing, and establishing your brand. You can find clients on social media, work boards like Linkedin, or by contacting people directly.
Managing a social media presence is an excellent business concept for students. Most established companies hire third-party assistance since they don’t have the resources to manage their social media accounts in-house.
Working as a social media manager allows you to oversee clients’ social media accounts and develop strategies to increase sales. You may also provide content creation, publication, engagement, and analytics services.
- YouTube and podcast business
A YouTube channel is an excellent way for students to start their careers. Making a YouTube channel allows them to reach people worldwide, establish their brand, and earn money from advertisements. Students may also collaborate with established YouTubers and influencers to produce viral videos that attract even more viewers.
This is a great business idea for students because of its low startup costs and high profit potential.
- Photography business
Social media and online video marketing are growing in popularity, which means more businesses require professional photographers and videographers. Recently, videography services have become popular among students looking to start their businesses. It is possible to make a living as a freelance photographer if you are interested in and able to shoot pictures.
Also read: Balancing a full-time job and a side hustle
Conclusion
Starting a small business as a student can strategically hone real-world skills and generate income if you select a concept that matches your bandwidth and interests.
While ideas like dropshipping, photography and YouTube leverage online platforms, home-based baking and pet care offer offline options with little financial risk. These ventures make great side hustles for someone in college or school.
