It’s Wednesday, smack in the middle of the week, where dreams of a side hustle sound way better than waiting for the weekend!
If you’ve ever thought, “What’s a smart, low-risk business I can start with 10 lacs in a Tier-3 city?” you’re in the right place.
Today’s edition breaks down real, practical businesses that can generate steady income while keeping risks in check.
Let’s explore some solid options 👇
1. Breakfast stall near a college
Budget Breakdown:
Rent for a small space near a college: ₹10,000/month
Equipment (stove, utensils, tables, chairs): ₹1,00,000
Initial food stock: ₹50,000
Miscellaneous (licenses, branding, etc.): ₹50,000
Total Investment: ₹2-3 Lacs
Why should you start this?
College students love affordable, good food. Serve items like poha, idli, paratha, and chai, and you’ll always have customers.
2. Dairy shop
Budget Breakdown:
Shop rent: ₹15,000/month
Initial dairy stock (milk, cheese, curd, butter): ₹3,00,000
Refrigeration & storage: ₹1,50,000
Branding & marketing: ₹50,000 or almost 0 if the shop is in a residential area
Total Investment: ₹4-6 Lacs
Why should you start this?
Daily demand is high, and if you can source dairy products directly from farmers, margins improve. You can expand by selling eggs, bread, and organic products.
3. Photocopy & stationery shop
Budget Breakdown:
Rent near coaching institutes: ₹12,000/month
Printer, scanner, copier: ₹2,00,000
Stationery stock: ₹2,00,000
Electricity & furniture: ₹50,000
Total Investment: ₹5-6 Lacs
Why should you start this?
Coaching centers and schools mean constant demand for photocopying, printouts, and stationery. If you add lamination and bookbinding services, revenue can increase.
4. Clothing store
Budget Breakdown:
Rent: ₹15,000/month
Inventory (sarees, casual wear, school uniforms): ₹5,00,000
Racks, mannequins, branding: ₹1,00,000
Total Investment: ₹6-8 Lacs
Why should you start this?
Tier-3 cities rely on local clothing shops instead of big brands. If you source from Surat or Delhi, you can even maintain good margins.
5. Hydroponic Farming
What is it btw?
Hydroponic farming is a soil-free technique where plants grow in nutrient-rich water
Budget Breakdown:
Land lease (if needed): ₹2,00,000/year
Greenhouse setup: ₹4,00,000
Hydroponic system installation: ₹3,00,000
Initial seed & nutrients: ₹1,00,000
Total Investment: ₹8-10 Lacs
Why should you start this?
High-value crops like lettuce, basil, and strawberries can fetch premium prices. You can supply to local supermarkets and restaurants.
6. General Store
Budget Breakdown:
Rent: ₹12,000/month
Initial stock: ₹5,00,000
Furniture & setup: ₹1,00,000
Total Investment: ₹6-7 Lacs
Why should you start this?
Essential goods sell daily. Adding home delivery or online orders can give you an edge.
7. Jan aushadhi pharmacy
Budget Breakdown:
License & registration: ₹50,000 (this may vary)
Rent: ₹12,000/month
Initial stock: ₹4,00,000
Branding & setup: ₹1,50,000
Total Investment: ₹7-8 Lacs
Why should you start this?
Generic medicines have high demand. Government support makes this a low-risk option.
Before you go, here are some of the top headlines of the day
📌 Zomato's founder, Deepinder Goyal invests $20 million in aviation startup, LAT Aerospace
📌 Lilavati Hospital Trust accuses ₹1,200 crore fraud
📌 Rapido plans to enter food delivery, challenging Swiggy and Zomato
📌 Insoys sheds 3% of its value
So, that’s it for today. If you enjoyed this edition, subscribe to hear from us every day!
See ya 👋