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19+ Business ideas in Kochi 2024 (Low Investment)

19+ Business ideas in Kochi 2024 (Low Investment)

Maximize Festive Season Sales With Fynd Platform

Learn from the masters and cracks the code to festive season sales success with Fynd Platform's Festive Readiness Guide

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The financial and commercial hub of Kerala is Kochi. Kochi or Cochin is a port city on the Malabar coast. Kochi is also called the Queen of the Arabian Sea; it used to be a spice trading centre. Kochi is one of the best tourist destinations. The city was ranked as the top future emerging city. In Kerala, the city has the highest GDP and GDP per capita.

The service sector in the city is helping the city to grow its economy. The city is today a state's commercial hub. The city offers employment for the local people with several leading hospitality brands. Kochi has the headquarters of the Spices Board of India and the World Spice Organisation. 

It would be best if you started a business in Kochi because – 

  • Kochi has all the basic facilities such as electricity, fresh water, banking facilities, a water transportation system, a harbour terminal and an international air terminal. 
  • Cheap bandwidth and low operational costs have boosted Kochi's IT and ITES industries.
  • Kochi has the best upmarket stores, art galleries, and heritage accommodations.  
  • The city provides the best healthcare services. 
  • The city is classified as a tier II city. 

Statics table

The economy of the city
Kochi's economy is dependent on tourism, exports, and allied services
Total population  Is 31,93,000 (2021) 
States GDP  9.99 lakh crore (2021-22) 
Gap in business and opportunities 
 Is Women’s involved in business  Yes 
Male’s involved in business  Yes 
 Successful businesses/company/ factory

V-Guard industries, SFO technologies,  


Entrepreneur Story in Kochi

Kochi-based businessperson Neeta Vijay Kumar believes that handcrafted jewellery is downplayed in India. Her start-up promotes handmade jewellery. Neeta was passionate about jewellery, and in her college days, she began to make and sell jewellery to her friends.

After college, she worked as a content marketer but wanted to create her own identity. After researching, she concluded that jewellery culture is vibrant and handmade jewellery can be sold. Neeta's start-up has a unique place in the market.

Her products are handcrafted by real craftsmen and are curated. She said that her start-up is targeting a niche audience. Her products are sold through social media platforms at an affordable price.

Why Start Your Business?

There are many reasons to establish your business on any scale suitable for you. Kochi is one of the commercial and economically viable cities. Starting your business has many advantages over jobs or employment. 

Establishing your business gives you many benefits. These can be – 

  • Creating your ideal workplace – Being a business owner helps you work in your ideal place, home, park, or office. 
  • Earning more – Businesses allow you to earn more. Jobs offer you a fixed amount, but businesses do not. 
  • Pursuing your passion – By doing a business, you pursue your passion, and you allow your passion to create profits for you. 
  • Feel alive – Business is nerve-wracking. Every day you are eager to know your profits. Being your boss, you are free to make your decisions. 
  • You will have a story – By starting your business, you will have a story to tell when you succeed, like where it all started, how you ended up in the business and other things you will face.

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What is a Small Business?

Small businesses have different definitions in different countries. Small businesses can take the form of sole proprietors, partnerships or cooperatives. The main concept of all businesses is self-employment and the creation of jobs.

Small businesses and start-ups should not be confused; they are different. The main aim of a small business is to create income, and start-ups aim to grow and become big firms.

Ideas to Start Your Business in Kochi

Kochi is a highly developed cyber city. It has advanced infrastructure for residential, health, education, business, and lifestyle. Considering the basic business requirements such as power, land cost, and infrastructure, it is one of the suitable places to start a business. 

Due to a skilled and educated workforce, Kerala has become an attractive point for investors and business people. The start-up cost in Kochi is low compared to other locations. 

Here are a few ideas by the Fynd platform to start your business in Kochi - 

1. Sell Ayurvedic Products

Ayurvedic bottles are kept around the wodden plate

Ayurveda products have a huge demand and an already established market. You can sell your products online and physically in the market. The Fynd Platform will guide you in selling products online. Ayurvedic products have various uses; they are used for treatments in beauty industries. You can even sell ayurvedic medicines. To sell ayurvedic products, you need to- 

  • Get your business registered 
  • Make sure to decide on the product line, like you will sell beauty ayurvedic products, ayurvedic medicines and others. 

Selling ayurvedic products can be highly profitable but will require hard work initially. You can also produce ayurvedic products. These products have a demand all over the world.

2. Jewellery Business 

A diamond ring is shown in the image

Kochi is one of the pioneers of the jewellery-making business in India. Kerala is known as Jewel Junction as it is a home for elegant and traditional jewellery. Starting a jewellery business in Kochi is a profitable idea. You can take the help of the fynd platform to learn how to start an online jewellery business.

To start your jewellery business, you have to – 

  • Define your line that what your jewellery represents 
  • Create a budget for your business and arrange finances 
  • Find suppliers who will help you in selling your jewellery 
  • Get the licences from the council of your area

Today, you can start your business online and earn by working from home. Artificial and statement jewellery are demanding these days. According to the report of IBEF, as of February 2021, India's gold and jewel exchange contributed ~7.5% to India's GDP and 14% to India's add-up to stock trades. The gems and adornments segment will likely employ ~8.23 million people by 2022, from ~5 million in 2020.

3. Accounting Services 

Taxation papers and calculator is placed on the floor

Accounting services play a significant part in financial requirements. An accounting firm offers tax strategy, bookkeeping or payroll services, tax preparation and business valuation services etc. Starting accounting services business needs qualifications and licenses. This field is regulated. To start an accounting business, you need education and training in the field. You should not have any criminal record or membership in the relevant organization.

Small business owners should research the reputation of the company. Accounting services are a part of every business. The basic need of accounting for business are – 

  • To find the best business structure 
  • Financial analysis is important for any business 
  • Accounting services are essential to calculate and preparing taxes. 

4. Online Tuitions

A lady and girl is attending online class from their laptop

After the Covid-19 pandemic, online tuitions are in demand, and home-based businesses have sprouted up. Online tuition business does not have any high requirements, but you need to have – 

  • Expertise in any subject and experience 
  • You should have time 
  • A laptop or phone and an online meeting platform
  • A price for your services 

Online tuition has now become a significant part of the education system. With the low investment, you can start teaching from your home. No minimum qualification criteria are needed to teach online, but you must have an excellent knowledge of the topic you plan to teach. You can also build your courses and sell them online.

5. Estate Agency 

Two mens are shaking hand after the deal of the house has done

The estate agency business is profitable and is of various types. Property flipping is the most profitable estate business. The real estate market is a promising business industry.

Estate agents also earn a handsome amount. To start an estate agency business, you must – 

  • Research and evaluate the business opportunities 
  • Choose your speciality, as the estate has many options
  • Complete all the legal requirements 
  • Build a hard-working team and go online for your business 

This business is profitable as this sector is flourishing at high speed and has got growth opportunities, but at the same time, it also involves risks. 

6. Pickle Making

Mango pickles are placed on the jar

For Indians, pickle making is a low-cost, small-scale business that can be started from home. Pickle is a part of every Indian thali. Pickles are of various types depending on the region and taste of the people.

This is a perfect business idea for women to start. It requires little investment but a lot of hard work. You can make mango pickles, lime, chilli, ginger, etc. If you maintain the taste of the pickle, you will be a popular pickle seller, and it will offer you decent profit margins. Pickle making is one of the most demanding businesses, and now you can even open your online store for your products. The Fynd Platform will guide you in opening the online store.

7. Tour Guide 

A Lady is having map in which is seeing to visit for tour

Kochi being a tourist area, has scope for a tour guide business. To be a successful tour guide, you need to promote your services. Being a tour guide, you can earn more than you expect. It would help if you were careful that your clients have a good experience with your service. You must create a website first and keep your website updated to attract traffic.

Customer satisfaction is important for your tour guide business. To start a tour guide business, you should know the area in which you are starting your business. To start a tour guide business, you must– 

  • Explore your location and research the market 
  • Create a proper business plan 
  • Keep your schedules organised 
  • Build a hard-working and skills team 

As your guide is a personal service, communication skills matter the most. The ongoing expenses are minimum for this business. Your guide makes money from the tours given. 

8. Producing Lemongrass Oil 

A green colour bottle of lemongrass oil is placed on the table

Producing the lemongrass oil business has potential growth opportunities. Lemongrass grows well in tropical and subtropical climates, and Kerala fulfils India's need for lemongrass oil. Lemongrass has many health benefits, such as it helps in treating digestive spasms, high bp, pain, vomiting, stomachache, and the common cold. 

You can grow lemongrass and produce oil with favourable soil and climatic conditions. Lemongrass oil has a global market that provides growth opportunities. Lemongrass farming can also be very profitable. As the properties of lemongrass oil are widely spreading, its demand is also rising, creating a business opportunity to start a venture.

Not only in the domestic market but the demand for lemongrass oil is also high in the international market. You can even create an online store for selling the oil. The fragrance of lemongrass is used for various purposes. The various uses of lemongrass make it a lucrative and profitable business to go ahead with. 

9. Spice Business 

Different types of spices on the glass is shown in the image

Spices are consumed daily, and Indians are crazy about spices. Due to the flavours and taste that Indian spices have, the demand for Indian spices has grown. Our country is the largest producer and consumer of spices. In different parts of countries, a variety of spices are used. Indian spices are exported globally due to their taste and aroma. Starting a spice business in Kochi is highly profitable and demanding. The plus point is that it does not have a high start-up cost.

After completing all the legal requirements, you will need space for making powdered spices. Arrange for the raw spices and types of machinery to make powder. You can even start growing or selling spices; you can sell your spices on Amazon or any other online website. Spices already have a standard market demand. Spices can fetch you a high income.

10. Coconut-based Food Processing 

Open coconut is placed on the sand

Kerala is the largest coconut-producing state, and starting a coconut-based food processing business can be lucrative. Besides refreshing coconut water, many other products like coconut oil, milk, juice, candy, butter, and other eatable items can be produced.

Entrepreneurs entering into business can consider coconut potential income opportunities as India is the highest coconut producer in the world. Coconut and coconut products have an established market demand. Even commercial coconut farming is a lucrative business idea.

Coconut water is one of the most sold drinks. Coconut production plays an important role in the Indian economy. The coconut business has created a huge income potential for entrepreneurs. Coconut oil is used widely, so producing coconut oil can be a good business.

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11. Boutique Hotel

A luxurious hotel is shown in the image

The boutique hotel is an attractive business option in Kochi. A boutique hotel is small, theme based, and it offers extraordinary services. Boutique hotels are mainly privately owned. The city hosts numerous tourists annually, and this industry contributes 13% of the state's GDP. Investing in a boutique hotel is a profitable business to start. 

For starting a hotel business – 

  • You need to find the market and property 
  • After understanding the market needs, you should draft your hotel's strategic goals
  • Review and choose a suitable finance option for your business 
  • Management plays an important role in the hotel business, so be careful in building your team
  • Create a market plan and launch your hotel 

Hotels are a lucrative business option. The investment can be made according to your budget. Most boutique hotels are theme furnished. The concept of boutique hotels is unique. 

12. Banana Chips

Banana chips is kept on the bowl

Banana chips are popular and originated in Kerala. It has a wide market and export potential. This is one of the perfect crispy snacks that can be offered at school and college canteens, railway stations, and other public places. This is a profitable business for any entrepreneur.

The cost of making banana chips is low, and returns are maximum. Good quality banana chips are exported, making them profitable. Banana chips serve as a side dish and can be started on a small scale. You can earn a lot more by producing banana chips.

The market for banana chips is emerging as it is a ready-to-eat item. Bananas have a low self-life, so preserving them is a good option. The advantage of producing banana chips is that it requires low investment and less space to set up the machinery.

13. Rubber Business

A man wearing rubber gloves cleaning the women's nail

Kochi exports raw materials for the rubber business. Investing in a rubber business can be very profitable. New entrepreneurs can start small-scale businesses in the rubber industry. There is a wide range of rubber products that are used daily. Natural rubbers can be used to make erasers, a profitable business in the domestic market.

You can also start producing latex rubber thread and manufacture rubber bands and belts, floor mats, gloves, gaskets, toys, stamps, slippers and many more products that are produced using rubber. Apart from natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers are also used for various purposes.

The rubber industry is considered a prominent industry. India is the largest producer of rubber. For a new entrepreneur, it is a profitable business as there is a huge potential in the rubber industry. With a reasonable investment, you can start a small-scale manufacturing business.

14. Agarbatti Making 

Incense stick is placed on the red colour bottle

Agarbatti making is one of the most profitable businesses in India. The individuals can determine the size of manufacturing Agarbatti. Agarbatti making comes under the cottage industry, and though it is a labour-intensive industry, it provides employment.

To start the business:

  1. Arrange raw materials such as bamboo sticks, raw materials, and colour powder.
  2. Rent out our own space for making Agarbatti.
  3. Get all the information about the Agarbatti manufacturing business 

Agarbatti has a market domestically and internationally.

15. Fertiliser Distribution

A man is putting fertilizer on the ground

Fertilizers are used to improve crop production. Over 85 million tons of fertilizer are used worldwide in a year. Many companies produce fertilizer, and they look for a distributor. Fertilizer distribution can be an option to go ahead as a business. Fertiliser companies are eligible for grants from donor agencies, and if you can access municipal grants, your work has become easier. If you want to start a fertilizer distribution business, you must – 

  • Get all the licenses and permissions from the government 
  • Get certificates for fertilizer sales 
  • Get a proper business plan 

The Fertiliser industry is highly regulated in India. The Fertiliser business is not decreasing as the growing population demands food, and fertilizers are used in agriculture. You can start this business by selecting suitable materials, and it yields good returns. You can also manufacture fertilizers. 

16. Ayurveda Tourism

A view of green plants tress are shown in the image

Kerala's tourism business is popular because of Ayurveda. Ayurveda tourism is a medical line providing treatments through ayurvedic techniques and products. The advantages that Ayurveda offers are recognised all over the world, and Kerala has a natural supply of medicinal plants.

Medical practices in Kerala are done with utmost devotion. Ayurveda centres have become a point of attraction for international tourists and tourists from all over the country. The favourable climatic conditions allow for the growth of ayurvedic centres in the city.

Take care of the following prerequisite to thrive in your business – 

  • Recognise your market for a successful start-up
  • Bring initial consultation with sales 

Many other ideas can help you boost your business. The ayurvedic industry has a huge customer base.

17. Export Business

Green cargo boat beside dock is exporting the car

Developing an export business costs nothing, and executing the idea can be profitable. Many exporting options are available in Kochi, such as spices, spice oil, nutmeg, vanilla and tea. The major export of the state is done through Kochi and Trivandrum ports. Tea and coffee are also exported from India. Starting an export business will help you earn a lot.

Banana chips and coconut products are also emerging as good export options. Many export options are available, such as vegetables, clothes, beauty products, seafood, machinery, petroleum products, leather products, and other things. Starting an export business is a bit challenging. The system of modern trade is complex. To start an export business, you must– 

  • Get your business basics in order 
  • Select what you will export 
  • Find a manufacturer or a supplier 
  • Find your customers and get your logistics down 

18. Café or a Restaurant

A restaurant is shown where all the facilities have done

When you think of diving into the business, a café or a restaurant is an ideal option that can be executed. Opening a café or a restaurant can be a rewarding experience. Opening a restaurant will require a big investment in time and money. It would help if you had a proper business plan, and location will play an important role in the success of your business. 

Cafés and restaurants have emerged as meeting points for youth. As Kochi attracts many tourists, a café or a restaurant is an ideal business option. You can rent or own property to start a café. Get in touch with the suppliers to get raw materials for your café. A café or restaurant near the Malabar coast will be great. 

19. Tourism Business

People are doing boating in the river around the forest

Kochi is a destination that attracts tourists from all over the world. So, the tourism business can be successful in Kochi. Kochi has immense opportunities for the tourism business. This sector also contributes to the state's GDP. The tourism business has many things to do, such as transportation services, travel agencies, accommodation, destination management companies and other options to explore.

As the business is competitive, you must focus on the triple bottom line. If you are good at communicating and have knowledge of the tourism industry, you can excel in the field.

20. Tea Plantation 

Tea plantation farm is shown in the image

Kerala is known for its tea plantation. With ample land availability, you can also get into the tea plantation business. 

To start a tea farm, you need to – 

  • Proper research about the plantation 
  • Go to other tea farms and learn how they do it 
  • There are various types of tea, so determine which tea you will grow
  • Buy seeds and hire farmers
  • Monitor your plantations and wait for your tea to grow
  • Market your product nicely 

Tea plantation is a high-earning business. To manage the business, you must learn a few skills relating to tea plantations.

21. Paper Production 

Four pieces of white papers are placed on the floor

Paper production is a low-investment initiative with promising returns. As to the growing demand for paper, this is the right time for entrepreneurs to enter the market. This industry provides employment and plays a significant role globally. This business is mainly carried out on a small scale.

The raw materials required for producing paper are available in the city. Paper is a widely and daily used product. Paper manufacturing is one of the largest industries that employ many. Paper production is a good business idea due to the availability of raw materials and cost-effective human resources.

The paper industry offers opportunities for large as well as small-scale businesses. Many types of paper are produced as they are used for various purposes. The raw materials required for producing paper are softwood, hardwood, bamboo, and others, depending on availability.

Conclusion 

Kerala's economy is the largest economy and the second most urbanised state. The state is one of the prominent tourist destinations. The service sector accounts for 63% of the state's revenue. Kerala is considered one of the most suitable places for business and farming. With advanced facilities, Kochi has emerged as one of the better healthcare-providing cities.

After the economic reforms, Kochi showed economic growth. After knowing about Kochi, you can decide if you want to start a business in Kochi. You can consider the above business suggestions by the Fynd platform to start your business.

Maximize Festive Season Sales With Fynd Platform

Learn from the masters and cracks the code to festive season sales success with Fynd Platform's Festive Readiness Guide

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FAQ

Is Kochi good for doing business?

Kochi is one of the best cities in India to do business as it is the financial capital of Kerala. 

 Most profitable business to start in Kochi?

The most profitable businesses this start in Kochi are – 

  • Producing banana chips
  • Tea and coffee 
  • Jewellery business 
  • Real estate business

What businesses can be started with minimum investment?

arrow down

There are many business that require minimum investment such as – 

  • Homemade sweets and snacks
  • Bakery business 
  • Breakfast joint 

Do I need a licence to do a small business in Kerala?

Yes, it doesn’t mean that you are doing business on a small scale or large scale you will have to complete all the legal requirements.

Can an e-commerce business flourish in Kerala?

Yes, Kerala has a massive reach as people nowadays have good internet and it is convenient to shop or book tickets online. 

 Which are the fastest growing businesses in Kochi?

Jewellery making, tourism, Ayurveda, rubber, and spices are some flourishing businesses in Kochi.  

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