Maharashtra is India’s most prominent economic hub and contributes the largest share of the country's GDP. The state ranks 1st in ease of doing business and has several start-ups that reached their zenith in a short span.

While aspiring entrepreneurs may be apprehensive about the risks associated with small businesses, the state offers a plethora of opportunities to everyone. Let us discuss the various lucrative small business ideas in Maharashtra.

Follow the below list to get enlightened on the various scalable low-budget businesses that can be started in Maharashtra-

1. Digital Marketing Agency

With the advent of digitisation, the marketing strategies of almost every company have become primarily digital. This mode of marketing has proved to be immensely beneficial and even small businesses may reach a global audience. A digital marketing agency in a media-dominated city like Mumbai can surpass the profitability of any other type of business.

• Investment: ₹1 Lakh- ₹20 Lakhs
• Resources: Licence, office space/store, computers, trained staff, software, chairs, tables, etc.
• Market Demand: The digital marketing sector in India has exponentially proliferated in recent years and from 2023-2028 will register a CAGR of 30.2%.
• Profit Margin: 25%-35%

2. Room Rental Business

Maharashtra is one of the most populated Indian states with a population that exceeds 13.16 crores. In recent times, there has been a sharp spike in demand for rented residential properties in the state, particularly in Mumbai and its outskirts. This state of affairs provides a window of opportunity for people who have additional spaces in their homes. One may reap huge figures by offering their properties on rent.

• Investment: ₹20 Lakhs
• Resources: Licence, furnished rooms, electricity supply, WiFi facilities, caretakers, water supply facilities, geysers etc.
• Market Demand: The millennial and Gen Z-dominated population prefer to rent a house than own it. As per reports, residential rental properties witnessed a 29% increase in demand the previous year.
• Profit Margin: 20%-30%

3. Organic Food Business

Organic food is often preferred by people for its nutritional benefits and holistic nature. With growing concerns associated with the harmful chemical used in conventional food products, people have become increasingly conscious of what they consume. So one can start an organic food business to incur huge profits in a short span.

• Investment: ₹7 - ₹10 Lakhs
• Resources: Reliable sources, organic food products, storage space, office space, packaging materials
• Market Demand: The additional health benefits offered by organic products are the driving force behind the popularity and market expansion of this sector. From 2023-2028 this sector will register a CAGR of 23.8%.
• Profit Margin: Up to 40%

4. Cotton Garments Store

Maharashtra is the largest cotton-producing state and comprises 122 cotton mills. Nothing could be better and more convenient than laying the cornerstone of a garments store that primarily sells premium quality cotton garments.

• Investment: ₹2 Lakhs - ₹5 Lakhs
• Resources: Garments, store/office space, warehouse, packaging materials,
• Market Demand: The Indian textile industry will acquire a market value worth ₹31 lakh crores by 2025. Furthermore, it will register a CAGR of 14.45% from 2022-2028.
• Profit Margin: 30%-60%

5. Fast Food Corner

Maharashtra is popular for mouth-watering street foods like Vada Pav, Bhel Puri and Pav Bhaji. The demand is also high as the working professionals do not get time to prepare the food they mostly rely on street food. Money is no more a constraint as people with limited budgets may start a street food business in Maharashtra.

• Investment:  ₹5 Lakhs
• Resources: Store/space, raw materials, vegetable cutting machines, containers, cooking equipment
• Market demand: The Indian fast food segment has a market value worth ₹1.3 lakh crores. With such tremendous progress, this segment will acquire a CAGR of 14.2% by 2028.
• Profit Margin: 6%-9%

6. Preschool Business

Parents these days are conscious about the overall development of their kids and admit them to preschools. Preschools help kids to get accustomed to the phase of the formal mode of education. Young minds are shaped and moulded in preschools and it is one of the best places where a young child may enjoy and learn at the same time. Thus, a preschool business may be a highly fruitful venture in Maharashtra.

• Investment: ₹3 Lakhs - ₹7 Lakhs
• Resources: Licence, office space/location, chairs & benches, boards, computers, furniture, trained teachers, reliable staff etc. 
• Market Demand: The preschool business sector in India looks very promising and will grow at a CAGR of 9.57% between 2021-2026.
• Profit Margin: 30%-50%

7. Yoga Centre

Fitness fanatics have become mindful of their mental and physical wellness and prefer low-intensity exercises like yoga to alleviate stress and anxiety. Practising yoga improves cardiovascular health and releases special chemicals in the body that mitigate stress. Therefore, a yoga centre can be a highly profitable small business in Maharashtra.

• Investment: ₹5 Lakhs
• Resources: Location/space, basic facilities like drinking water, lockers, yoga studio equipment like yoga wheels, chairs, yoga mats, etc.
• Market Demand: The fitness segment has registered tremendous growth in recent years. From 2022-2027, this sector will exhibit a growth of CAGR of 9.39%.
• Profit Margin: 30-50%

8. Fish Retail Business

Maharashtra is a major fish-consuming state in India and its economic capital, Mumbai, is a coastal city that abounds in seafood. Thus, a fish retail business can be one of the most profitable small business ideas in Maharashtra. 

• Investment: ₹50000 to ₹200000
• Resources: Licence, office space, storage space, fish supplies from reliable sources, packaging materials, chemicals, reliable staff etc.
• Market Demand: From 2023-2028, the fish market segment will register a CAGR of 8.81%. Additionally, 60% of the Indian population consumes fish as a part of their daily meals. Resultantly, this segment will witness an upward trend in CAGR.
• Profit Margin: 25% to 30%

9. Acting School

The art of acting is appreciated by many people who often indulge in this interesting career field. Such people dedicatedly follow their passion to build a career in the world of glitter and glamour. Mumbai, the city of dreams, has thousands of aspiring actors who visit the city with a goal. An acting school in the heart of the dreamy city can be one of the best ways to commence a fruitful entrepreneurial journey.

• Investment: Starts from $25000 (₹2055326 approx.)
• Resources: Licence, space/store, props, skilled staff, tables, chairs, benches etc.
• Market Demand: The media and entertainment industry in India is projected to register a CAGR of 8.8% and acquire a market value worth ₹430401 crores by 2026.
• Profit Margin: 19%

10. Mobile Repair Shop

With digitisation and the advancement of technology, people have become increasingly dependent on phones, and the slightest bit of glitches or discrepancies usually baffle mobile users. So, a mobile repair shop can be a highly profitable low-investment business in Maharashtra. The mobile repair service market in India has budding prospects with an increase in the number of mobile phone users in almost every corner of the country. 

• Investment: ₹1 Lakhs - ₹2 Lakhs
• Resources: Location/Space, equipment, machines, spare parts, trained staff, etc.
• Market Demand: The electronic repair market in India has a market value worth ₹1.6 lakh crores. Furthermore, this sector will exhibit a CAGR of 6.3% by 2033.
• Profit Margin: 20%-30%

11. Gardening Business

Urbanisation has led to the rapid cutting of trees and greenery in cities. However, people residing in bungalows and sky-high apartments often leave vacant spaces for gardens. A gardening business is often in great demand in cities and people who embrace nature yearn for beautiful gardens with blooming flowers. One may start a gardening business with a couple of staff and grow the business into a successful venture.

• Investment: Up to ₹2 Lakhs
• Resources: Licence, office space, trained staff, equipment and machinery, plant seeds, different plant breeds etc.
• Market Demand: The gardening market sector in India will exhibit a CAGR of 4.80% from 2023-2028. It has a market value worth ₹1.1 Lakh crores.
• Profit Margin: 15% to 45%

12. Bookstore

The average literacy rate in Maharashtra is 82.81, and the state is home to several reputed educational institutions. Individuals who are looking for small business ideas in Maharashtra may consider opening a bookstore near an educational institution.

• Investment: ₹50 Lakhs- ₹1 Crore
• Resources: Store/location, licence, books from a reliable supplier, furniture, storage spaces, packaging materials, etc.
• Market Demand: The books segment in India is a highly lucrative sector which has a market value worth ₹39 thousand crores (approx.). Furthermore, from 2023-2027, it will exhibit a CAGR of 4.41%.
• Profit Margin: 10%-15%

13. Beauty Parlour

The personal grooming sector has witnessed rapid growth as people have become conscious about their looks and outward appearances. This is mostly applicable to people in Mumbai looking for an actor or model job. Thus, a beauty parlour/salon may be a highly profitable small-scale business in Maharashtra.

• Investment: ₹40000-₹50000
• Resources: Store/Space, grooming products, machines, equipment, accessories
• Market Demand: The personal grooming and beauty sector in India will acquire an impressive CAGR of 3.8% from 2023-2028. It currently has a market value worth ₹46 lakh crores.
• Profit Margin: 2%-7% (It depends on the quality of service provided by the salon/beauty parlour)

14. Makeup Academy

Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra, rewards people who have special talents/skills. Moreover, it is the entertainment hub of the country and is home to the Bollywood industry which employs more than 13 lakh people. People with excellent makeup skills must consider monetising their talent by owning a makeup academy.

• Investment: ₹1 Lakhs - ₹2 Lakhs
• Resources: Office space, beauty products, makeup kit essentials, active social media handles, etc.
• Market Demand: The cosmetics industry in India has a current market value worth ₹51 thousand crores. From 2023-2027, this segment will further proliferate at a CAGR of 2.87%.
• Profit Margin: 20%-60%

15. Dance Academy

Dancing is one of those arts that will never lose its essence. Flamboyant dancers who are passionate about their craft may open a dance academy and impart their manoeuvrable skills to young dance enthusiasts. A dance academy is one of the best small business ideas in Maharashtra as it not only helps dancers to garner immense popularity but also ensures immense profits without additional investments.

• Investment: Up to ₹5 lakhs
• Resources: Licence, dance studio, furniture, music systems, dance equipment, trainers, active social media handles, etc.
• Market Demand: India's performing arts is a highly lucrative endeavour that has always rewarded passionate artists. Presently the Indian performing arts segment boasts a market value worth ₹31 thousand crores (approx) and is progressing at a CAGR of 11.5%.
• Profit Margin: Up to 40%

These are some of the most lucrative small and low investment business ideas in Maharashtra that will help aspiring entrepreneurs accomplish their vision. Being low-budget businesses, these start-ups involve minimum investments and thus ensure rapid profitability. With consistent professionalism, one may fulfil the dream of establishing a successful venture.