Do you want to start a business in Pune? Are you looking for business ideas in Pune with low investment opportunities? Then we are sure this article will be immensely helpful for you, as we have explored, researched, and listed ideas and opportunities which are low in investment but have a high-profit potential.
Pune is a city of high diversity and a hub of many industry sectors. Pune is also known as the “Oxford of the East“. Some of the prominent areas are technology, education, and service sectors. In addition to this, the rise of the aspiring upper-middle class with high per capita income makes Pune one of the most favourable cities to start a business in India.
Why Pune is a Hotspot for New Businesses?
Good question. Here’s why Pune isn’t just another overhyped city for startups—it makes sense for small businesses:
- Young crowd, big spending power – Thanks to all the colleges and IT parks, there’s always a fresh crop of customers (and talent) every year.
- Affordable-ish to start up – Compared to Mumbai, rents and costs are still manageable in many parts of Pune.
- It’s got balance – Quiet enough to think, dynamic enough to hustle.
Supportive ecosystem – Think Bhau Institute, MCCIA, co-working spaces… there’s a lot of help if you know where to look.
How to Choose the Right Business for Pune
Before we get into the ideas, here is a mini-checklist:
- Look Around: What’s trending in areas like Kothrud, Aundh, or Wakad?
- Solve Real Problems: Can you reduce commute time? Simplify food access? Help people shop smarter?
- Keep It Lean: Start small. Test before you invest big.
- Use Tech: WhatsApp marketing, Instagram Reels, Swiggy/Zomato/UrbanClap—use local platforms.
Best 30 Business Ideas in Pune
Find below a list of smart and profitable businesses to start in Pune, curated by our industry experts, broken down into different categories:
💼 A. Low-Investment Business Ideas in Pune You Can Start Small
Starting a business doesn’t mean burning a hole in your wallet. In a city like Pune, where there’s a great mix of college students, working professionals, and residents, even a small idea—executed well—can go big.
Here are some low-investment ideas that are practical, beginner-friendly, and work in Pune’s current market:
1. Tiffin & Meal Delivery for Office-Goers
Office folks in Hinjawadi and Magarpatta are always looking for good, homemade food. If you can whip up tasty, hygienic meals, you’re already halfway there. All you need is a working kitchen, a delivery tie-up (or a local delivery boy), and a bit of word-of-mouth magic.
2. Two-Wheeler Rentals Around Campuses
With all the college kids and weekend travellers, renting out bikes near places like FC Road or Viman Nagar is still a great hustle. Start with one or two bikes, register on platforms like Bounce or Rentomojo—or rent out directly.
3. Courier/Delivery Partner Franchise
Online shopping isn’t slowing down anytime soon. If you have a small space, you can become a franchise partner for Amazon, Blue Dart, or other courier brands. Low overheads, steady volume—it’s not flashy, but it pays.
4. Mobile Repair + Accessories Kiosk
Broken screens, dead batteries, missing chargers—people need fast mobile fixes. Set up a small phone repair shop near colleges or markets and stock some trending accessories too. If you know your tech, even better.
5. Freelance Digital Services (From Home!)
Know how to design Instagram posts, write blogs, or run Facebook ads? Tons of local businesses in Pune need digital help but can’t hire full-time. Offer your services from home or through freelance platforms. You just need a laptop, Wi-Fi, and decent skills.
6. Real Estate Agency
If you are connected to the construction industry and looking forward to starting a small business with less capital and a big profit margin, a real estate agency can be the answer. Pune is growing, and so also the demand for affordable real estate properties. You can start a real estate agency.
B. Business Ideas in Pune for Students
Pune is packed with students. From Symbiosis to MIT to Fergusson College, every corner of the city has youngsters juggling classes, assignments, and dreams. If you’re a student looking to make some extra cash (or maybe build something big from your hostel room), here are some solid ideas:
7. Customised Tees, Mugs & College Merch
Got a funny one-liner? A local meme? Put it on a T-shirt or mug and start selling to your batchmates. Print-on-demand platforms make it easy. No stock, no stress—just creativity and some Insta promotions.
8. College Fest Planning & Event Support
Every college throws at least one big fest a year—and someone has to handle all that madness. If you’re organised and know people, get into event planning. Handle logistics, sponsors, DJs—whatever’s needed.
9. Campus Influencer Squad
Brands love college engagement. Build a small team of student influencers across Pune campuses and offer promo services to cafes, clothing stores, and local apps. It’s fun and surprisingly profitable.
10. Freelance Coding / App Building
If you’re into coding, you don’t have to wait for placement season. Start building basic websites or mobile apps for local businesses. There’s real money in this, especially if you’re quick and reliable.
11. Mini Café or Study Spot Near Campuses
Okay, this one’s a bit bigger—but doable. Rent a small place near a college, serve decent coffee and snacks, and create a cosy spot with Wi-Fi and plug points. Make it Instagram-worthy, and the students will come.
🏠 C. Home-Based Business Ideas (Especially Great for Women & Beginners)
Running a business from home? Yes please. Whether you’re a homemaker, a retiree, or someone just testing the waters, home-based businesses in Pune are a practical way to get started without much financial pressure.
12. Home Bakery or Treats for Special Occasions
Pune folks love artisanal stuff—cakes, cookies, laddoos, fusion sweets. Use your kitchen, post on local WhatsApp groups or Instagram, and take custom orders for birthdays, anniversaries, or office events.
13. Handmade Soaps, Candles & Crafts
Eco-friendly and handmade are in. You can start with DIY soap kits, scented candles, or personalised gift boxes. Perfect for flea markets, exhibitions, or even Etsy if you want to go global.
14. Dropshipping via Instagram or Meesho
Don’t want to handle inventory? No problem. Start a dropshipping business by finding trending products, setting up a page, and forwarding orders to suppliers who deliver on your behalf. You just focus on marketing and customer care.
15. Virtual Assistant or Remote Work Services
Help small businesses manage their schedules, emails, or social media from the comfort of your home. You’d be surprised how many solo founders or freelancers in Pune need an extra hand.
16. Online Coaching or Tuition
Pick a subject you’re good at—math, science, coding, English—and start tutoring students online. With Pune’s huge student base, there’s always someone looking for good guidance.
D. Startup & Tech Business Ideas in Pune
If you’re the kind of person who dreams in apps, business models, and pitch decks, Pune’s startup scene is your playground. With all the incubators, tech talent, and rising digital demand—it’s a good time to take your shot.
These aren’t your average side hustles. These are build-something-big-from-scratch kinds of ideas. Ready?
17. Create a Micro EdTech Platform
Not another Byju’s, don’t worry. Think smaller—like an online course helping freshers crack coding interviews, or teaching communication skills in Marathi. Hyper-niche, hyper-focused. There’s a market for it in Pune.
18. Rental App for PGs & Hostels
Finding a good PG in Pune is still a gamble. If you can create an app that lists verified hostels with honest reviews and photos, students and newcomers will love you. Add digital payments or roommate match options—boom, value added.
19. Simple Software (SaaS) for Local Businesses
No, you don’t need to build AI-powered unicorn stuff. Even a basic billing tool or appointment booking app for salons, coaching classes, or gym trainers could do well. Keep it affordable and easy to use.
20. Niche Recruitment Agency
Help local startups and small businesses hire interns, coders, sales reps, or designers. Focus on fresh talent from Pune’s colleges. You don’t need an office—just a LinkedIn account and a good network.
21. Weekend Bootcamps for Techies
Have experience in AI, Python, or Web Dev? Host weekend classes in small batches. Rent a co-working space or even use a café during downtime. Teach practically, charge reasonably, and build a loyal audience.
Read: Best Tech Startup Business Ideas
🏪 E. Retail, Food & Franchise Business Ideas
Okay, now for the on-ground, shop-based stuff. Yes, it takes a bit more capital and daily involvement—but if you get the location and vibe right, these businesses can pay off big time in Pune.
22. Franchise Café or Dessert Parlour
Think Cream Stone, Giani’s, or even something smaller like The Belgian Waffle Co. Set up shop near a college or busy road (FC Road, JM Road, Koregaon Park are goldmines). People in Pune love their evening cravings.
23. Organic Grocery Store
Health is wealth, especially in areas like Baner or Aundh. Start a small, curated store with organic fruits, grains, and healthy snacks. Add home delivery to increase reach. Go for clean aesthetics and sustainability vibes.
24. Trendy Boutique or Thrift Store
Gen Z in Pune is big on style and saving money. Open a boutique with affordable fashion or start a thrift store with unique finds. Partner with local designers or run pop-ups at flea markets.
25. Pet Grooming & Supply Store
Pet parents are growing in number—and they pamper their babies. Offer pet grooming, sell food, toys, leashes, cute bow ties—the whole deal. If you add Insta-worthy interiors, you’ll go viral.
26. Affordable Co-Working Space
Not everyone wants to work from home or pay WeWork-level rents. Create a chill, budget-friendly co-working space with good Wi-Fi, coffee, and community vibes. Perfect for freelancers, solopreneurs, and students.
Read: Best Retail Business Ideas
Bonus: Digital-Only Ideas for the Creator in You
If you’re not into physical products or storefronts, that’s okay, too. Pune’s digital space is booming—and you can build a full-time income stream without leaving your home.
Here are a few smart (and fun) online business ideas:
27. Local Food or Budget Lifestyle Page
Start an Instagram or YouTube channel reviewing food joints, budget shopping spots, or hidden gems in Pune. If you’re quirky and honest, people will follow.
28. Digital Marketing Agency
Almost all businesses are looking to enhance their online footprint. And business owners of Pune are no exception. If you have some skills in digital marketing, consider starting a digital marketing agency in Pune.
29. Sell Digital Products
Design Notion templates, resume formats, wedding planners—anything helpful. Sell via Gumroad or Etsy.
30. Create & Sell Micro-Courses
Teach skills like Canva design, Excel, or time management in 60-minute course formats. Promote via reels, sell via email.
Don’t Ignore These Government Schemes & Startup Support
Look, most people skip this part—but trust me, if you’re serious about starting up in Pune, these programs can give you a real head start. Grants, mentorship, office space, even funding—it’s all out there. You just need to dig a bit and apply smart.
Bhau Institute – COEP
Bhau Institute is an amazing place for student founders and early-stage startups. If you’ve got a half-decent idea and the guts to build, they’ll help with mentorship, space, and funding connections.
Startup India Seed Fund Scheme
Yes, it’s real. And yes, people in Pune have received it. If you’re building something innovative and can show potential, you might be eligible for up to ₹20 lakh in early-stage support.
MCCIA – Mahratta Chamber of Commerce
MCCIA run workshops, connects entrepreneurs, and offers real-world business support (not just theory). Worth checking out, especially if you’re in manufacturing, services, or exports.
SIDBI & MSME Loans
If you need ₹2–10 lakhs to get started and don’t want to borrow from family or swipe credit cards, these government-backed loans, like SIDBI and MSME loans, are pretty decent.
Pune Smart City Incubator
If your idea touches tech, mobility, sustainability, or local infrastructure, you may get access to pilot opportunities or seed support. It’s worth exploring if you’re in the GovTech or SmartCity space.
Street-Smart Tips for Doing Business in Pune
Let’s not sugarcoat it—doing business is hard. But in Pune, it’s also doable, if you play it smart. Here’s what I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way):
- Start now, not next month. The idea will never be “perfect.” Just get your first customer.
- Don’t try to please everyone. Focus on a tiny niche. Serve them like royalty.
- Be visible online. Even a local chai stall gets orders through Instagram stories these days.
- Show your face. People trust businesses when they see a human behind it. Share your story.
- Keep it lean. Fancy setups are overrated. Profit is what keeps you in the game.
FAQs
Can I start a business in Pune with ₹50,000 or less?
Absolutely. Tiffin services, online tutoring, freelancing—many ideas don’t need big bucks. You just need to be consistent and creative.
Which areas in Pune are best for opening a store or outlet?
Baner, Kothrud, Viman Nagar, and Koregaon Park are great—but also expensive. Look at fringe areas near colleges or offices for better value.
Is franchising a good idea in Pune?
Yes, especially in food, wellness, and learning spaces. But don’t pick blindly—go check footfall, talk to existing franchisees, and run the numbers.
How do I find customers in the beginning?
Start hyperlocal—WhatsApp groups, Instagram DMs, local events, societies. Offer small discounts for referrals. Once people know you, things move faster.
Where can I get mentorship or advice in Pune?
Try TiE Pune, MCCIA, Bhau Institute events, or even LinkedIn. Don’t hesitate to reach out to fellow entrepreneurs—most are willing to help.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve made it this far, here’s what I’ll say—don’t overthink it. Just begin. Pune’s got the right mix of youth, tech, opportunity, and community. Whether you want to launch a food brand, build an app, or just make some side income while studying, you’ll find your people here.
