Kerala, also known as “God’s Own Country,” is a state located in the southwestern region of India. Aggressive marketing campaigns have led to the growth of the tourism industry in Kerala, making it one of the niche tourism destinations in India. It has scenic beauty, backwaters, beaches, and a diverse culture.
However, Kerala is not just famous for its natural wonders. It is also an excellent place for entrepreneurship. Starting a business in Kerala can be a profitable venture, and the best part is that you can do this with little to no investment. This article will explore the various small business ideas you could do in Kerala and why you should consider starting one.
What Is Kerala Famous For?
Having grown to become one of the major tourist destinations in India, Kerala has various attractive sceneries for tourists. The place stands out in the region due to its unique cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and mouth-watering cuisine.
It is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including Kovalam, Varkala, and Marari. More interestingly, the world geographic survey has ranked Marari beach as one of the world’s top five hammock beaches.
Why Do Business in Kerala?
The aggressive marketing campaign has propelled the tourism industry in Kerala, making it a tourist destination in India. Moreover, statistics suggest that it is one of the fastest-growing states in the country, with an estimated GDP of $110 billion. Basically, this means that besides being a tourist destination, Kerala has a business-friendly environment that encourages the growth of startups and other businesses. Some of the key factors that encourage business people to invest in Kerala include:
- Political Stability
Political stability is a vital factor that any business person considers when choosing a jurisdiction to invest in. Regarding political stability, Kerala is also one of India’s most politically stable states. Although various communities coexist in Kerala, it has a history of peaceful coexistence
- Developed Infrastructure
When it comes to infrastructure, Kerala has one of the best facilities compared to other states. More importantly, the different towns in Kerala are well connected with other parts of the country through road, rail, and air networks. Also, the state has a favorable investment climate and policies that help promote entrepreneurship and job creation.
Small Business Ideas in Kerala Without Investment
You can start multiple businesses in Kerala with little to no investment. Here are a few ideas you could try out:
- Blogging: Blogging is a lucrative business all over the world. In Kerala, you can start one without any investment. You only need a laptop or smartphone, a stable internet connection, and a niche you are passionate about. Blogging can be about anything from travel to food, fashion, technology, or anything that interests you. Remember to monetize your blog through advertising, affiliate marketing, or sponsored content, as this will ensure a return on your investment.
- Social Media Marketing: With the increasing use of social media, businesses seek individuals to help market their products or services. You can start by building a social media presence and then approaching businesses with your services. For example, in Kerala, you can advertise tourism destinations through online platforms and receive compensation for that.Â
- Online Tutoring: If you have expertise in a particular subject, you can offer tutoring services to Kerala students. Although the literacy rate in Kerala is relatively high, you can still use video conferencing tools like Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet to conduct classes. With the increasing demand for online education, online tutoring is an excellent business opportunity in Kerala.
- YouTube Channel: YouTube is a popular platform all over the world. You only need a computer and a stable internet connection. With this in mind, you can create content on any topic and draw traffic. More importantly, you can monetize your YouTube channel through advertising, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing.
- Content Writing: Many businesses in Kerala require high-quality content for their websites, blogs, and social media accounts. You can offer your content writing services to these businesses and receive money for each article you write. With good writing skills and a sound knowledge of SEO, you can build a profitable content-writing business.
- Virtual Assistant: Many entrepreneurs and small business owners in Kerala seek help with administrative tasks such as scheduling, email management, and social media management. As a virtual assistant, you can offer these services remotely and help businesses with their day-to-day operations.
- Freelance Services: Freelancing is a great way to use your skills and expertise. Many platforms, such as Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr, allow freelancers to offer their services to clients worldwide. As a freelancer, you can provide various services like content writing, graphic design, web development, and more. For example, Pawns.app allows freelancers to earn money instantly for completing surveys on various topics.Â
Benefits of Starting a Business in Kerala
The business environment in Kerala is conducive, especially for startups. There are multiple benefits that you can derive from such a business environment, including:
- Â Strategic Location: Kerala offers strategic advantages for small businesses due to its proximity to other states and countries. Also, the state’s well-developed transportation system makes it easy to connect with customers, suppliers, and markets.
- Skilled Workforce: Kerala has a highly educated and skilled workforce. The state has a high literacy rate and an abundance of universities, colleges, and technical institutes. As such, there is a steady stream of qualified professionals. This characteristic makes it easy for small businesses to find skilled personnel to help grow their businesses.
- Supportive Government Policies: The government of Kerala has implemented several policies to support small business owners, especially startups. These policies include financial incentives, tax breaks, and streamlined procedures for setting up and running a business.Â
- Low Cost of Living: Kerala has a relatively low cost of living compared to other Indian states. Small business owners can benefit from lower overhead costs, making starting and running a profitable business easier.
- Growing Economy: Kerala has a growing economy with a diverse range of industries, including tourism, agriculture, healthcare, and IT. Small businesses have ample opportunities to tap into new markets and expand their operations.
Conclusion
Kerala is a state with a lot of potential for small businesses. Although it’s primarily focused on the tourism sector, you can take advantage of favorable government policies to start your own business. As indicated earlier, you don’t require a lot of capital to start a business in this state. With the right skills, expertise, and creativity, you can begin a profitable venture in Kerala without any investment.
FAQ
Which Small-Scale Business Is Profitable in Kerala?
In today’s digital age, online jobs have become increasingly popular. Online services such as digital marketing, content writing, and graphic designing find Kerala a great place to set up shop.