Surat, Gujarat, is a bustling hub of entrepreneurship, known globally for its thriving textile and diamond industries. If you’re looking to start a business here with a budget under ₹1 lakh, you’re in the right place. In this blog, we explore business ideas that require minimal investment but have the potential for substantial returns, particularly in the textile, diamond, and manufacturing sectors.
1. Custom T-Shirt Printing Business
Investment: ₹50,000 – ₹1 lakh
Sector: Textile
The textile industry in Surat offers a wealth of opportunities, with custom T-shirt printing emerging as a popular option. With a small initial investment in a heat press machine and design software, you can start your own custom T-shirt business. Local textile suppliers in Surat can provide fabric at low rates, allowing you to focus on creating unique designs. With the growing demand for personalized clothing, especially for events and corporate functions, this is a lucrative business with high potential.
Key Requirements:
- Heat press machine
- Designing software
- Bulk fabric purchase from local Surat markets
- Marketing and social media presence
2. Polishing and Cutting Small Diamonds
Investment: ₹75,000 – ₹1 lakh
Sector: Diamond
Surat is the global leader in diamond cutting and polishing, and you can tap into this industry even with a small investment. While large-scale operations require significant capital, starting with small diamond polishing or cutting setups can be done under ₹1 lakh. Basic tools like diamond cutting wheels and polishing machines, along with training, are essential.
Key Requirements:
- Small diamond polishing machine
- Diamond cutting wheel
- Training in diamond polishing (can be arranged locally)
- Local supplier partnerships
3. Sewing and Alteration Service
Investment: ₹25,000 – ₹50,000
Sector: Textile
Surat’s booming textile sector creates immense demand for sewing and alteration services. This low-cost business can start with a single sewing machine and minimal equipment. You can target local garment businesses or offer your services directly to customers for clothing alterations, repairs, or custom tailoring.
Key Requirements:
- Sewing machine
- Basic sewing tools (scissors, needles, etc.)
- A workspace
- Partnerships with local textile markets
4. Jewelry Resale Business
Investment: ₹50,000 – ₹1 lakh
Sector: Diamond
Surat’s diamond industry isn’t just limited to cutting and polishing; the city is also known for its jewelry markets. You can start a small jewelry resale business, buying pre-designed or uncut diamond jewelry from wholesalers and reselling it with a markup. With the rising demand for diamond jewelry, especially during wedding seasons, this could be a profitable venture.
Key Requirements:
- Ties with local wholesalers or manufacturers
- Initial stock of diamond or imitation jewelry
- Marketing, both offline and online
- Attractive packaging
5. Small-scale Manufacturing of Home Decor Items
Investment: ₹50,000 – ₹1 lakh
Sector: Manufacturing
Surat’s manufacturing industry extends beyond textiles and diamonds. One under-explored area is the production of home decor items like cushions, curtains, and handcrafted wall art. With local suppliers providing raw materials like fabric and beads, you can start a home decor manufacturing business under ₹1 lakh. Handmade products often fetch a premium, especially if marketed well online.
Key Requirements:
- Raw materials from local markets
- Sewing and crafting tools
- An online marketplace or local retail shop
- Branding and packaging
Final Thoughts
Starting a business in Surat under ₹1 lakh is entirely possible, especially if you focus on the city’s strengths in textiles, diamonds, and manufacturing. These industries provide the foundation for profitable ventures with minimal startup costs. Whether you’re planning to launch a custom clothing line, enter the diamond trade, or craft home decor items, Surat offers endless opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.
