25 Best Business Ideas in Kolkata for 2023

Kolkata is one of the first metropolitan cities in India. The location is known for its diverse culture, beautiful architecture, & festivities. While Kolkata truly is a great place for tourists and residents alike, there is no denying the fact that the city has immense business potential. Anyone can start a business of their choice to gain success in Kolkata. Today, we have brought you the top businesses in Kolkata in 2022. So, let’s begin!

Little About Kolkata(City of Joy)

State	West Bengal
City Rank	7th in India
Metro City Rank (Population Rank)	3rd in India
Official Languages	Bengali, English
Total Population	1.49 crores (2020)
Kolkata GDP	$150.1 billion
Other Names	Calcutta, Kolikata, Tilottama
Official Website	https://www.kmcgov.in/KMCPortal/jsp/KMCPortalHome1.jsp

Why Should You Start a Business in Kolkata?

• Wide Population: Due to its large population, Kolkata provides a great customer base for any business in the city. The city has more than 1.5 Crore people from different backgrounds and cultures. There is no limit to the opportunities that this city provides.
• Government Schemes: Kolkata has been one of the favourite places for state and central governments to implement schemes for the population. The government has also implemented many schemes to boost different businesses in the city.
• Great Resources: Due to its rich history and connectivity, Kolkata has no shortage of resources to provide for businesses. The city is well developed, well connected, and has a healthy mix of citizens from different backgrounds to provide for labour and customers.

List of Top 25 Business Ideas in Kolkata

Even though there are hundreds of entrepreneurial opportunities that you can venture in, we have brought the top, tried and tested businesses for you to create a successful living.

1. Affiliate Marketing

Kolkata, one of the oldest metropolitans in India, provides a great opportunity for affiliate marketing. This marketing technique involves a marketer (affiliate) promoting an online retailer’s products and services in return for a commission. Customer spending in Kolkata remains high, and marketers can tap this potential by promoting products to local, countrywide, and international audiences.

We would highly recommend you to go through our affiliate marketing starter guide to know how does it works and how you can start it from scratch.

2. Fish Dealer

When living in Kolkata is a no-brainer. The city is known for its unorganized and organized fish markets, where different types of aquatic creatures are sold and bought every day. Businesspersons can become local, countrywide, or even international fish dealers by creating a good network of fish farmers and matching it with solid logistical capability. Rohu, Koi, & Hilsa are some of the most famous delicacies in Bengal.

Furthermore, we have also walked through some of the best online business from home without investment in India. Do give it a read and let us know which idea inspires you the most.

3. Import/Export

Due to its great connectivity through traditional ports, rails, and air tracks, Kolkata is one of the best places in India to start an import/export business. This is a capital-intensive industry and may require the know-how of several different manufacturing industries. Materials like leather, sarees, steel, tires, paints, etc., can be exported/imported by establishing a business in Kolkata. Likewise, we have also created a list of top business ideas in Assam that you must check. Do have a look.

4. Logistics

Hot on the heels of the import/export business, manufacturing is also one of the most successful businesses in Kolkata. Big conglomerates like Berger, Birla, Tata, etc., have manufacturing plants in Kolkata. However, starting a manufacturing business is tricky and very capital intensive but serving manufacturers through logistical support is a great business idea. Activities like transportation, deliveries, raw materials, labour, etc., are some of the daily logistical needs of every manufacturer. You can also become a delivery partner for different online and offline retailers by creating a logistical company.

Moreover, if you are looking to start a side business in Punjab, then don’t miss out on our guide, where we have mentioned some of the best side business ideas in Punjab. Do have a look and let us know about your

5. Bengali Sweets Shop

Bengali sweets like Rasgulla, Rasmalai, Mishti Doi, and many more are famous throughout India. You can create a local Bengali sweets shop in any locality of Kolkata and start serving delicious delicacies. This business can be easily scaled up by setting up more branches across the city and can be expanded countrywide. Dishes like Rasmalai & Rasgulla can also be packed and sold as tetra packs, as these have a decent shelf life when kept in the right conditions.

6. Franchise Owner

As we have already mentioned, Kolkata has a great mix of people from diverse backgrounds. One of the best businesses to appeal to a large audience is opening a franchise of a famous company. You can try out any industry – food, clothing, footwear, etc. There is good scope for franchise owners in Kolkata due to the good nightlife and active young population. Looking to start a business in Kerala? Do have a look at these part-time business ideas in Kerala that can be started while working.

7. Recycling Business

As one of the nation’s major metropolitan areas, state, and central governments are motivated to keep the city clean and free from pollution. This is why there has been a major push for recycling businesses in Kolkata. People can set up recycling plants and create a network to gather different types of waste from all parts of the city. Many big manufacturers source recycled products to create new products, and you can easily become a supplier to these brands. Different subsidies and opportunities are emerging in this field due to increased efforts for a net zero economy and international commitments.

Business Ideas for Other States:

Bihar	Bangalore
Goa	Odisha
Assam	Kerala

8. Hotels

Kolkata is one of the most visited places in India, both by Indian and foreign travelers. The city is a hub for entertainment and culture and is home to things like the Howrah Bridge, Durga Pooja, and other historical buildings. The hospitality industry is booming again due to an increased push by the government after the COVID-induced lockdown, and hotels are seeing great growth. You can start a hotel as per your budget and customer preferences.

9. Saree Business

Kolkata has always been a great place for saree sellers. Women all across the city are fond of different types of sarees sourced from throughout the country. Durga Puja is one of the best seasons for any saree seller in the city due to its huge importance to the history of Kolkata. You can start a saree business and provide a large variety, which includes Tussar Silks, Murshidabad Silks, Garad, and many more.

Furthermore, we have also walked through some of the top part-time business ideas in Pune in our recent blog post. Do give it a read and get ideas for your next venture.

10. Online Store

In today’s world where everything is digital, launching an online store is one of the best things for your business. Not only it will make you accessible to a larger audience and boost sales but also help in making a stronger brand presence online and building credibility.

You can begin any type of business online like groceries, electronics, fashion, and home items. The choices are endless!

11. Dropshipping

A Dropshipping business is one of the best low-investment and low-risk businesses online. With a dropshipping model, you don’t have to worry about keeping any inventory or shipping products as are directly shipped to the customer by the supplier.

Setting up your dropshipping business may require some time but when it is done rightly, it can be a highly profitable business.

12. Online Tutor

In recent years, online teaching is on the boom mainly because of the pandemic. If you have expertise in a particular subject, you can grab this opportunity and start teaching online. As an online tutor, you will have flexible working hours and get decent pay.

13. Reselling

Reselling is one of the most cost-effective businesses to start. As a reseller, you don’t have to worry about developing a new product, all you have to do is promote an existing brand and earn money for it. You can promote products on your website, blog, or social media pages as a reseller.

14. Restaurant

Kolkata is a city that is known for its mouthwatering Bengali cuisine. It has always been a hotspot for people from around the world who visit to taste the exciting flavours the city offers.

Opening up a restaurant in Kolkata is a lucrative business idea. You can look for a space and make a well-curated menu that showcases the best of Bengali food.  

15. Become a Personal Fitness Trainer

If you have a knack for fitness and have the required know-how in the health domain, you can start your own brand as a fitness trainer. You can offer at-home personal training services or collaborate with a gym or a chain of gyms for your services.

16. Business Consultancy

You can start your own business consultancy firm and offer services if you have the required knowledge and experience. As a business consultant, you can provide information & insights and recommendations to help your clients reach their goals and solve problems.

17. Makeup Artist

If you love makeup and have expertise in it, you can easily become a makeup artist. You can begin by doing makeup for various looks like natural makeup, evening makeup, prom makeup, bridal makeup, etc. and build your portfolio. Once you become a specialist, you offer your services for events and get paid.

18. Offer Foreign Language Services

With the travel industry in a boom nowadays, the number of tourists is increasing and due to this the demand for translators is also on the rise. This creates a lot of professional opportunities, and the competition is also low.

If you have a strong command over popular foreign languages then you can offer your services either as a translator, teacher, or both.

19. Event Planner

The need for an event planner is always going to be there whether it is for weddings, corporate parties or even for organizing a meeting. If scheduling things come naturally to you and you are good with organizational work then you can become an event planner.

20. Leather Processing Unit

Due to the abundance of raw materials and skilled labour, West Bengal is recognized as the heart of leather products for domestic and international markets. The 1100 acres of Kolkata Leather Complex which is identified as India’s largest consolidated leather park is a boon to the leather industry. The state which was once known for supplying raw materials and skins has now become the supplier of finished leather goods for the past few decades. Therefore, starting a leather processing unit can be extremely profitable in Kolkata.

21. Food Processing Unit

Establishing a food processing unit can be a highly rewarding business as Kolkata and West Bengal are well-known as a hub of food processing in India. In addition to being the biggest producer of vegetables and rice, the state is also the second-largest producer of lychees and potatoes.

22. Tea brand

West Bengal is renowned for its world-famous Darjeeling Tea and has the second-largest global tea production. The state is one of the nation’s most well-known centres for the production and processing of tea due to the large availability of raw materials and affordable labour. You can consider starting an independent tea brand.

23. Biotechnology Unit

In recent years, Kolkata has become a biotechnology powerhouse. It is now simpler to get the labour in the city thanks to IIT Kharagpur and other top educational institutions. As a result, the city is home to numerous biotechnology businesses. If you possess the necessary technological expertise, you can consider setting up your biotechnology business in the city.

24. Textile Unit

For many years, Kolkata served as the nation’s centre for the production of cotton textiles. It is a significant manufacturer of jute textiles due to the availability of jute as a raw material. Establishing a textiles unit in the country has enormous potential. Start a textile business in Kolkata to capitalize on the opportunity.

25. Offer Career Counseling Services

With so many possibilities available, children frequently land in careers they don’t enjoy because they don’t know which is ideal for them. You can point individuals in the direction of the finest profession choice now that everyone can make a living from any talent or passion they possess. Of course, you will need the appropriate qualifications, but this business is lucrative in many ways.

Searching for the most suitable business to start in Delhi then do check out our blog covering some of the most successful online business ideas in Delhi. Have a look.

Things to Remember while Starting your Business

Budget

While being ambitious is good, being blinded by it can prove to be a catastrophe for your business. Before starting a business, any entrepreneur needs to consider their budget constraints and consider which industry they can enter with the budget in mind.

Competition Analysis

Starting a business without analyzing your competition sets you up for failure. Every business person should consider the sale, market demand, supply of resources, average profits, and number of players in the market. Any industry with many players will need higher advertising and customer acquisition costs, which must be accounted for when starting a business.

Understand your customer

Understanding the local population is a big requirement for starting a successful business. You need to understand what the customer needs and what they are missing. When you get an answer to this question, you can only think about filling the gap for any customer and creating a market for your business.

In addition to this, we would also like you to check our latest blog, where we have mentioned some of the best village business ideas in India. Do check it out.

Conclusion

We have curated for you the best business ideas in Kolkata. So, it’s time to research, figure out what is best for you, follow the best practices, and start your successful journey today.

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