Chennai the capital of the state of Tamil Nadu is an important metro city in India. Its economic, cultural, and technological diversity make way for a variety of business ideas in Chennai. It is located on the coastline of the Bay of Bengal, the city is connected to several ports and hence an important trading center. Chennai is a prominent center of industries like computers, automobiles, information technology, hardware manufacturing, and healthcare. For aspiring entrepreneurs, the city offers a plethora of business opportunities. Here are some of the best business ideas to consider in this dynamic city:
List of 27 Business Ideas in Chennai
1. Tamil Teaching
Tamil teaching is a profitable business idea in Chennai. Since Chennai is an industrially and commercially advanced city, people of different states come here for jobs as well as academics. Tamil is the official language of Tamil Nadu and knowing the language is extremely important to stay in this city. That is why teaching Tamil to non-Tamilians is a sought-after business idea. You can get students of various age groups and teach in classrooms or online.
2. Coffee Shop
The coffee shop is a profitable business idea in Chennai. People of South India are extremely fond of coffee. Hence, you can earn good profits by opening a coffee shop at a strategic location in Chennai. Filter coffee is highly popular in South India. You must have that in your menu along with other variants. Also, serve tasty snacks and savouries with coffee.
3. South Indian Snacks
South Indian snacks have a distinct taste and aroma and are liked by people all over the world. Hence, selling South Indian snacks can be a good business idea for you in Chennai. You can sell them through a snack shop or provide home delivery services. Authentic recipes, hygienic food, and a reasonable price range will give you a good income.
4. Spice Business
The spice business is a lucrative business idea in Chennai. Tamil Nadu produces large quantities of turmeric, cardamom, and other spices. That is why manufacturing spices is a good business idea here. Produce good quality spices with smart packaging. Selling them through different distribution channels will generate high profits for you.
5. Fish Selling
Fish selling is a profitable business idea in the coastal city of Tamil Nadu. Different varieties of sea fish are available in the coastal waters like Pomfrets, Mackerels, Indian Salmon, and Prawns, etc. which have high demand in the local market as well as online shopping platforms. Hence, you can get high profits by selling fish in Chennai and its outskirts.
6. Food Delivery
Food delivery is a good business idea in Chennai. If you are a trained or expert chef, you can earn a high income from this business. Deliver home-cooked food to people in offices as well as homes as per order and get paid. Quality and taste of food as well as timely delivery are the keywords of success in this business.
7. Catering
Catering is also a profitable business idea in Chennai. You can cater to different social, corporate, or religious functions. Knowledge of South Indian cooking is important for this business. Apart from that keep the options of serving organic, gluten-free, or vegan food as per order. Here also, your culinary skills will get you more business through word-of-mouth publicity. N
8. Event Planning
Event planning is a prospective and money-making business idea in Chennai. Being a busy city, it has events around the year and a great demand for event planners. Big corporate houses, families, and other organizations are your potential clients who host events frequently. You will need a hardworking team, good contacts, and organizational skills to become a successful event planner.
9. Travel Agency
Chennai is a place of tourist attraction due to its beautiful beaches, ancient heritage, art, culture, and cuisine. Hence, travel agency is a flourishing business in Chennai. Moreover, Chennai is the center of the South India tour which is quite popular. As a travel agent, you have to book tickets, and hotels, organize local sightseeing, other trips, etc. It will give you good payment for all these services.
10. Classical Dance Class
Teaching classical dance is a popular and profitable business idea in Chennai as it is a center of cultural activities. Bharatanatyam is the most popular dance form here followed by Karakattam, Mayil Attam, Kummi etc. If you are a trained dancer, you can teach dance to students. Otherwise, you can start a dance school by appointing several expert teachers to teach students. You will get a high amount as remuneration.
11. Home Delivery Services:
The demand for convenient home delivery services is on the rise in Chennai. As per the latest study, the Indian home delivery industry is expected a growth of CAGR of 33% from 2023-2028. Consider starting a home delivery business that caters to groceries, essentials, or even specialized products that can tap into the city’s busy lifestyle. To be successful in this business, ensure timely and reliable deliveries, optimize logistics, and offer a user-friendly online platform for ordering.
12. Candle Making
Candle-making is a good business idea in Chennai because it has high demand in the city. Manufacture candles of different sizes, shapes, and colors along with aromatic candles that are much in demand now. Candle manufacturing does not need much investment, but you can get a good profit by selling candles.
13. Chocolate Making
Chocolate making is a lucrative business idea in Chennai. You can start this business from home and earn high profits. Handmade chocolates have high demands now and you can deliver customized chocolates for different parties and get-togethers. Moreover, chocolate figures also fetch high prices.
14. Old Age Home
Old age home is a good business idea in Chennai. Chennai has a large population of elderly persons and that is why opening an old age home can give you good profits. Find a good location for your old age home and complete all the formalities needed for the set-up. Arrange for different types of accommodation with different price ranges and invest in good care.
15. Pet Care Service
Pet care service is a profitable business idea in Chennai. If you are a pet lover, you can earn a good income from this business. Pet care business has many types like pet shops, pet clinics, or services like dog walking, pet boarding, pet sitting, etc. Keep good stuff like accessories, food, leashes, cages, and other items in your pet shop. Pet clinics can be attached to the shops and you will need a good vet for the clinic.
16. IT Consultancy
IT consultancy is a lucrative business idea in Chennai. Since the city is an IT hub of India, you can start an IT consultancy business and provide services like software development, hardware maintenance, upgradation of systems, manpower training, etc. It is a high-paid work and you can serve multiple clients.
17. Accounting Services
Accounting services is a thriving business idea in Chennai. There are different types of industries and businesses in the city and digital accounting services are much in demand. In this business, you can provide services like voucher maintenance, bank reconciliation, preparation of income and expenditure statements, balance sheets, and so on with the help of RPA or Robotic Process Automation. These services will pay you good consultancy fees.
18. Digital Marketing Services
Digital marketing is a flourishing business idea in Chennai. With so many kinds of business enterprises in the city, digital marketing is a sought-after service. As a digital marketing expert, you have to make the marketing plan and implement it through digital media as well as social media handles.
19. Car Wash
Car wash is an important business idea in the automobile hub city of Chennai. This business will provide you with a lot of clients and you can run this business in two ways. Firstly, having your car wash and detailing center where customers will bring their cars. Secondly, provide mobile car wash service at the doorstep of your clients. Both have certain advantages and both are profit-making.
20. Bike Rental
Bike rental service is another profitable business idea in Chennai. Since there are several beaches in Chennai, people prefer to go on bike rides at the beachside, especially the younger generation. Hence, you can start your bike rental business and earn a good income every day.
21. Disposable Plates & Cups
Awareness about plastic hazards has raised the demand for disposable plates, cups, glasses, and cutlery. Manufacturing these items is a great business idea in Chennai. It will not only give you profit but also you can play a positive role in environment protection through this business. These items are made of paper, bamboo, palm leaves, bagasse, etc.
22. E-Commerce Store
E-commerce is an important and profit-making business idea in Chennai. Since the city has improved digital infrastructure, you can start your e-commerce platform and sell different types of things like groceries, electronics, apparel, medicine, and more things. Selling through such a platform will give you a good profit margin.
23. Fitness Center
The fitness center is a lucrative business idea in Chennai. You can open a gym, Yoga training center, mobile gym, or virtual fitness classes as per your choice. All of these are profit-making because people now are more fitness-conscious and ready to spend money on remaining fit.
24. Clothing Store
A clothing store is a profitable business idea in Chennai. The city has a distinct style with heavy silks, soft cotton, and a typical dress for men in the form of a lungi and shirt. However, people also wear trendy clothes, western and indo-western dresses. Hence, a clothing store with a perfect blend of tradition and trend will give you high profit.
25. Laundry
Laundries are needed everywhere. That is why opening a laundry is a profitable business in Chennai. Good location, prompt service, pick-up, and home delivery options will make your laundry business more profitable. Have the options of special polishing for silk clothes and sarees and winter wear washing.
26. Handicraft
Handicraft is a lucrative business idea in Chennai. Tamil Nadu is rich in handicrafts and that is why selling handicraft items like brass collectables, carved wooden panels, bronze sculptures, Tanjore paintings, etc. can give you rich profits. You can set up a handicraft store, or sell the items online through your online shop or other e-commerce platforms.
27. Seafood Business
Chennai’s coastal location makes it a hub for seafood enthusiasts. By starting a seafood business you can tap into the city’s love for fresh and diverse seafood options. To make a good profit, focus on ensuring a regular supply of fresh seafood, maintain high hygiene standards, and explore unique and local seafood delicacies to stand out in the market.
Chennai is a city of many advantages and opportunities. You can try to avail those opportunities through different business ideas in Chennai.
Editorial Team at 99BusinessIdeas is a team of experts led by Rupak Chakrabarty with over 25 years of experience in starting and running small businesses. Started in 2010, 99BusinessIdeas is now one of the largest free small business resources in the industry.
