The Himalayan country of Nepal is full of opportunities in different sectors. The country boasts a unique combination of cultural richness along with a huge untapped business potential. You can start a business in Nepal and earn good profits. Here in this article, we list down the most profitable small business ideas in Nepal that can be started with little money.
The economy of Nepal is growing fast. Hence you have a good prospect of starting your business in Nepal. Many sectors in Nepal have not been utilized properly. You can start your business based on such sectors as alternate power or biogas and earn a good income.
Nepal has a good source of manpower. As a result, you will not find any problem in hiring manpower. Opportunities are many and it is up to you to avail those opportunities and grow your business. Choose your preferred field among the many areas of business.
28 Business Ideas in Nepal
1. IT Consultancy
The IT sector of Nepal is growing fast with growing internet connectivity and digitization in business and commerce. Hence you have a lot of opportunities in the IT business. One can start an IT company in Nepal and provide services like software development, cloud computing data management, system up-gradation of the system, network management, and many more.
2. App Development
Digitization and e-commerce both are linked with app development. If you know the technology you can do a flourishing business of app development in Nepal. Be creative and innovative and develop different kinds of apps for business enterprises as well as public utilities. Healthcare apps have a good market in Nepal. You will need your website and digital marketing for this business.
3. Online Training
Nepal has a growing demand for training of different kinds. You can start an online training institute in Nepal and earn a good income. There are different areas of training that you can give. These include spoken English, web designing, graphic designing, personality development, and many more. Good digital marketing is essential for an online training business.
4. Teaching/Online Teaching
Teaching is a very prospective business idea in Nepal. You can teach school and college students at home or a coaching center. Otherwise, you can also teach students online. Both have good profit prospects. You need good networking and marketing for this business.
5. Real Estate
Real Estate is a flourishing business in Nepal. If you can invest you can develop housing projects or commercial complexes in urban areas. Otherwise, you can also work as a real estate agent where you will connect the buyers and sellers and get a commission. You need a good website along with online and offline marketing to do well in the real estate business.
6. Photography and Videography
The picturesque country of Nepal has a varied scope in photography as well as videography. Not only for tourism, but you can also use your photographic skills for various business presentations, news publications and channels, and different kinds of events. You will need good cameras, a website, and online and offline marketing to get more clients for your photography business.
7. Business Consultancy
The growing economy of Nepal needs expert business consultants. If you have the experience and exposure, you can start your business consultancy.
In this business, you are supposed to provide a lot of services like making the viability report of any new business, researching the demand, cost-benefit analysis, profit and loss statement, financial advice, projection report, and preparing the detailed project report. Good personal network and marketing skills are necessary to prosper in your business consultancy.
8. Digital Marketing
Digital marketing has a very good demand in Nepal. You can start your digital marketing company in Nepal and earn good profits. In this business, you have to provide services like SEO consultancy, organic search, digital advertising, social media marketing, etc. You need a good website for your company and a structured marketing network to get more clients for your digital marketing company.
9. E-Commerce
E-commerce is gradually gaining momentum in Nepal. Hence you can start e-commerce as your business in Nepal. For successful e-commerce, you need a good app. Many items can be sold through e-commerce. They include groceries, electronic goods, computers, dresses, beauty products, and many more. Good advertisement and publicity are significant for e-commerce.
10. Internet Service Provider at Villages
Rural areas of Nepal do not have very good internet connectivity. Hence you can set up internet connectivity services in the rural areas of Nepal. You need a system to install high-speed internet along with a quick troubleshooting network. Along with connectivity, you can also set up cyber cafes in rural areas and earn more profits.
11. Tourism
Nepal is known breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage. Ventures in eco-tourism, guesthouses, and adventure tourism can fetchhigh-profitt returns here. Trekking, mountaineering, or cultural tours can attract both local and international tourists. Local tour operators or tourist guides are also good business ideas with less investment. You will need to get the necessary licenses and permits for this business.
12. Restaurant
The food business is very profitable in Nepal, especially in urban areas. Hence you can start a hotel business in Nepal and earn good profits. Different kinds of food are popular in Nepal which includes traditional Nepali food, Chinese, fast food, etc. You have to decide on your niche. Find a good place and have a good décor for your restaurant. Keep a close eye on the quality of food and good service. Cleanliness is equally important. In addition, make good publicity of your restaurant for good footfall.
13. Bakery
The bakery business has a good demand in Nepal. You can start a bakery store or online bakery business and earn good money in Nepal. Serve common bakery items like cakes, pastries, etc. Along with that, you can also sell different varieties of bakery items against the order. Online bakery stores have a good market in Nepal, hence a lucrative business idea for you.
14. Salon
The salon is a very preferred service in Nepal. Start a salon in a busy area and offer services to well-trained and experienced hairdressers and beauticians. Add spa services to get more clients for your business. Good quality beauty products and special beauty packages will add to the profitability of your salon.
Profitable Manufacturing Business Ideas in Nepal
15. Solar Panel Manufacturing
Alternate energy is much in demand in Nepal. Hence you can start a solar panel manufacturing business in Nepal. Solar panels can be used in offices, homes, hotels, etc. Provide solar panel installation and repair services along with manufacturing to give a total solution to solar power needs.
16. Wind Turbine Manufacturing
Wind energy is abundant in Nepal and the Government is eager to support the development of wind energy as an alternative energy resource. Hence you can start a wind turbine manufacturing business in Nepal. Make small wind turbines suitable for use in rural areas. A good marketing network is essential for your wind turbine manufacturing business.
17. Agricultural Equipment Manufacturing
Agriculture is the main occupation in Nepal. Hence you can start an agricultural equipment manufacturing unit in Nepal. Start with simple equipment like hand sickles, axes, cutters, etc and after reaching a considerable volume of profit, you can scale up your business and manufacture bigger equipment.
18. Incense Making
Incense/ Agarbatti sticks have a high demand in Nepal. There are many temples and Buddhist monasteries where incense sticks are used regularly. Apart from that, there is a good domestic demand for incense sticks. Therefore, you can start an incense manufacturing business and earn a good profit.
The manufacturing unit does not require high capital. You need to have a basic sense of the manufacturing process. Good marketing and sales networks are needed to earn good profit from your incense-making business.
19. Candle Making
Candle-making is also a very profitable business in Nepal.Power-cuttingt is very common in this country and that is why people need candles. Apart from that, there is also a demand for decorative and scented candles here in this part of the world.
More Profitable Business Ideas in Nepal
20. Medicinal Herbs Plantation
Nepal has a rich resource of medicinal plants. Hence you can start organized farming of medicinal plants and sell them to local merchants and even export them. The government of Nepal has classified 30 categories of medicinal and aromatic plants. Some of the common species are Phyllanthus Emblica, Dioscorea species, Aconitum species, Berberian Asiatica, Cinnamomum Tamala, etc. There are local agro-based businesses and pharmaceutical companies in Nepal. Your farm can be a supplier of raw materials to these units giving you a good income.
21. Coffee Plantation
Coffee plantation is gradually becoming an important source of revenue in Nepal. The Government is also taking initiatives to gear up the coffee plantation. Hence you can start a coffee plantation business here in this country and earn a good profit. Coffee also has good export potential. Hence it is a good source of income for you.
22. Handicraft Store/Selling Online
Nepal has a rich heritage of handicrafts that include metal statues, traditional costumes, silverjewelleryy, wood carving, religious items like bells, stone sculpture, metal utensils, ceramics, Handmade Paper, filigree, etc. These things have a very good demand among tourists and also have export potential. Hence you can start your handicraft store in Nepal. The online shop can also be a good option to sell the items in global markets. You will need good online marketing and social media advertising for this business.
23. Dairy Farming
Dairy farming is a sustainable income source in Nepal. You can start your dairy in the rural areas or the outskirts of the urban areas. Raise cows and goats for milk. Keep in regular touch with a vet for any health issues of your cattle. Arrange for quick sales of the milk. If you have capital, you can start a processing unit along with your farm and sell processed milk and other milk products from your unit.
24. Poultry Farming
There is a good demand for chicken in Nepal. Hence, poultry farming is a profitable business idea for you. Start a poultry farm of chickens, ducks, etc. You can sell meat as well as eggs. Keep in touch with a vet for any health problems with the chicks. A good network with the local market and grocery stores is needed for the quick sale of your poultry products.
25. Organic Cultivation
Agriculture being a dominant occupation in Nepal, organic cultivation can be a very profitable business idea for you as the demand for organic products is rising very fast. You can grow vegetables like Peas, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Potatoes, Cucumber, Lady Finger, Brinjal, Bitter Gourd, Onion, Tomato, and Carrot, and fruits like apples, grapes, pears, strawberries, and different kinds of nuts on your organic farm. Quick sales are necessary as most of these products are perishable.
26. Agriculture and Agribusiness
Nepal is an agrarian economy. Hence, agribusiness is a promising sector. Start organic farming, and greenhouse cultivation, or explore opportunities in food processing and packaging.
27. Online Retail and E-commerce:
The rise of digital connectivity in Nepal provides ample room for online retail businesses. From traditional handicrafts to modern goods, establishing an e-commerce platform or joining existing ones can tap into a growing consumer base.
28. Renewable Energy Solutions
Nepal has abundant hydropower potential. Business ventures in small-scale hydroelectric projects, solar energy solutions, or providing energy-efficient products and services can be profitable businesses here in this country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have 100% ownership of a business in Nepal as a foreigner?
Yes. Foreigners can have 100% ownership of a business in Nepal.
How much does it cost to start a business in Nepal?
The minimum capital requirement to register a company in Nepal depends on the type of company structure you are planning to register. For example, a private limited company must have a minimum authorized capital of NPR 1 lakh. The amount will become NPR 5 Crore for registering whereas a public limited company.
How can I get funding for my business in Nepal?
You can get funding assistance from several sources for your business in Nepal. Firstly, there are start-up meets where you get to meet investors. Secondly, there are Government subsidies. Thirdly, from venture capitalists like Gurkha Development Bank Ltd, CG Ventures, etc. Fourthly, there are individuals or networks of angel investors.
The land of the Himalayas is the land of many prospects and possibilities. If you plan and research properly you are sure to succeed and earn high profits.
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.