Small Business Ideas in Bangladesh with Examples
Small business ideas in Bangladesh are flourishing, offering entrepreneurs diverse opportunities to tap into the growing market and meet the needs of local consumers. The small business sector plays a crucial role in shaping the economic landscape of the country, providing jobs and promoting innovation. With minimal investment, strategic planning, and effective marketing, it is possible to establish a profitable business. In this article, we will explore top 10 small business ideas in Bangladesh and how they can be pursued successfully.
Table of 10 Small Business Ideas in Bangladesh
| Business Idea | Description | Investment Range | Potential Profit | Target Market | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Online Clothing Store | Selling fashionable garments online, using e-commerce platforms or social media. | 50,000 – 200,000 BDT | High (if branded well) | Young adults, fashion-conscious consumers | A boutique specializing in traditional sarees and fusion wear for millennials. |
| 2. Freelance IT Services | Offering IT services such as web design, app development, and digital marketing remotely. | 10,000 – 50,000 BDT | Moderate to high | Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) | A freelance web designer working with small Bangladeshi startups to create affordable websites. |
| 3. Grocery Delivery Service | Providing grocery deliveries, especially in urban areas, by collaborating with local shops. | 30,000 – 100,000 BDT | Moderate | Busy professionals, elderly, urban families | A Dhaka-based service that delivers groceries within 2 hours of ordering online. |
| 4. Mobile Repair Shop | A service center focused on repairing smartphones and other gadgets. | 20,000 – 70,000 BDT | High (given the growing use) | Students, professionals, and tech users | A small mobile repair shop specializing in repairing iPhones and Samsung devices in Chittagong. |
| 5. Organic Farming | Cultivating organic produce and selling to local markets or directly to consumers. | 50,000 – 150,000 BDT | High (with the right market) | Health-conscious individuals, local grocers | A farm producing organic vegetables and selling them at local farmers’ markets in Sylhet. |
| 6. Home Bakery | Baking and selling homemade cakes, cookies, and other goods, catering to special occasions. | 20,000 – 80,000 BDT | Moderate to high | Event planners, families, office workers | A home-based bakery selling custom-made cakes and cupcakes for weddings and corporate events. |
| 7. Online Tutoring Services | Providing online tutoring for students in various subjects, using video conferencing tools. | 5,000 – 20,000 BDT | Moderate | Students, parents | A Dhaka-based tutor offering math and science lessons via Zoom to high school students across the country. |
| 8. Handmade Crafts Business | Creating and selling handcrafted items like jewelry, pottery, and home décor. | 10,000 – 60,000 BDT | Moderate | Tourists, local shoppers | A shop on social media selling traditional Bangladeshi handicrafts, such as jute bags and clay pottery. |
| 9. Fitness Center/Gym | Setting up a small gym or fitness center with basic equipment for local communities. | 100,000 – 300,000 BDT | High (if in the right area) | Fitness enthusiasts, young professionals | A neighborhood gym providing affordable memberships and fitness classes in Rajshahi. |
| 10. Photography/Videography Business | Providing photography and videography services for events, weddings, and social media content. | 50,000 – 150,000 BDT | High (seasonal demand) | Couples, event planners, small businesses | A wedding photographer offering premium packages for both photo and video coverage in Cox’s Bazar. |
1. Online Clothing Store
An online clothing store is a highly profitable small business idea in Bangladesh, especially with the increasing demand for trendy fashion among the youth. You can start by curating collections from local manufacturers or even launching your own clothing line. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and local e-commerce sites such as Daraz are effective for marketing and selling products. Offering a unique product line, such as fusion wear or traditional clothing with modern designs, can give you a competitive edge.
Example:
A boutique online store offering high-quality traditional sarees with contemporary designs, targeting young, fashion-forward women. This store leverages social media advertising to reach a wider audience, offering door-to-door delivery across major cities in Bangladesh.
2. Freelance IT Services
With the rapid digitization of businesses, freelance IT services have become a lucrative small business option in Bangladesh. You can offer services like web development, graphic design, or app development remotely, allowing you to work with clients both locally and globally. Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are excellent platforms to find international clients, while local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) need digital support for their growing businesses.
Example:
A freelance web developer offering affordable website creation for small Bangladeshi businesses, including ecommerce functionalities and mobile optimization, while also providing long-term maintenance services.
3. Grocery Delivery Service
The grocery delivery service has seen significant demand in urban areas, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. You can partner with local grocery stores and deliver products to households, focusing on fast and reliable service. Mobile apps or a dedicated website can enhance the customer experience, making it easier for customers to place orders and track deliveries.
Example:
A Dhaka-based grocery delivery service operating through an app that promises delivery within 2 hours, targeting busy professionals and families who prefer to avoid traffic and crowds.
4. Mobile Repair Shop
Given the rise of smartphone usage in Bangladesh, setting up a mobile repair shop can be a profitable venture. This business requires a relatively low initial investment, primarily for tools and a small storefront. If you are skilled in repairing phones, you can attract customers by offering quick and affordable services. You can also diversify by selling phone accessories and gadgets.
Example:
A small repair shop in Chittagong specializing in fixing cracked screens, battery replacements, and water-damaged phones, serving university students and young professionals.
5. Organic Farming
With growing health consciousness among Bangladeshis, organic farming presents a great business opportunity. Farmers can grow chemical-free vegetables, fruits, and grains, which can then be sold to local markets, directly to consumers, or even exported. Organic farming also helps promote sustainability and better land use practices, which are becoming more critical in Bangladesh.
Example:
An organic vegetable farm in Sylhet that supplies fresh, pesticide-free produce to local restaurants and farmer’s markets, gaining popularity among health-conscious consumers.
6. Home Bakery
Home bakeries have become increasingly popular in Bangladesh, with people opting for custom-made cakes, cookies, and desserts for birthdays, weddings, and corporate events. With minimal investment, you can start baking from home and market your products through social media platforms. Offering unique flavors and high-quality presentations will help differentiate your business from others.
Example:
A home-based bakery in Dhaka that specializes in creating custom-designed cakes and cupcakes for special occasions, using fresh ingredients and offering delivery services.
7. Online Tutoring Services
The demand for quality education is growing rapidly in Bangladesh, and online tutoring services offer an affordable and flexible solution for students. You can provide tutoring for a wide range of subjects, from math and science to languages and coding. With access to platforms like Zoom or Google Meet, you can tutor students from anywhere in the country, making it a highly scalable business.
Example:
An online tutoring service offering one-on-one math and science lessons for high school students, using video conferencing tools and interactive whiteboards to provide a personalized learning experience.
Related post: Top 10 Proven Ways to Online Income in Bangladesh (2024 Guide)
8. Handmade Crafts Business
Bangladesh is known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship. If you have a creative streak, you can tap into this market by producing and selling handmade crafts, including jewelry, pottery, textiles, and home décor. These items can be sold through online platforms or at local artisan markets, catering to both locals and tourists looking for unique, authentic products.
Example:
A social media-based business that creates and sells traditional Bangladeshi handicrafts like jute bags, clay pottery, and handwoven textiles, catering to both domestic and international customers.
9. Fitness Center/Gym
As health and fitness awareness grows in Bangladesh, setting up a small fitness center or gym can be a profitable venture. This business requires a more substantial investment for equipment and space but can yield high returns, especially if located in urban areas with a young, health-conscious population. Offering fitness classes like yoga, Zumba, or CrossFit can further enhance your business’s appeal.
Example:
A fitness center in Rajshahi offering affordable memberships, personal training sessions, and group fitness classes, catering to the growing number of fitness enthusiasts in the city.
10. Photography/Videography Business
The demand for photography and videography services has surged in Bangladesh, especially for weddings, events, and social media content. With a good camera, editing skills, and creativity, you can start a small photography or videography business. This business thrives on building a portfolio and reputation, so offering discounted services at the start can help establish credibility. Over time, you can branch out into corporate events, product photography, or even videography for YouTube content creators.
Example:
A wedding photography business based in Cox’s Bazar that offers premium photo and video packages for weddings and engagements, capturing breathtaking shots against the beautiful backdrop of the seaside. The business also provides drone videography services for clients who want cinematic footage of their special day.
FAQ:
1. Which business will be most profitable in Bangladesh in 2024?
In 2024, freelance IT services and e-commerce businesses (like online clothing stores) will be among the most profitable in Bangladesh. With the increasing digitalization of businesses and growing demand for online shopping, these sectors offer significant potential for profit. Additionally, organic farming is gaining popularity due to the rise in health-conscious consumers seeking chemical-free produce, making it a lucrative option for rural entrepreneurs.
2. Which small business ideas in Bangladesh are most profitable?
The most profitable small business ideas in Bangladesh currently are online-based businesses such as freelancing in IT services (web development, digital marketing, app development) and online retail stores (clothing, handmade crafts). These businesses require relatively low startup costs and can scale rapidly with effective marketing, especially on social media platforms. Home bakeries and mobile repair shops are also profitable due to the high demand for personalized food services and smartphone repairs.
3. Which business is best in 2025?
Looking ahead to 2025, businesses related to sustainability and technology will likely be the best. Sustainable farming, eco-friendly products, and IT consulting services will continue to thrive due to global trends toward sustainability and digitalization. Additionally, fitness centers and wellness-related services will see growth as health awareness increases among Bangladesh’s urban population.
4. Which business is best for the next 5 years?
Over the next five years, the best businesses in Bangladesh will focus on technology, sustainability, and health. These include:
- Freelance IT services (app development, cybersecurity, digital marketing).
- Organic farming and eco-friendly product manufacturing.
- E-commerce platforms that cater to growing online consumers.
- Health and fitness centers that focus on wellness services like yoga, gym, and nutrition.
These sectors are expected to continue growing as digitalization, health consciousness, and environmental awareness rise globally and locally.
Related post: The 100 Best Business Ideas in Bangladesh 2024
In conclusion, 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year for small businesses in Bangladesh. Whether you’re looking to start a tech-based venture or explore more traditional opportunities, the growth potential is immense. As you consider your next steps, remember that timing, innovation, and customer understanding will be key to your success. Don’t just dream—act now!