Everyone wants to be an entrepreneur but most aspiring businessmen are stumped by high initial investments. Well, that need not be the case always.
We introduce six business ideas, one every day, to help entrepreneurs earn big. These models are fit for replication because they are low on investment and high on returns. They can be operated as a full-time venture or part-time.
Pop-corn king
The novel initiative ensures high yield. The work is not too tasking. It can also be done part time. The favourite snack is assured of a market.
Pop corn used to be a staple of festival grounds. That also meant that the crunch stayed elusive until the next local festival, usually a year away. Today, most bakeries are stocked with pop corn. They are also available in abundance in movie halls and parks.
Pop corn can be manufactured with modest machines. They can be flavoured with a difference and packed attractively before sending them to retail shops.
Pop corn can be stored safely for two months, allowing manufacturers to market them directly or through dealers. If added with novel flavours and packed attractively, they can be marketed through supermarkets with a higher price tag.
Pop corn is usually made by adding oil and spices to the machine. Then the machine is loaded with corn which is popped within five or ten minutes, depending on the capacity of the machine.
It can be spiced up in a blending machine. Pop corn is filled in cups and packed with foil. Pop corn can also be filled in plastic cups. Pop corn packed in transparent cups sell the most.
Pop corn can be made in a variety of flavours including caramel, chocolate, chips, pista and strawberry.
Nissar Muhammed from Pullarimangalam near Ernakulam said he struck gold when he adapted the spices from a payasam recipe. He has been running a manufacturing unit near his house for two years. He started off by manufacturing about 100 packs a day. Now the production has gone up to 2,000 cups a day. He said he could expect sales of about Rs 3 lakh per month and a net profit of about Rs 50,000.
Aspiring entrepreneurs have to equip themselves with licenses from the Food Safety department, the GST and other agencies. They can expect to avail of a subsidy from the state industries department.
(This story is the first from a series on easily doable business ideas, watch this space for the next one on Battery water)