Startup business ideas are becoming the first choice for many young people in Nepal who want to do something of their own. Instead of waiting for a government job or going abroad, more youths are now thinking about starting small businesses that solve everyday problems.
We have already seen how startups like Esewa, Pathao, and Daraz have changed the way we live and shop. These businesses started with simple ideas but made a big difference, especially during the lockdown when people had limited options. Still, not every idea becomes successful. Many startups struggle in the first few years, and only those with a clear plan and real value survive. In this blog, we have listed business ideas that are practical, relevant, and suitable for the Nepali market in 2025.
1. Organic Farming
Demand for organic vegetables, fruits, and herbs is growing rapidly, especially in cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara. Starting small on a family-owned plot or leased land, you can sell directly to households, restaurants, or through online platforms. Certification and branding can give you a competitive edge.
2. Crop Farming
Instead of focusing on conventional crops, niche farming such as mushrooms, strawberries, asparagus, or medicinal herbs can offer better returns. With proper training and market access, this can be a high-profit, low-competition space—especially in high-altitude regions.
3. Poultry Farming
Chicken meat and eggs are in constant demand across Nepal. Poultry farming is scalable, has quick turnover cycles, and can start with a small investment in your backyard or leased space. Partnering with local butcher shops or hotels ensures steady sales.
4. Dairy Farming
Dairy products like milk, paneer, and ghee are staple items in every Nepali household. You can start with just a few cows or buffaloes and gradually expand. Establishing a hygienic supply chain and exploring branded packaging can take this traditional model to the next level.
5. Local Food Cart
Street food is not just affordable, t’s trendy. From momos and chatpate to fusion snacks, a mobile food cart lets you serve high-footfall areas like colleges, offices, or markets. It’s a low-cost way to test your culinary skills without committing to a restaurant.
6. Cafés
Themed cafés are booming in urban areas. Whether it’s a cozy reading corner, a pet-friendly space, or an Instagrammable hangout spot, young customers love unique experiences. You can start small with a beverage-focused menu and gradually expand with pastries, snacks, or board games.
7. Bakeries
Home-based or storefront bakeries are both in demand. With the rise of birthday celebrations, festivals, and wedding events, custom cakes and baked goods are a profitable niche. Social media marketing and timely delivery can set you apart from generic bakeries.
8. E-Commerce
Nepali consumers are getting more comfortable shopping online. From fashion and gadgets to handmade items and thrifted goods, e-commerce allows you to sell 24/7 with minimal overhead. You can start on platforms like Daraz or launch your own website with minimal coding.
9. Digital Marketing
Small and medium-sized businesses need help reaching customers online. If you have skills in social media management, SEO, paid ads, or content creation, you can start freelancing or build your own agency. It's low-cost, high-demand, and easily scalable with the right team.
10. Affiliate Marketing
This is a performance-based online income model. You promote products on your blog, TikTok, or YouTube, and earn commission for every sale made through your link. It requires patience and consistency, but it can generate passive income once your content gains traction.
11. Social Media Management
Many small businesses and personal brands in Nepal don’t have the time or skill to manage their Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok pages effectively. If you're good at creating engaging posts, captions, and reels, this is a great service to offer, especially to local cafés, boutiques, or solo entrepreneurs.
12. Content Writing
As businesses expand online, the need for website content, blog posts, and product descriptions continues to grow. If you have a strong command of English or Nepali, content writing can be a flexible freelance career with both local and international clients via platforms like Upwork or Fiverr.
13. Blogging
While it takes time to grow, blogging can turn into a serious income stream when paired with affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, or ad revenue. Choose a niche like travel, personal finance, or food—and create valuable content that solves readers’ problems or shares unique experiences.
14. Online Tutor
Tutoring is no longer confined to physical classrooms. If you're skilled in subjects like English, Maths, Science, or even SAT/IELTS prep, you can start offering online classes via Zoom. You can also create your own course bundles and sell them on platforms like Udemy or Teachable.
15. Photography
From weddings and pre-weddings to product and real estate photography, there's no shortage of demand. You don’t need a high-end studio to get started—a good camera, editing skills, and a solid Instagram portfolio can help you attract your first clients.
16. Health and Wellness Coach
More people are becoming conscious about physical and mental health. If you're certified in yoga, fitness, or wellness coaching, you can offer virtual sessions or run community classes. Social platforms like Instagram and YouTube help build your audience and promote your services for free.
17. Online Business
From dropshipping to selling digital products (like eBooks or design templates), online businesses are ideal for those who want to work remotely. You don’t need to handle inventory or shipping—just focus on building a niche audience and delivering value.
18. Training Institute
If you have expertise in a high-demand skill like digital marketing, coding, or accounting, starting a training institute—either offline or online—can be rewarding. You can target job seekers, students, or returnee migrants who want to upskill for better opportunities.
19. Real Estate Agent or Consultant
With growing urbanization and NRN investment, real estate is a booming sector. You can start with minimal capital by connecting buyers and sellers, earning commission per deal. If you build trust and offer reliable property insights, it can grow into a full-fledged consultancy.
20. Travel Agency
Nepal is a top destination for trekking, heritage tourism, and adventure travel. Starting a travel agency focused on curated experiences—like offbeat hikes, community homestays, or wellness retreats—can set you apart from traditional tour operators. Digital bookings and strong local partnerships are key.
21. Start a Private Limited Company
If you’ve identified a niche of your own—whether tech, services, or trading—you can formally register your business and operate as a company. Setting up a Private Limited company in Nepal is now more streamlined, and agencies like Estartup Nepal can guide you through every step—from company registration to compliance, policies, and scaling support.
Booming sector for Startups in Nepal
Service sector is the booming sector for the startup enterprises in Nepal. It is supported by the facts of concept of the Sixteenth Plan (FY 2081/82-2085/86) published by National Planning Commission of Nepal. In the base fiscal year 2075/76, Agriculture sector, industrial sector and service sector has contributed 25.6 percent, 14.3 percent and 60.1 percent respectively in GDP of Nepal whereas Agriculture sector, industrial sector and service sector has contributed 24.6 percent, 13 percent and 62.4 percent respectively in fiscal year 2079/80. This clearly demonstrates the increase of contribution of service sector in the national economy. The Per Capita Income of the people of Nepal is 1,460 US Dollar in fiscal year 2079/80.
Progress made by the Government for Startup enterprises in Nepal
Ministry of Commerce and Supplies of the government of Nepal has approved the Startup Enterprise Credit Fund Guidelines on 10th Falgun 2079 which shall be implemented immediately. It will provide 2.5 million rupees for the eligible startup enterprise as loan. Nepal Rastra Bank will provide the funds allocated by the ministry on a timely basis.
The Startup Enterprises having not exceeding seven years of establishment or operation must comply minimum of three criteria from (a) to (d) and a minimum of two criteria from (e) to (g) to be eligible for the Startup Enterprise Credit Fund.
a) Paid-up capital not exceeding fifty lakhs rupees,
b) Annual gross income of the enterprise not exceeding fifty lakhs rupees,
c) Fixed capital (excluding house and land) not exceeding two crore rupees,
d) Full-time employee of the enterprise not exceeding ten,
e) Use of information technology and creative ideas for solving the problems faced by consumers during the production or distribution of any product or service,
f) Five percent of the total annual expenditure is made on product development, market development, research and development,
g) Patent or Design or Software of the Intellectual property of the Enterprise is registered or eligible for registration.
The following startup enterprises are not eligible for Startup Enterprise Credit as per this policy:
a) Not registered in Nepal as per the prevailing laws,
b) Import of products or services without the use of information technology and innovative ideas,
c) Incorporated by splitting the existing company or business or operated as the subsidiary company or firm,
d) Blacklisted in the Credit Information Centre or operated by such person,
e) Not receiving Permanent Account Number for tax purposes,
f) Enterprise which is a holding company categorized as cottage or big Industries as per the Industrial Enterprises Act,
g) Other matters restricted by the prevailing laws,
Ready to Start Your Business?
Many of these startup business ideas don’t require large capital—just the right mindset, tools, and execution. Whether you want to build a side hustle or a full-scale venture, now’s the time to take action.
Need help registering your business or choosing the right model?
Estartup Nepal is here to support you from day one—with expert advice, registration services, and startup-friendly packages designed to save you time, money, and stress.
We can discuss how Startup enterprises can get the taste of success in Nepal which are highlighted in the points below:
Vision and Idea
A good startup starts with a clear idea that solves a real problem. Most successful businesses focus on a specific market where they can offer something new. A strong vision keeps you motivated, but it takes time to see results.
Business Team
Startups often begin with a small group of people. It helps to have team members with different skills like marketing, finance, technology, and business experience. A team that believes in the idea can push through the difficult early days.
Business Registration
Registering your business makes it legal and trustworthy. You need to choose whether to register as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or private company. Also, register with the Inland Revenue Department and get a PAN for tax purposes.
Capital Investment
New businesses need money to get started and to run daily operations. You can raise funds from co-founders, outside investors, or banks. Always plan for tough times so your business can keep going even when income is low.
Business Plan and Feasibility
A business plan shows what you want to do and how you plan to do it. It includes your idea, team, required investment, and future income. A basic plan helps attract investors and also gives you clear direction as you grow.