When we think of starting a business, our minds often jump to hefty investments, large offices or years of capital accumulation. But today, entrepreneurship in India is undergoing a quiet shift. New-age franchise models, especially in the food and service sectors, are offering entry points starting as low as ₹1–5 lakh, some even below ₹1 lakh.
If you’re someone from a hospitality, services or business background or simply someone dreaming of independence, this guide is your starting point.
We’ve curated the best franchise opportunities in India in ₹1 to 5 lakhs, including some of the best food franchises like Ajay’s Cafe, logistics brands like DTDC and healthcare labs like Dr Lal Path Labs. These models are not only low-cost but also come with high brand value and structured support.
Let’s start with the franchise that’s reimagining café ownership itself.
Table of Content
1. Ajay’s Cafe — Employee Nahi, Partner Bano
Ajay’s Cafe isn’t your average burger franchise. It’s Gujarat’s most loved food brand, now scaling nationally through an innovative COFO (Company-Owned, Franchise-Operated) model.
{Under this model, means you don’t “buy” a franchise, instead, Ajay’s retains ownership of the outlet and you operate it as the franchise partner, earning a share of the profits. With a nominal one-time commitment of just ₹1 lakh, you get the opportunity to run your own cafe without the burden of capital expenditure or property ownership}. You start earning from Day 1!
This means you don’t “buy” a franchise, you own and operate a fully set-up cafe with a nominal one-time investment of just ₹1 lakh.
Franchise Snapshot:
- Model: COFO (Company-Owned, Franchise-Operated)
- Initial Investment: ₹1 lakh (commitment fee)
- Support Provided: Full café setup, POS system, staff training, logistics, marketing & branding
- Current Presence: 200+ outlets across Gujarat
Unlike traditional food franchises that demand high CAPEX and real estate ownership, Ajay’s Cafe invites hospitality professionals and service-industry talent to take the lead, turning employees into entrepreneurs. To get started, click here.
The goal?
To create more local leaders with national brand power.
Eligibility Criteria:
To join Ajay’s Cafe as a franchise operator, you must:
- Be a hospitality graduate from a recognised institute of higher education
- Be passionate about food and customer service
- Have prior experience in F&B, hospitality, or retail management
- Be willing to operate the cafe full-time
- Be able to pay the ₹1 lakh commitment fee upfront
- Be aligned with Ajay’s core values of quality and consistency
| Investment | Rs 1 Lakh |
|---|---|
|
Space Required |
200 sq ft |
|
Industry |
QSR |
2. Tea Time
| Investment Range | Rs 2 Lakhs onwards |
|---|---|
|
Space Required |
100-150 sq ft |
|
ROI Duration |
6-12 months |
|
Industry |
Food & Beverage |
With over 3,000 outlets and counting, Tea Time offers a massively popular, low-investment entry into the food and beverage industry. Known for its affordable chai menu and minimal space requirements (as low as 100 sq ft), Tea Time is perfect for anyone looking to start a business with simple operations and quick returns. The brand provides raw material support and branding to help you serve India’s favorite beverage, one cup at a time.
3. Amul Parlours
| Investment Range | Rs 2,00,000 |
|---|---|
|
Space Required |
150-300 sq ft |
|
ROI Duration |
9-15 months |
|
Industry |
Dairy Retail |
Amul needs no introduction and that’s its biggest strength. Backed by one of India’s most iconic brands, Amul Parlours require minimal investment and offer instant footfall, thanks to their wide range of dairy products and frozen treats. With strong brand trust and supply chain support, even a small outlet can become a dependable source of steady income for first-time entrepreneurs.
4. Delhivery Partner Program
| Investment Range | Rs 10,000-50,000 |
|---|---|
|
Space Required |
200-300 sq ft |
|
ROI Duration |
6-12 months |
|
Industry |
Logistics |
As e-commerce continues its upward climb, Delhivery’s Partner Program offers a smart entry into the logistics industry. Whether you choose to run a delivery center or focus on pickups and drop-offs, the program gives you the backing of one of India’s largest logistics firms. It’s a low-investment, high-volume model, perfect for those looking to scale with India’s digital economy.
5. DTDC
| Investment Range | Rs 2,00,000-5,00,000 |
|---|---|
|
Space Required |
150-200 sq ft |
|
ROI Duration |
12-18 months |
|
Industry |
Logistics |
DTDC is one of the oldest and most trusted courier brands in India, offering tiered franchise models for entrepreneurs with different investment capacities. DTDC provides solid backend logistics, tech integration and a loyal customer base, all under ₹2 lakh.
6. Dr Lal PathLabs
| Investment Range | Rs 2,00,000 - 5,00,000 |
|---|---|
|
Space Required |
150-200 sq ft |
|
ROI Duration |
9-15 months |
|
Industry |
Healthcare |
Healthcare is one of the most recession-proof industries and with Dr Lal PathLabs, you can be part of it. This franchise model lets you set up a collection center in your area with low investment and strong operational support. With rising health awareness and regular diagnostic needs, it’s a high-trust business that grows with the community.
7. ShareKhan
| Investment Range | Rs 2,00,000 - 5,00,000 |
|---|---|
|
Space Required |
100-200 sq ft |
|
ROI Duration |
12-18 months |
|
Industry |
Finance |
ShareKhan’s sub-broking franchise lets you tap into India’s growing stock market participation. With an investment under ₹1 lakh, you can set up a ShareKhan center that offers trading services, portfolio management, and advisory support. The brand provides backend training, research tools, and digital platforms, making it easy to serve retail investors in your locality.
8. Max Lab
| Investment Range | Rs 2,00,000 - 5,00,000 |
|---|---|
|
Space Required |
150-200 sq ft |
|
ROI Duration |
9-15 months |
|
Industry |
Healthcare |
A venture of Max Healthcare, Max Lab is a fast-growing diagnostics franchise offering high credibility and brand equity. With affordable investment and a focus on quality service, it allows you to open a reliable diagnostic collection center, ideal for Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities where demand is consistent and patient trust is crucial.
9. Salado
| Investment Range | Rs 2,00,000-5,00,000 |
|---|---|
|
Space Required |
150-250 sq ft |
|
ROI Duration |
9-12 months |
|
Industry |
Food & Beverage |
If you’re passionate about healthy eating and looking for a trendy, future-facing food franchise, Salado is your go-to. With a focus on salads, wellness bowls, and low-carb meals, this cloud kitchen franchise caters to the health-conscious crowd of metro cities. The brand provides a tech-enabled backend, kitchen training, and brand marketing all within a relatively low CAPEX range.
What to Keep in Mind Before Choosing a Franchise
- Check the support structure: Marketing, logistics, operations, and staff training should be offered by the brand.
- Review ROI timelines: Some businesses break even in 6 months, others in 18.
- Assess your interest and background: Choose a brand that aligns with your skills, whether it’s food, finance, or healthcare.
- Look beyond Tier 1 cities: Many of these franchises thrive in small towns where competition is lower and demand is growing.
Final Thoughts: Your ₹1 Lakh Can Go a Long Way
In a world where capital often controls opportunity, these franchise models are rewriting the narrative. Whether you want to run the best food franchise in your city, lead a diagnostics lab, or deliver packages with your name on the invoice your starting line could just be ₹1 lakh away.
Among all, Ajay’s Cafe stands as a blueprint for a new generation of entrepreneurs where hospitality talent takes center stage and ownership doesn’t come with asterisks.
Disclaimer
All investment figures are indicative and may vary by location and business scale. Please verify details with respective franchisors. This article is for informational purposes and should not be considered financial advice. For updating any of the aforementioned data points, kindly email us at care@ajays.co.in
