Are you interested in venturing into the world of business in Siliguri but are unsure as to what to choose from? Then you are at the right place.
In this article, we provide you with ten options regarding business ideas that you can select for your entrepreneurship entry. They have been developed based on the strengths and weaknesses inherent in Siliguri hence making it easy for you to start off with your own business that can thrive well.
1. Tourism and Hospitality Services:
Siliguri serves as an entry point to famous tourist destinations like Darjeeling, Sikkim, and Bhutan, hence the scope for the establishment of hotels, guest houses, or tour operators across the city is huge. Further, Siliguri is becoming an industrial hub and thus MICE tourism also holds huge potential to boost the tourism and hospitality sector.
2. Tea Business
West Bengal is the second largest producer of tea, and since Siliguri is located close to the world-famous Darjeeling tea gardens, it offers a lucrative business opportunity. The 85 tea gardens in Darjeeling hills produce 10 million kilograms of tea each year and also provide opportunities for business in the sectors such as tea packaging, processing, machinery manufacturing, and export.
3. Transportation and Logistics
Since Siliguri is located in a strategic bulk-of-point location, transportation and logistics services are very important for the overall development of the region and hence, establishing a courier service, warehousing, or trucking company would be a great business opportunity.
4. Event Management
Siliguri is a culturally diverse place where different cultural and economic events take place, for example, weddings, conferences, and cultural programs that allow opportunities for doing business in this field, like event management services such as venue booking, catering, entertainment, and decoration.
5. Marketing Agencies
As per the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), the number of MSMEs in Siliguri has increased from 123,456 in 2018-19 to 135,789 in 2020-21, a growth rate of 9.98% which is higher than the national average of 7.62%. These MSMEs may need branding services for their websites, social media platforms, branding, and packaging which creates a significant opportunity for marketing agencies.
6. Educational Service
The city’s population is growing and so is the need for quality education. Hence, starting a coaching center, skill training institute, or educational consulting are viable business ideas.
7. Food and Beverage Industry
Opening a restaurant, cafe, bakery, or catering service will be a profitable enterprse given the city’s rising demand for quality, affordable, and variety of food.
8. Healthcare Services
With Siliguri’s growing population, business in the healthcare sector, like opening a diagnostic center, pharmacy, and clinic, could be a great business opportunity, as the projected growth rate of nationwide spending on health is growing at an average rate of 5.5% per year until 2026.
9. Real Estate
With almost Rs 3,000 crore worth of construction projects going on (Createch Prachurya-2023) in Siliguri, the potential for business opportunities in the field of real estate for building commercial and residential complexes is huge.
10. Health and Wellness Centres
In recent times, people have become health-conscious, and therefore opening a yoga studio, wellness center, or fitness center for providing holistic healing therapies could be a beneficial option.
As you consider these opportunities, remember that the key to success lies in thorough market research, strategic planning, and a deep understanding of the local market along with courage, determination, and resilience. We hope this list has inspired you to take the first step toward building your first startup or business.