Skills for Income

India & Bangladesh | 24 practical business workshops

A free-to-adapt online curriculum for families, home-based workers, rural entrepreneurs and first-time business owners. English master copy for translation into Bengali, Hindi and regional languages.

How to use this program

• Each workshop is a six-session course (60–90 minutes per session). Learners may take one workshop or several.
• Every course follows: (1) customer need, (2) tools and skills, (3) supervised practice, (4) pricing and costs, (5) selling and recordkeeping, (6) first-customer launch.
• Use local demonstrations, mobile-friendly lessons, accessible handouts and optional peer groups. Provide offline printable alternatives.
• No business is guaranteed to earn money. Start with a small test sale before borrowing, renting premises or purchasing expensive equipment.
• For regulated work (food, electrical, health, childcare, transport, financial services), check local permits, safety rules, training and insurance. Never present workshop completion as a professional license.

Universal business starter: 6 core lessons

1. Find a real customer problem: Interview five potential buyers; record needs, alternatives and willingness to pay.
2. Choose a realistic business: Inventory available skills, tools, time, accessibility, childcare needs and startup costs.
3. Learn safe production and quality: Create one sample; check hygiene, quality, reliability and legal requirements.
4. Know your numbers: Calculate materials + transport + fees + time; set a test price; estimate break-even.
5. Market and sell honestly: Prepare a one-sentence offer, photos or demonstration, contact method and simple receipt.
6. Launch small and improve: Offer to five potential customers, record responses, deliver safely, collect feedback and adjust.

Workshop catalog

01. Home cooking and tiffin meals

Sector: Food & home products. Outcome: Prepare a limited menu, cost portions, practice safe storage and preorders.

Session plan: 1 Customer needs and local demand; 2 Essential skills and safe tools; 3 Make or demonstrate a sample; 4 Costs, pricing and quality; 5 Marketing and customer service; 6 Small launch and review.

Four practical assignments:

• Interview three local customers about demand for home cooking and tiffin meals.
• Produce a sample, demonstration or service checklist for home cooking and tiffin meals.
• Calculate startup costs, price, expected profit and a no-debt test budget.
• Write a 30-day plan to find the first three customers and record results.

02. Baking, snacks and tea stalls

Sector: Food & home products. Outcome: Test 3 products, calculate ingredient waste and evaluate stall location.

Session plan: 1 Customer needs and local demand; 2 Essential skills and safe tools; 3 Make or demonstrate a sample; 4 Costs, pricing and quality; 5 Marketing and customer service; 6 Small launch and review.

Four practical assignments:

• Interview three local customers about demand for baking, snacks and tea stalls.
• Produce a sample, demonstration or service checklist for baking, snacks and tea stalls.
• Calculate startup costs, price, expected profit and a no-debt test budget.
• Write a 30-day plan to find the first three customers and record results.

03. Pickles, spice blends and packaged foods

Sector: Food & home products. Outcome: Create labeled sample packs, assess shelf life and food registration.

Session plan: 1 Customer needs and local demand; 2 Essential skills and safe tools; 3 Make or demonstrate a sample; 4 Costs, pricing and quality; 5 Marketing and customer service; 6 Small launch and review.

Four practical assignments:

• Interview three local customers about demand for pickles, spice blends and packaged foods.
• Produce a sample, demonstration or service checklist for pickles, spice blends and packaged foods.
• Calculate startup costs, price, expected profit and a no-debt test budget.
• Write a 30-day plan to find the first three customers and record results.

04. Soap, candles and household goods

Sector: Food & home products. Outcome: Use safe formulations, packaging and quality checks; avoid unsafe chemical claims.

Session plan: 1 Customer needs and local demand; 2 Essential skills and safe tools; 3 Make or demonstrate a sample; 4 Costs, pricing and quality; 5 Marketing and customer service; 6 Small launch and review.

Four practical assignments:

• Interview three local customers about demand for soap, candles and household goods.
• Produce a sample, demonstration or service checklist for soap, candles and household goods.
• Calculate startup costs, price, expected profit and a no-debt test budget.
• Write a 30-day plan to find the first three customers and record results.

05. Tailoring and clothing alterations

Sector: Clothing & crafts. Outcome: Measure, repair seams, estimate labor and create an alteration price card.

Session plan: 1 Customer needs and local demand; 2 Essential skills and safe tools; 3 Make or demonstrate a sample; 4 Costs, pricing and quality; 5 Marketing and customer service; 6 Small launch and review.

Four practical assignments:

• Interview three local customers about demand for tailoring and clothing alterations.
• Produce a sample, demonstration or service checklist for tailoring and clothing alterations.
• Calculate startup costs, price, expected profit and a no-debt test budget.
• Write a 30-day plan to find the first three customers and record results.

06. Embroidery, weaving and handicrafts

Sector: Clothing & crafts. Outcome: Create a small product line, photograph samples and price labor fairly.

Session plan: 1 Customer needs and local demand; 2 Essential skills and safe tools; 3 Make or demonstrate a sample; 4 Costs, pricing and quality; 5 Marketing and customer service; 6 Small launch and review.

Four practical assignments:

• Interview three local customers about demand for embroidery, weaving and handicrafts.
• Produce a sample, demonstration or service checklist for embroidery, weaving and handicrafts.
• Calculate startup costs, price, expected profit and a no-debt test budget.
• Write a 30-day plan to find the first three customers and record results.

07. Upcycling and textile repairs

Sector: Clothing & crafts. Outcome: Turn discarded textiles into useful goods; test durability and demand.

Session plan: 1 Customer needs and local demand; 2 Essential skills and safe tools; 3 Make or demonstrate a sample; 4 Costs, pricing and quality; 5 Marketing and customer service; 6 Small launch and review.

Four practical assignments:

• Interview three local customers about demand for upcycling and textile repairs.
• Produce a sample, demonstration or service checklist for upcycling and textile repairs.
• Calculate startup costs, price, expected profit and a no-debt test budget.
• Write a 30-day plan to find the first three customers and record results.

08. Vegetable gardening and nursery plants

Sector: Agriculture & livestock. Outcome: Plan seasonal crops, seed costs, water use and local market sales.

Session plan: 1 Customer needs and local demand; 2 Essential skills and safe tools; 3 Make or demonstrate a sample; 4 Costs, pricing and quality; 5 Marketing and customer service; 6 Small launch and review.

Four practical assignments:

• Interview three local customers about demand for vegetable gardening and nursery plants.
• Produce a sample, demonstration or service checklist for vegetable gardening and nursery plants.
• Calculate startup costs, price, expected profit and a no-debt test budget.
• Write a 30-day plan to find the first three customers and record results.

09. Poultry and egg microbusiness

Sector: Agriculture & livestock. Outcome: Assess feed costs, disease prevention, humane care and veterinary support.

Session plan: 1 Customer needs and local demand; 2 Essential skills and safe tools; 3 Make or demonstrate a sample; 4 Costs, pricing and quality; 5 Marketing and customer service; 6 Small launch and review.

Four practical assignments:

• Interview three local customers about demand for poultry and egg microbusiness.
• Produce a sample, demonstration or service checklist for poultry and egg microbusiness.
• Calculate startup costs, price, expected profit and a no-debt test budget.
• Write a 30-day plan to find the first three customers and record results.

10. Fish farming and aquaculture

Sector: Agriculture & livestock. Outcome: Study pond conditions, stocking, feed, water quality and local guidance.

Session plan: 1 Customer needs and local demand; 2 Essential skills and safe tools; 3 Make or demonstrate a sample; 4 Costs, pricing and quality; 5 Marketing and customer service; 6 Small launch and review.

Four practical assignments:

• Interview three local customers about demand for fish farming and aquaculture.
• Produce a sample, demonstration or service checklist for fish farming and aquaculture.
• Calculate startup costs, price, expected profit and a no-debt test budget.
• Write a 30-day plan to find the first three customers and record results.

11. Mushroom cultivation

Sector: Agriculture & livestock. Outcome: Use a small trial, sanitation, climate control and verified species.

Session plan: 1 Customer needs and local demand; 2 Essential skills and safe tools; 3 Make or demonstrate a sample; 4 Costs, pricing and quality; 5 Marketing and customer service; 6 Small launch and review.

Four practical assignments:

• Interview three local customers about demand for mushroom cultivation.
• Produce a sample, demonstration or service checklist for mushroom cultivation.
• Calculate startup costs, price, expected profit and a no-debt test budget.
• Write a 30-day plan to find the first three customers and record results.

12. Mobile phone servicing

Sector: Services & repairs. Outcome: Practice diagnostics on noncustomer devices; electrical and battery safety.

Session plan: 1 Customer needs and local demand; 2 Essential skills and safe tools; 3 Make or demonstrate a sample; 4 Costs, pricing and quality; 5 Marketing and customer service; 6 Small launch and review.

Four practical assignments:

• Interview three local customers about demand for mobile phone servicing.
• Produce a sample, demonstration or service checklist for mobile phone servicing.
• Calculate startup costs, price, expected profit and a no-debt test budget.
• Write a 30-day plan to find the first three customers and record results.

13. Bicycle and small appliance repair

Sector: Services & repairs. Outcome: Build a basic toolkit, test safe repairs and provide clear quotes.

Session plan: 1 Customer needs and local demand; 2 Essential skills and safe tools; 3 Make or demonstrate a sample; 4 Costs, pricing and quality; 5 Marketing and customer service; 6 Small launch and review.

Four practical assignments:

• Interview three local customers about demand for bicycle and small appliance repair.
• Produce a sample, demonstration or service checklist for bicycle and small appliance repair.
• Calculate startup costs, price, expected profit and a no-debt test budget.
• Write a 30-day plan to find the first three customers and record results.

14. Cleaning and laundry services

Sector: Services & repairs. Outcome: Plan supplies, safe chemical handling, scheduling and repeat clients.

Session plan: 1 Customer needs and local demand; 2 Essential skills and safe tools; 3 Make or demonstrate a sample; 4 Costs, pricing and quality; 5 Marketing and customer service; 6 Small launch and review.

Four practical assignments:

• Interview three local customers about demand for cleaning and laundry services.
• Produce a sample, demonstration or service checklist for cleaning and laundry services.
• Calculate startup costs, price, expected profit and a no-debt test budget.
• Write a 30-day plan to find the first three customers and record results.

15. Beauty, grooming and barber services

Sector: Services & repairs. Outcome: Practice sanitation, consent, pricing and relevant local certification.

Session plan: 1 Customer needs and local demand; 2 Essential skills and safe tools; 3 Make or demonstrate a sample; 4 Costs, pricing and quality; 5 Marketing and customer service; 6 Small launch and review.

Four practical assignments:

• Interview three local customers about demand for beauty, grooming and barber services.
• Produce a sample, demonstration or service checklist for beauty, grooming and barber services.
• Calculate startup costs, price, expected profit and a no-debt test budget.
• Write a 30-day plan to find the first three customers and record results.

16. Tutoring and after-school learning

Sector: Services & repairs. Outcome: Design sample lessons, child safeguarding and transparent parent communication.

Session plan: 1 Customer needs and local demand; 2 Essential skills and safe tools; 3 Make or demonstrate a sample; 4 Costs, pricing and quality; 5 Marketing and customer service; 6 Small launch and review.

Four practical assignments:

• Interview three local customers about demand for tutoring and after-school learning.
• Produce a sample, demonstration or service checklist for tutoring and after-school learning.
• Calculate startup costs, price, expected profit and a no-debt test budget.
• Write a 30-day plan to find the first three customers and record results.

17. Smartphone digital literacy and online selling

Sector: Digital & creative. Outcome: Use messaging, product photos, secure payments and fraud prevention.

Session plan: 1 Customer needs and local demand; 2 Essential skills and safe tools; 3 Make or demonstrate a sample; 4 Costs, pricing and quality; 5 Marketing and customer service; 6 Small launch and review.

Four practical assignments:

• Interview three local customers about demand for smartphone digital literacy and online selling.
• Produce a sample, demonstration or service checklist for smartphone digital literacy and online selling.
• Calculate startup costs, price, expected profit and a no-debt test budget.
• Write a 30-day plan to find the first three customers and record results.

18. Graphic design and social media content

Sector: Digital & creative. Outcome: Create three portfolio samples and offer a simple local business package.

Session plan: 1 Customer needs and local demand; 2 Essential skills and safe tools; 3 Make or demonstrate a sample; 4 Costs, pricing and quality; 5 Marketing and customer service; 6 Small launch and review.

Four practical assignments:

• Interview three local customers about demand for graphic design and social media content.
• Produce a sample, demonstration or service checklist for graphic design and social media content.
• Calculate startup costs, price, expected profit and a no-debt test budget.
• Write a 30-day plan to find the first three customers and record results.

19. Video editing and photography

Sector: Digital & creative. Outcome: Produce short samples, agree usage rights and price project work.

Session plan: 1 Customer needs and local demand; 2 Essential skills and safe tools; 3 Make or demonstrate a sample; 4 Costs, pricing and quality; 5 Marketing and customer service; 6 Small launch and review.

Four practical assignments:

• Interview three local customers about demand for video editing and photography.
• Produce a sample, demonstration or service checklist for video editing and photography.
• Calculate startup costs, price, expected profit and a no-debt test budget.
• Write a 30-day plan to find the first three customers and record results.

20. Freelance writing, translation and transcription

Sector: Digital & creative. Outcome: Build samples, assess language quality, use contracts and avoid fake job fees.

Session plan: 1 Customer needs and local demand; 2 Essential skills and safe tools; 3 Make or demonstrate a sample; 4 Costs, pricing and quality; 5 Marketing and customer service; 6 Small launch and review.

Four practical assignments:

• Interview three local customers about demand for freelance writing, translation and transcription.
• Produce a sample, demonstration or service checklist for freelance writing, translation and transcription.
• Calculate startup costs, price, expected profit and a no-debt test budget.
• Write a 30-day plan to find the first three customers and record results.

21. Basic bookkeeping and spreadsheet services

Sector: Digital & creative. Outcome: Record sales, expenses, inventory and privacy safeguards.

Session plan: 1 Customer needs and local demand; 2 Essential skills and safe tools; 3 Make or demonstrate a sample; 4 Costs, pricing and quality; 5 Marketing and customer service; 6 Small launch and review.

Four practical assignments:

• Interview three local customers about demand for basic bookkeeping and spreadsheet services.
• Produce a sample, demonstration or service checklist for basic bookkeeping and spreadsheet services.
• Calculate startup costs, price, expected profit and a no-debt test budget.
• Write a 30-day plan to find the first three customers and record results.

22. Local retail and market vending

Sector: Trade & community. Outcome: Compare wholesale costs, shelf turnover, spoilage and foot traffic.

Session plan: 1 Customer needs and local demand; 2 Essential skills and safe tools; 3 Make or demonstrate a sample; 4 Costs, pricing and quality; 5 Marketing and customer service; 6 Small launch and review.

Four practical assignments:

• Interview three local customers about demand for local retail and market vending.
• Produce a sample, demonstration or service checklist for local retail and market vending.
• Calculate startup costs, price, expected profit and a no-debt test budget.
• Write a 30-day plan to find the first three customers and record results.

23. Delivery and logistics microservices

Sector: Trade & community. Outcome: Plan routes, fuel, road safety, proof of delivery and legal requirements.

Session plan: 1 Customer needs and local demand; 2 Essential skills and safe tools; 3 Make or demonstrate a sample; 4 Costs, pricing and quality; 5 Marketing and customer service; 6 Small launch and review.

Four practical assignments:

• Interview three local customers about demand for delivery and logistics microservices.
• Produce a sample, demonstration or service checklist for delivery and logistics microservices.
• Calculate startup costs, price, expected profit and a no-debt test budget.
• Write a 30-day plan to find the first three customers and record results.

24. Tourism, guiding and homestay services

Sector: Trade & community. Outcome: Develop ethical local experiences; check guest safety and licensing.

Session plan: 1 Customer needs and local demand; 2 Essential skills and safe tools; 3 Make or demonstrate a sample; 4 Costs, pricing and quality; 5 Marketing and customer service; 6 Small launch and review.

Four practical assignments:

• Interview three local customers about demand for tourism, guiding and homestay services.
• Produce a sample, demonstration or service checklist for tourism, guiding and homestay services.
• Calculate startup costs, price, expected profit and a no-debt test budget.
• Write a 30-day plan to find the first three customers and record results.

Shared worksheets for every course

• Customer interview: What problem do you have? How do you solve it now? What would you pay?
• Startup budget: Tools, supplies, training, permits, transport, phone/data and emergency buffer.
• Unit economics: Sale price − direct costs − selling fees = contribution before overhead and labor.
• Sales log: Date, customer, product/service, amount received, expense, delivery status.
• 30-day launch: Week 1 research; Week 2 sample; Week 3 test offers; Week 4 feedback and decision.

Country-specific guidance

India: Explore Skill India Digital Hub for skills courses and training centers. PM Vishwakarma may be relevant to eligible traditional artisans; eligibility and benefits must be checked on official government websites.

Bangladesh: Explore the SME Foundation training and events portal and relevant local government skills offices. Availability, fees, dates and eligibility change.

Both countries: Verify current registration, food safety, tax, business permits, consumer protection, platform policies and financial regulations before launching.

Responsible program disclaimer

These workshops are informational and educational, not accredited vocational certification, financial, legal, medical or professional advice. Seek qualified local instructors for hazardous or regulated trades. Do not promise income, charge job-placement fees, or encourage debt without careful independent assessment.

Useful official resources

India: / Skill in Digital.gov.in

India: / Pmviswakarma.gov.in

Bangladesh SME Foundation: / SME Foundation.gov.bd

Prepared for online publication and translation. © 2026 Robert Macs Art.com

Skills for Income