Having travelled to Bhutan since 2013, around 10-12 times and spending a week here for BIF in October 2024, it’s clear to me that this unique country holds exciting potential for small businesses and startups. And I say great job to Druksell and CSI Market for working with 600+ businesses, providing an online platform for sales and growth.
Bhutan’s commitment to Gross National Happiness (GNH) reflects in its business culture, with an emphasis on sustainable development, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation. As part of the Bhutan Innovation Forum (BIF), I’ve had the privilege to meet entrepreneurs, innovators, and visionaries committed to Bhutan’s bright future.
While these big ideas are unfolding, there are also simple, practical business opportunities ready to be tapped into. Whether it’s through solving everyday problems or offering new conveniences, the potential is ripe for small enterprises and startups. Below are a few areas I see great opportunity, based on my experiences and insights.
- Bhutanese Skincare, Haircare, and Makeup Range
Bhutan’s abundant natural resources offer an incredible foundation for creating a locally sourced skincare, haircare, and makeup range. Imagine products infused with Bhutanese herbs, Himalayan minerals, and pristine mountain waters – appealing both locally and internationally. This could tie into Bhutan’s philosophy of natural living, offering consumers eco-friendly and sustainable products that support local communities.
The market is also ripe for makeup workshops that highlight how to use these products. With an emphasis on mindfulness and simplicity, these workshops can cater to both locals and tourists, offering a blend of beauty and Bhutanese tradition.
- Mobile Massage Services in Thimphu
While traveling in Bhutan, it struck me how I could access mobile massage services are in Paro, yet they’re not available in Thimphu. As the capital continues to grow, there’s a clear demand for wellness services that can be brought directly to clients’ homes, offices, or hotels. With Thimphu’s lifestyle, a mobile massage service could cater to locals, professionals and tourists alike, offering convenience and relaxation.
- Test and Tag Services for Electrical Appliances
A surprising and personal experience highlighted this opportunity – a kettle sparked and caught fire in my hotel room! This incident highlighted a significant gap in appliance safety. A business that provides test and tag services, ensuring electrical appliances are safe and compliant, could help reduce such risks. Hotels, businesses, and even residential clients would benefit from this service, creating a safer environment across Bhutan.
- Electrical, Plumbing, and Hot Water Services
Another practical business opportunity lies in electrical, plumbing, and hot water servicing. It’s not uncommon to encounter low water pressure or chilly showers in Bhutanese hotels and homes. Specialised services offering installation, maintenance, and repair of hot water systems, as well as plumbing and electrical solutions, would meet a real need, improving quality of life and comfort.
- Taxi App Development
Time to get Druk Ride up and running again for cars and taxis, and now is the perfect time for a dedicated app, following on from the need demonstrate at BIF. While Druk Ride mainly serves long-distance travelers, a taxi service app that focuses on short rides within urban centres like Thimphu, Paro and major events could offer much-needed convenience. With more visitors and locals needing reliable transportation, a taxi app could streamline travel and reduce the hassle of finding cabs during peak times.
- Solar Panel Installation and Smart Apps
As Bhutan continues to champion sustainable energy, solar panel installation and maintenance businesses could thrive. Additionally, a smart app that monitors energy usage and system performance would appeal to tech-savvy consumers and businesses looking to optimise their energy consumption. The government’s support for renewable energy makes this an ideal time to introduce such services, contributing to Bhutan’s green goals.
- Personal and Business Branding Photo and Video Shoots
One of Bhutan’s greatest natural resources is its breathtaking scenery – a photographer’s dream. The lighting and backdrops are like nowhere else in the world. This offers a unique opportunity for businesses that specialise in professional photo and video shoots, catering to both personal branding (weddings, portraits) and business needs (corporate profiles, tourism promotion). Bhutan’s stunning landscapes can elevate branding visuals, making them stand out internationally.
- Expert Automotive Services for 4WDs
With Bhutan’s rugged terrain, 4WD vehicles are essential for navigating both urban and rural areas. However, many vehicle owners struggle to find expert repair and maintenance services. Establishing an automotive business that specialises in 4WD vehicles, offering everything from routine maintenance to specialised repairs like filter change overs, would meet a growing demand in the market, particularly as the number of vehicles in Bhutan increases.
The Time is Now
These business opportunities may seem simple, but their impact on Bhutan’s economy could be profound. Each idea addresses a need within the local community, while also embracing Bhutan’s sustainable ethos. Whether it’s developing local beauty products or launching a taxi app, these startups business ideas could provide jobs, enhance quality of life, and contribute to Bhutan’s evolving economy.
At the Bhutan Innovation Forum, it’s clear that while large-scale initiatives are in motion, there’s also room for these practical, everyday business ideas. Bhutan is ready for innovation – and for entrepreneurs who are willing to take action, the time to step forward is now.