Meeting the needs of the local community can help new business growth.
small group of businesses
Many or all of the products featured here come from our partners who compensate us. This may affect the products we write about and where and how the products appear on the site. However, this does not affect our rating. Our views are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here is how we make money. Big business can happen in small towns. Small towns offer a unique opportunity for market concentration, as well as the challenge of limited population. Finding small town business ideas that stick is all about filling a current need with a great product or service. To start a business in a small town, you will need to do some background research on the local market, as well as the specific geography of the physical location. In a small town, you rely heavily on a small group of businesses, so choosing the right location is important to improve store traffic. Even if your business plan is based on a service, it is still a good idea to have a solid understanding of the size of your market. Once you have an idea of the customer market in your city, you can base it on different small town business ideas, and finally decide which one you think will work best. Once you know more about the resources and other businesses in your area, you can talk to other business owners and evaluate the costs and requirements of starting a small town business. For inspiration, we’ve compiled this list of 35 small-town business ideas that every community needs. You can use this list to start your research, or perhaps, to find the perfect idea for your small town business.
Small-town business ideas
Starting a small town business
Starting a small town business requires careful research and understanding of your community. Once you get a feel for the existing businesses in your area and the local needs (more on that below), you’ll be ready to decide which business is right for you – and the community. Try to find an industry or service where small business for-profits, community needs and your interests intersect. Here are a few small town business ideas you might consider:
Restaurants
For dinner, fine dining or somewhere in between, a successful small-town restaurant is about giving people what they want, but didn’t have before. When starting a restaurant, it may be tempting to copy a famous place in the city, but consider that you need – or want – that the locals can’t find nearby, and an attraction worth traveling from the city. Next. For example, a farm-to-table restaurant is a great small town business idea, but if you’re not in a farming area, or already have one in your town, consider an alternative. Think about what your family expects when you go out of town. Maybe it’s an elegant dining experience, or maybe it’s a slice of New York-style pizza, but there’s a good chance there’s a market for a new restaurant. You just have to find out what people want – and eat it.
Barc coffee shop combo
Generate slow business traffic by serving drinks that people want all day long.
Generate slow business traffic by serving drinks that people want all day long. If coffee shops aren’t a “thing” in your town, serving coffee all day in a place where people go – like a bar – can slowly start to normalize the activity and encourage cross-business. A small local bar may be your dream business, but a coffee shop can start bringing in money at sunrise; There is no need to compromise, as long as you create an environment that works day and night.
A good handyman will always be in demand, even in small towns. If you’re constantly getting calls from friends, family and neighbors to come over and check on leaking pipes or leaking boards, you might be in the right place to start a small town business. Starting a contractor service will be straightforward if you have done odd jobs before, and you have an idea of who will hire you. If people in the area are not familiar with your work, try contacting a general contractor who is willing to pay for a small project, and hopefully get your name out there to potential clients. In word-of-mouth business such as service work, maintenance and construction, people you already know, and those who know your work, are the most powerful.
Car repair
It is highly desirable to have a car if you live in a rural area or a small town, but being far from shops can make regular service difficult. Auto repair services meet the obvious needs of small towns and make life convenient for local residents, so consider if there is an opportunity in your town to open a shop. Also, cars break down everywhere, and most tow trucks charge per mile. So, if your town is too far between big cities, there might be an opportunity for you to start towing cars – even if you don’t have a proper repair shop.
Cleaning the house.
Some people don’t like to clean,
Some people don’t like to clean, and there’s a good chance some of them live in your city. Why not start a cleaning business with them? This is another service that takes advantage of the word-of-mouth referral system, and can even be paired with other services, such as babysitting or yard work. Professional cleaning is a valuable skill, but it doesn’t require you to spend a lot of money on courses or certifications, so this is a great option if you’re looking for a low-cost side hustle.
IT and computer services
All businesses and individuals need technology support, wherever they are. No matter how big or small the city, there will always be people using technology – and having trouble connecting to their WiFi. This service will require a little more advertising to get the word out as it is less visible than a storefront business than a service such as house cleaning. But if you don’t plan to do a big repair, it doesn’t need much in the way of equipment, so you will also reduce the additional cost.
Pet shop, grooming and boarding
Opening a pet store in your town is one of the best small town business ideas
Opening a pet store in your town is one of the best small town business ideas if there isn’t already a local supply store or a large chain, like PetSmart or PetCo. Depending on the number of animals in your area, there may be a need for animal care and shelter services. If you are interested in opening a pet store or pet service business in a small town, ask local pet owners where they currently get their food and grooming supplies. A local pet store owner may also be a good resource if you are interested in offering grooming, walking or boarding services.
Salon ama time-jare.
Chances are, your city has at least one barber or salon, but that can really help if you’re looking to open a successful hair salon. If one demographic is not being met – for example there are only barbers who mainly serve men – find out their hair needs are not being addressed on Main Street. If your city is already served by full-service hair salons and barbers, you might consider a better hair care business, such as a bar or salon that offers makeup, eyeliner and skin in addition to hair services.
Gas station.
They may not be the prettiest of businesses, but filling stations are absolutely essential in communities where most people rely on cars and trucks. Small towns located on or near highways can get a lot of traffic, and unlike most businesses, a gas station operator may benefit from being away from cities. Lotteries and tobacco sales can also generate significant income, especially if you are the only seller in the area.
Grocery store.
When a city that can maintain a grocery store doesn’t have one, there’s a good reason: Maybe most people commute every day and use other stores, or there aren’t enough people to support a big chain. If you want to go the independent route (ie don’t open a franchise store), try to find a way to specialize in your store so you don’t have to spend too much on products. Use local products, trends and tastes to help inform this decision. In agricultural areas, farmers market stalls such as local produce and seasonal produce are often popular with locals and tourists alike. A city that previously had a large grocery store, but few available options for organic, local, gluten-free or vegan, is a great candidate for a specialty grocery store.
The drug store.
A drug store or pharmacy requires more work – from hiring a pharmacist to buying insurance, to installing security precautions – but if your city does not serve a pharmacy, it can be a great opportunity to open a sustainable business in your community. . This is one of the small town business ideas that may be a good option for individuals who are trained pharmacists themselves or involved in the local medical profession. Certainly the pharmacy is a necessary business for any community, but if you decide to open an independent pharmacy, be careful of competing with the big drug stores.
Antique store or shop.
Especially in tourist areas,
Especially in tourist areas, small gift shops can turn a profit at flea markets, junkyards and estate sales. Although conversions at an antique store can be slow, your items won’t expire or require a lot of maintenance. If there are a few stores like this in your town, you might consider specializing in retail consignment and second-hand clothing, or local artisan crafts.
Fitness studio or gym.
More and more, people are getting fit and taking care of their bodies. Unfortunately, there are a few exercise junkies living in your town. If you think so, starting a gym or fitness studio is a great small town business idea. You can focus on the topic of exercise, or provide a common fitness area for your community to work on. As with all small-town business ideas, though, this one requires a bit of leverage to get started – namely gym equipment. However, given that you get new members early, you should be able to make that money back quickly, especially if you have an edge in the small town fitness market.
The tutoring business.
Every city has children who need to go to school, and if there are students who need extra help outside of school hours, a tutoring business can help children and parents alike. If you are looking for one of those small town business ideas that will allow you to give back and grow your community, you might consider a tutoring business. You can start your own tutoring business to cater to children at any level – elementary school, high school or college prep. Just think of a subject that you know and are interested in, and you will easily connect with children who need help. This small town business idea is also a great option for parents who have a large network of other families in their hometown.
An ice cream shop.
Food-related businesses can be some of the most popular in a small town, and if you don’t want anything involved in running a full-fledged restaurant, you might consider opening an ice cream shop. Ice cream shops can be hot spots for locals, as well as people from surrounding towns, especially in warm weather. If your city does not have a business currently operating in the dessert market, an ice cream shop is definitely worth considering. In addition, if you are successful with ice cream, you can also consider expanding to candy, cakes and even children’s birthday parties.
Dry cleaner.
Although no one likes to find out that the new t-shirt they bought is “dry-clean only,” sometimes dry cleaning is necessary, especially when it comes to items such as suits, dresses, and jackets. If your town currently doesn’t have a dry cleaner, this could be the small town business idea for you. Again, a dry cleaner can be a profitable business for any type of person, especially if your city has a lot of commercial workers who come into town for their jobs. Having a local dry cleaner will give people the ability to properly care for their clothes, without going too far out of their way.
The bookstore.
With the popularity of large online retailers such as Amazon and Walmart, you may think that opening a bookstore is ridiculous. In smaller towns, however, you may be able to tap into a niche market of readers who are mostly local bookstores. As a small town business idea, a bookstore can be successful in more ways than one. In addition to selling books, your bookstore can act as a city historical institution, hold events, such as readings by local authors, and even add TV and movie offerings to your offerings. If your city lacks a place for reflection, discussion and reading, opening a bookstore might be the best business plan.
Bed and breakfast.
Regardless of the size of your town,
Regardless of the size of your town, you’ll always have visitors, whether it’s family from out of town on vacation or tourists passing through. That being said, offering visitors a place to stay, like a bed and breakfast, can be a great small town business idea. Bed and breakfasts can serve a variety of customers, operate all year round and do not require a large space or staff. If your small town is close to a major highway or city, a nice, affordable bed and breakfast can be even more attractive to visitors or even locals looking for a vacation getaway.
The flower shop.
Flowers can be a gift for any holiday or event, from Valentine’s Day to graduation to stay “good”. If your town doesn’t currently have a flower shop, this could be a small business idea for you. Flowers are very different, not only for gifts but for other events, such as local proms or weddings, as well as simply brightening up the kitchen table. Although you may need to learn how to get and arrange flowers, this business does not require expensive machinery, long days, or large numbers of workers. A flower shop is a small business idea that can meet local needs, without the problems involved in some other businesses.
Gardening and landscaping.
Like cleaning, gardening and tidying are things that people don’t want to do or feel uncomfortable doing, so they are willing to pay for it. Although similar to a flower shop in terms of industry, starting a plant business fulfills a different type of small town need – yet, it can be popular. Gardening and landscaping can spread to any type of city dweller, especially when the weather warms up, and even more so if your city has housing communities with lawn requirements. As with handymen or contractors, tips on planting and landscaping can be passed on by word of mouth and success can easily spread in a small town, especially if you’re taking advantage of an empty market right now.
Nail salon and spa.
Another personal care business to explore, especially if your small town already has a hair salon and barber shop, is a nail salon and spa. Although this business may cater to a similar demographic, it meets a slightly different need and can generate a significant amount of business during warm weather, especially for local graduations, shows or weddings. Compared to some of the small town business ideas on this list, a nail salon and spa requires more staff and perhaps more supplies, but overall, it can be a sustainable endeavor, especially if you don’t currently have a nail salon or spa. . a business that operates locally.
A photographer.
There will always be a market for creative professionals, especially photographers. People always want professionals to photograph events, such as weddings, engagements and graduations. In addition, people can seek the services of a photographer for personal portraits or family studio portraits. If your town doesn’t have a photography business, you might want to jump on this small town business idea, especially if you have a creative background. Although photography equipment can be on the expensive side, you can keep costs down by sticking to the essentials and trying to take advantage of your local market as much as possible. School photos, especially those of high school age, can be a surefire way to increase your services every year.
clothing boutique.
Everyone needs clothes,
Everyone needs clothes, and even with the prevalence of online shopping, sometimes it’s better to try on clothes in person, especially if you don’t have to go far to do so. If your town does not have a large retail store, you might consider opening a small boutique. For clothing, you can consider a variety of different ways, from the shirt business to unique and locally made products. Depending on the location of your city, a clothing boutique may not only serve local residents but visitors or tourists from nearby cities as well.
Childcare.
If you have a background in teaching or childcare, starting a daycare might be the best endeavor on your small town business ideas list. Parents, especially working parents, are always in need of childcare services, especially before their children reach school age and even after school hours. A local daycare, of course, would be more convenient, enabling parents to drop their children off before work and pick them up on their way home. Of course, if your city doesn’t currently offer daycare services, this can be an easily sustainable business.
Hardware store.
Even if your town has a grocery store, residents will need a special place to go when they’re completing home repairs or projects and need supplies, without waiting for online delivery. With the variety of products you can sell, starting a hardware store can meet many different needs in your city, from painting to gardening to pool maintenance. A hardware store is a great business idea for anyone who tends to repair or build; In addition, maintenance and repair are markets that will always exist.
A food company.
If you have experience in food and cooking but want more flexibility than a restaurant business can provide, you might consider starting a catering company. Although this can be a great market, word of mouth and events in the city of work can be a great way to get your name out there and grow this type of business. Certainly, a catering company is useful for individuals hosting events, as well as serving neighboring towns in addition to your own.
Real estate agency.
When residents of your town want to buy or sell a home,
When residents of your town want to buy or sell a home, or other type of property, who do they turn to? Perhaps, they should turn to you – if you start your real estate business. Even in the smallest cities, individuals and businesses alike want to buy and sell property every day and a local real estate agent who knows the area and the market can be an essential resource and facilitator. In addition, when developing your real estate operation, you can easily enter other cities and take advantage of neighboring markets, better serving your customers and your business.
Event venue and planner.
As we have discussed many of the small town business ideas, people always want to celebrate certain events, which means everything from small gatherings to parties and events. To complement the festive season in your city, you may consider opening an event venue and business planning. The event space can serve all kinds of needs and encourage individuals, your city and other cities alike to take advantage of the space. Additionally, if you can offer additional value for event planning on your site, you will be able to grow your customer base as well as expand even further by offering this service outside of the site itself.
Shop for earplugs and ear piercings.
Of all the small town business ideas on our list, this might be the most unique. But just because it’s out of the box, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider it. Although setting up a tattoo and piercing shop will require getting the right staff and permits, it can be a tough business – especially if you’re the only shop in a small community. Additionally, if you have an entrepreneurial spirit and a creative flair, this type of small town store can meet both of those needs. Remember, of course, this business will also need a warehouse, equipment and marketing, so you will need to make sure you have the necessary funds to get started.
Veterinary office.
If you are a veterinarian, or know one who is looking for a career, you may want to consider opening your own office right in your small town. Again, this is one of those small town business ideas that will require licensing, permits and skilled and skilled workers. But if you have the funding (or you can get a pet business loan), time and dedication to decide, it can easily be the place where families take their pets in your small town. After all, families with pets will need to take them to the vet for annual checkups and emergencies, which means proximity is often key. Therefore, if you open a reliable local office, you will be able to take advantage of this pet-related demand.
Deliver groceries.
What are the limitations of your small town location? Take advantage of the opportunity to travel with your food business by starting your own food truck. Food trucks are not only mobile, meaning you can serve multiple cities in your area, but they’re also great for parties, graduations and city events. If your food truck can serve a wide variety of good, affordable food, you’ll be able to take advantage of a niche market without the time, resources or money to run a full restaurant.
The clinic.
Again, this is one of those small town business ideas that will require the most investment and special resources – but, if your small town doesn’t have a clinic, this can easily be a very profitable business. especially during cold and flu season. After all, everyone gets sick and needs access to the necessary diagnosis and medications. This is another example where proximity is key; When you or a family member gets sick, you don’t want to travel to a far-away healthcare facility to get care, you want it closer to home.
Bread.
There is nothing better than a small bakery in town – a place for locals to go for a good cookie, a slice of cake or a croissant. If you have a knack for baking or can work with someone who does, this could be the perfect small town business idea for you. When you start a bakery, you can appeal to the sweet tooth of your small town, as well as serving those looking for a quick dessert and a cup of coffee in the morning before work. You also have the opportunity to make cakes, cupcakes or any kind of special dessert for events and parties. Starting a bakery is even better if your small town doesn’t already have one, plus, it may be smaller than a full-service restaurant.
How to find the right business idea for your city.
Now that we’ve explored our extensive list of small town business ideas you might consider, let’s discuss how to find the right one for your community.
In general, you will need to get involved in your local community, connecting with other small businesses, as soon as you can – the more informed you are about the needs and opportunities of local customers – the sooner you will be able to determine the type. business is best to start in your city. Here are some tips to get you started:
Fill local needs.
If you are the only type of private business in the city, you are able to control the local market, which is great, as long as there is a demand for the product or service you offer. As important as it is to differentiate your business, it’s also important to meet the needs of the local community. Therefore, you not only want to think about what is missing from your small town’s market but you will also need to think about what kind of entrepreneurs your town wants, and can support. Additionally, you may consider whether your local community is actually the perfect location for a new business. You may also look at nearby cities to see if there is a greater need for certain businesses or more people who can support more vendors. Ultimately, however, in a small town – especially one with a modest population and little visitor traffic – generating and sustaining demand for your business is critical to your growth and success. The ideal small town business, then, is both essential to the business community and offers something customers can’t find locally.
Scout sites.
Another important step in determining the right business for your city is to look at your available locations. You will need to research the city where you intend to start your business, considering areas where businesses have been operating successfully for years, as well as areas that have struggled to support businesses. You’ll also want to observe traffic patterns around any potential property, as well as factors such as the landscape and neighboring businesses that already attract customers to a particular area. Choosing a business based on what you are good at or have experience doing makes sense, especially if yours will be the only business in town. However, choosing a suitable location can also play a part in the success of your business, especially in a small town.
Calculate the costs of starting a business.
Before making any decisions about your new business, you will need to consider the start-up costs – thinking about the cost of property, energy, materials, equipment, staff, etc. – and how much capital you currently have. Although the cost of doing business in a small town may be low, depending on factors such as taxes and real estate prices, you will still need to consider what it will cost you to start and how quickly you can get started. you will be able to do. Get your money back. Additionally, although you may feel inclined to open one type of business, you may find that some types of businesses require a larger initial investment than others.
Bottom line.
If you are thinking of opening a business in a small town, there are a few considerations to make before you get started. Before you delve into different business ideas in a small town, you will need to do a thorough research about the town, as well as think about it personally – considering the type of businesses you are interested in, the economy you have and are ready for investment and how to go about getting your business off the ground.
