Knowing your small town is half the battle. If you’re considering opening a small business in your hometown, then you already have a great advantage over everyone else. Others would have to take a lot more time to understand the community and find out its needs and current market. This is exactly why locals who wish to start their own small business already benefit from a better network of employees and clients.
Since you already know your community, you already understand that not all business ideas will fit your small town. Here are some ideas for businesses you can set up and adapt to make them work in your community:
- Dry Cleaner
Don’t dismiss this idea just yet! Dry cleaners might not be as fabulous as other businesses, but it’s a staple in every small town. No matter where you are, there will be people who will need their clothes cleaned by a professional. Practical and stable, this industry grosses more than $20 billion every year, so it’s perfect for those who want to play a bit safe.
- Gift Shop
Planning on going retail? Starting a gift shop is always a good idea. Make sure that you offer one-of-a-kind options for special occasions and it’s a great bonus if it ties back to your community’s identity. Providing personalized products is another way to drive more business.
- Florist
Every community celebrates dances, weddings, birthdays and special holidays like Mother’s Day. A great florist will always have customers no matter what time of the year it is. Entrepreneurs with green thumbs should definitely try this out.
- House Cleaning Service
There will always be days where you’re too busy to clean the house. Starting a house cleaning business means you’ll always have a steady stream of customers who don’t feel like it or don’t have the time to do it themselves. Aside from that, you can also offer industrial or office cleaning services to cater to other businesses.
- Bakery
Every small town loves their bakery. It’s almost impossible not to drop in when the scent of freshly baked bread or pastries wafts out the store. If you’ve always enjoyed baking for family and friends in your own kitchen, this could be your dream business. Word of mouth is the best way to spread the word, especially if you bake cakes or cupcakes for parties.
Local entrepreneurs can always find a business that’s right for the community. As long as you understand and know what your market needs, you’ll be making big profits while still running a small business.