Small towns throughout the world are the birthplace of great inventions and the home of great people. But most small town businesses don’t last very long.
Why?
Because they’re not the right business for small towns, and they don’t have the marketing muscle they need to compete with larger businesses.
Our small town business ideas guide will help you understand why small towns can’t support small businesses, and how to start a small town business that will stick.
Small towns are often overlooked when it comes to starting a business. They may seem like they offer little in terms of opportunities but if you look closely, you’ll find plenty of potential.
Read:Â Small Business Ideas For Couples That You Can Start
You’ll also need to think carefully about whether you want to open a physical shop or an online shop. If you choose to open a physical shop, then you’ll need a suitable location. You’ll also need a suitable building. You’ll also need planning permission.
How can I find the best small business idea for my town?
The best way to find the best small business ideas for your town is to look at what businesses already exist in your area. If you don’t know where to start, ask local business owners about their experiences. They may be able to point you in the right direction.
If you do decide to take on one of these top 38 small town business ideas, make sure you keep all of your options open. Don’t just focus on one idea because you feel more comfortable with it. Make sure you’re prepared to change course if something better comes along.
And remember: even though some people might not see much opportunity in smaller towns, others will tell you otherwise. So always check out as many different types of businesses as possible.
What are some good business ideas for a small town?
Here are some of the small town business ideas:
Open A Pet Shop
If you love animals, then owning a pet shop could be for you. There is always going to be demand for animal products such as food, toys and accessories. So what’s stopping you from opening your own pet shop?
A Corner Coffee Shop
Coffee houses used to only exist in large cities. But now with technology, anyone can become their very own coffee house owner. Why not turn your home office into a coffee house? You could make use of free Wi-Fi connections and sell anything which would normally go on sale at supermarkets.
Start A Garden Center
Garden centers were once just something people found in city center locations. Nowadays garden centers can be found all over the country. This means more opportunity for those looking to earn extra money by running their own garden center.
Open A Beauty Salon
Beauty salons aren’t really a new idea because everyone has been getting themselves looked after ever since someone invented beauty treatments. What makes this particular type of salon different though, is its size. Many people prefer having smaller businesses nearby so they don’t feel too far away from friends and family.
Hair Salon
Hair dressers might not sound like much fun. After all, who wants to spend time styling hair? The truth is though, many women enjoy doing their hair. It gives them a chance to pamper themselves every week without spending any money.
Become A Florist
Flower shops weren’t always around either. In fact, florists didn’t even begin appearing until well into the 20th century. However, today there are thousands upon thousands of flower shops across the globe. And why wouldn’t there be when flowers have long been associated with happiness and joy?
Open A Bakery
Bakeries may seem simple enough but that doesn’t mean that becoming one isn’t tough work! For example, if you’re considering starting a bakery, then you will need to invest quite a lot of capital in equipment. Not only that, but you’ll also need to source ingredients from other suppliers.
Car Wash Station
Car wash stations are common places to find waxes and car polishes. Although these types of businesses tend to be located near busy roads or highways, it does open up opportunities for small entrepreneurs to start working while saving money.
Convenience Store
Convenience stores are usually stocked full of everything we require daily. From food to toiletries, cleaning supplies to electronics – you name it, convenience stores carry it. So it’s no wonder that owning a convenience store comes with several benefits thanks to its wide range available products.
Dry Cleaner
Dry cleaners are often considered an old fashioned way to clean clothes. However, dry cleaners offer a convenient solution to washing clothes yourself. Plus most dry cleaners will pick up laundry anywhere within a 50 mile radius. This means that those living out of town can still get quality clothing cleaned at a fraction of the cost.
Farm Supply Store
Farm supply stores sell anything needed by farmers such as tractors, fertilizer, seeds, etc. Some farm supply stores deliver items directly to customers on farms or provide pickup services where neighbors trade favors. These two concepts–delivery service and neighbor trading–are great ways to build relationships with local residents.
Furniture Repair Shop
Furniture repair shops fix broken furniture. Many people don’t realize how easy they actually make fixing things. All it takes is some tools, knowledge, and willingness to learn. Fixing something so personal makes us feel good inside. We want our homes to look nice and reflect ourselves. When this happens, we value what we own more than before.
Grocery Store
Groceries have been around since ancient times because they allow people to buy groceries without leaving home. Most grocery stores today operate under franchise models although there are independent grocers who do not use franchises. The main difference between them is customer service. A franchised grocer has employees ready to serve your needs whereas an independent grocer serves his or her clients personally.
Hardware Store
Hardware Stores sell all kinds of hardware from light bulbs to hammers. It also sells plumbing materials like pipes, sinks, toilets, faucets, water heaters, etc. If you’re looking for a new house then you should check out the different houses for sale online. You’ll see many pictures of each property and read about the features included in every house.
Laundromat
Laundromats were once used exclusively for drying wet clothes but now they are becoming more sophisticated. They may even include washers and dryers if you wish. In addition to being able to wash and dry clothes, laundromats also come equipped with computers which allows users to access their email accounts while waiting for their clothes to finish.
Massage Parlor
Massage parlors are places where massage therapists work. There are several types of massages offered including Swedish, deep tissue, sports, hot stone, aromatherapy, reflexology, etc. People go to these establishments to relax after a long day’s work.
Medical Clinic
Medical clinics specialize in providing medical care to patients. Doctors visit patients’ homes and offices to diagnose illnesses and prescribe medications. Patients pay doctors either through insurance companies or cash payments.
Pet Salon
Pet salons offer grooming services for pets. This includes brushing teeth, nail clipping, ear cleaning, bathing, shampooing, de-shedding, flea treatment, vaccinations, etc. Customers can choose whether they would prefer having their pet groomed at home or going to a salon.
Photography Studio
Photography studios take photos using digital cameras. Photographers capture images that will be printed onto paper or displayed digitally. Some photographers charge by the hour while others charge per photo.
Pharmacy
Pharmacies dispense prescription drugs to customers. These medicines usually cost less compared to other pharmacies due to lower overhead costs. However, most pharmacists require prescriptions from physicians.
Restaurant
Restaurants provide food to its patrons. Restaurateurs prepare meals according to recipes provided by chefs. Many restaurants feature private dining rooms so families can dine together privately. Others cater to large groups such as weddings and parties.
Real Estate Agency
Real estate agencies help buyers find properties to purchase. Agents advertise available real estate listings on websites and newspapers. Buyers contact agents directly via phone calls or emails.
Roofing Company
Roofing companies install roofs over buildings. The roof protects the building against rainwater runoff and extreme temperatures. A good roofer is essential because bad roofs could lead to leaks and damage to walls and ceilings inside your building.
School Bus Transportation
School bus transportation is one small business idea that has been around since the beginning of time. Children have always needed someone to transport them to school. Parents need money to buy gas and drivers need jobs. So this small business idea has never gone away. Today there are still parents who drive children to school everyday. But some people don’t want kids riding along with them anymore. That’s why we’ve got another great small business idea today!
Security Agency
A security agency provides protection to individuals, businesses, government institutions, and even celebrities. They protect property and lives by monitoring surveillance systems 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Their main goal is to keep everyone safe.
Travel Agent
Travel agent helps travelers plan trips abroad. Their main job responsibility involves booking flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises, tours, transportation tickets, etc.
Tutoring Business
Tutors teach subjects like English, Math, Science, History, Geography, Music, Art, Dance, Drama, Computer Programming, Cooking, Etc. Teachers are responsible for preparing lessons plans and grading assignments. Students pay tutors through online payment systems or in person depending upon where the tutor teaches.
Web Designer
Web designers create web pages for clients. Clients may need them for personal use or sell products online. Designers work with programmers who write code for their sites.
Wedding Planner
Wedding planners organize wedding events including receptions, ceremonies, rehearsal dinners, honeymoons, anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, funerals, reunions, bar mitzvahs, christenings, baby showers, bridal shows, bachelorette parties, bachelor parties, engagement parties, pre-wedding shoots, post-wedding shoots and many more. Weddings cost a lot of money but they are worth every penny spent.
Window Tinting Contractor
Window tinting contractors apply window film to vehicles windows. Film reduces glare from sunlight while keeping out harmful UV rays. It improves visibility and prevents fading of vehicle interiors.
Yoga Instructor
Yoga instructors help people learn how to do yoga exercises correctly. Instructors train newbies on proper poses, breathing techniques, meditation, relaxation, diet, exercise, fitness, flexibility, strength, balance, posture, stretching, core strengthening, energy balancing, stress management, self confidence building, emotional healing, etc.
Gym and exercise studio
Gym owners offer gym memberships at affordable prices. Members must sign up before joining any classes. They also provide equipment such as treadmills, stationary bikes, weight machines, free weights, elliptical trainers, rowing machines, steppers, cross trainers, recumbent bicycles, ski simulators, saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzis, swimming pools, hot tubs, massage tables, tanning beds, etc.
Book Store
Book store owners buy books and then rent them out to customers. Customers come into book stores looking for specific titles. The bookstore sells these books by browsing shelves or searching databases. Books are sold individually or bundled together based on genre.
Ice cream shop
Ice cream shops sell ice creams made with fresh ingredients like fruits, nuts, chocolate chips, cookies, candies, cakes, sauces, spices, herbs, seasonings, etc. These flavors may vary depending on the seasons. Flavors range from sweet to savory.
Clothing boutique
Clothing boutiques sell clothes ranging in price from $10-$500. Clothes are displayed in racks, drawers, hangers, mannequins, dummies, stands, cubicles, dressing rooms, fitting rooms, changing areas, closets, display cases, showcases, etc. Boutique owners hire sales associates who work behind counters selling clothing items to customers.
Gas Station
Gas stations sell gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, propane gas, heating oil, natural gas, butane, oxygen, hydrogen, compressed air, windshield washer fluid, car care products, auto parts, tires, batteries etc.
Event Planners
As we’ve discussed with many of these small-town business ideas, people are always going to want to celebrate certain happenings, which means everything from small get-togethers to parties and events. To fill the celebratory inclination in your town, you might consider opening an event planning business.
Personal Trainer
Personal training is a great way to make money while helping others improve their health and well being. Personal Trainers can be found all over the country offering personal training services to clients that need assistance getting fit. If you have experience working with individuals, this could be a good side hustle idea for you.
