Top Businesses to Start in the US: Expert Guide

Did you know that 627,000 new businesses start in the United States every year? The success of a business is never sure, but some industries and models do better than others. This guide will look at the best business opportunities for entrepreneurs in the US in 2024.

Key Takeaways

• Identify the most promising industries and business models for starting a successful enterprise in the US.
• Understand the unique advantages and challenges of different business concepts, from cupcakes to sports memorabilia.
• Discover niche market opportunities that cater to growing consumer demands, such as bridal gowns and maternity clothing.
• Learn about the regulatory requirements, startup costs, and operational considerations for home-based, service-oriented, and retail businesses.
• Gain insights from real-world success stories and expert advice to help launch your new business venture.

Cupcake Business: A Sweet Opportunity

The cake industry is booming, with a global value of $42.9 billion in 2019. It’s expected to grow by 3.3% each year. This makes it a great chance for entrepreneurs to start a cupcake business.

Tapping into the Growing Cake Industry

Specialty cupcake shops are getting more popular. People want unique and tasty desserts. These small businesses can make a big impact by offering personalized and high-quality treats.

Starting Small and Growing Big

Starting a cupcake business is easy and affordable. You only need a basic oven and some baking tools. This lets you test the market and improve your products before investing more.

As your business grows, you can expand into new areas like wholesale or catering. But, make sure to check the laws and food safety rules in your state.

Entrepreneurs can make a successful cupcake business by joining the growing cake industry. They can start small and grow as they go, meeting the demand for specialty treats.

“The demand for specialty cupcake shops has been on the rise, as consumers seek out unique and indulgent dessert options.”

Sports Memorabilia Shop: A Collector’s Dream

The sports memorabilia market is booming, offering a great chance for new business owners. A recent report shows the market is worth $26.1 billion now and could hit $227.2 billion by 2032. This growth means brick-and-mortar shops in sports memorabilia could do very well.

Finding real and valuable memorabilia is key for any shop. Owners can look at wholesalers, auctions, estate sales, and online sites like eBay. But, it’s important to check if items are really signed to keep the business’s good name.

To make sure items are real, shop owners can talk to experts in signing things. Learning how to check items can help keep the shop’s items trustworthy. It can also make more money by checking items for customers.

The sports memorabilia market is getting bigger, giving smart business owners a chance to make money. By finding real items and checking them for experts, they can serve sports fans and collectors. This can turn their business dreams into real success.

“The sports memorabilia market is a collector’s paradise, where rare and iconic items hold immense value for true fans. Tapping into this growing industry can be a rewarding venture for entrepreneurs with a keen eye for authenticity and a passion for the world of sports.”

Bridal Gowns and Accessories: Catering to the Big Day

The bridal industry in the United States is booming, with a forecasted value of $79.8 billion by 2027. It’s growing at a steady 4.4% each year. Despite online shopping’s rise, most brides still prefer to shop for their gowns in stores. This is according to a recent BusinessWire report.

A Growing Bridal Industry

Starting a bridal shop looks promising for new entrepreneurs. It takes about $250,000 to get started, covering inventory, a storefront, and staff. Successful shops offer a variety of gowns and accessories like veils and bridesmaid dresses.

High-Touch Customer Service

Buying a bridal gown is a big deal for most brides. That’s why great customer service is key. Shops with friendly, knowledgeable staff and a welcoming store make shopping memorable. This keeps brides coming back and spreading the word.

The bridal industry is growing, and accessories and customer service are crucial. This makes it a great chance for entrepreneurs to start a successful bridal shop.

“Nearly 85% of brides still shop in stores for their gowns, despite the rise of online shopping in other retail sectors.”

Consignment Shop: Reselling for Profit

The secondhand clothing market in the U.S. is booming, set to hit $82 billion by 2026, says GlobalData and thredUP. It’s growing 16 times faster than regular clothing sales. This shows a big chance for entrepreneurs to make money from pre-owned clothes and accessories.

Starting a consignment shop is a great idea for those who don’t have much money to start. You can sell your own items through the shop and earn a share of the sale. These shops can sell many things, like clothes, collectibles, antiques, and more, attracting lots of customers.

Online consignment sites like Poshmark, Mercari, and eBay offer a great way to sell. They let sellers reach more people easily from home. This makes them a top choice for those wanting to get into the growth of secondhand clothing market.

To start a consignment shop or use online consignment platforms, you’ll need to spend some money. This includes setting up a business, getting a storefront, insurance, licenses, inventory, and a point-of-sale system. But, the chance to make money from the growing secondhand market is worth it for entrepreneurs.

“The resale industry is booming, and consignment shops are well-positioned to capitalize on this growing trend. By offering a convenient and sustainable way for consumers to access pre-owned items, consignment shops are meeting the increasing demand for secondhand goods.”

Food Truck: Bringing Cuisine on the Road

The food truck industry is booming, valued at $1.4 billion and growing by 7.9% each year, says IBISWorld. It’s a great chance for entrepreneurs who don’t have a lot of money but want to start a food business.

Regulatory Costs and Setup

But, starting a food truck business has its hurdles. You’ll need about $55,000 to get started, covering things like permits, licenses, and equipment. Wrapping your truck to show what you sell can add up to $5,000. If you don’t want to spend a lot at first, consider renting a food truck. It’s cheaper than buying one, costing around $125,000 to set up.

Testing Locations and Audience Preferences

Food trucks let you try out different places and see what people like before opening a restaurant. This way, you can check if your food does well and make smart choices for your business. By learning from your food truck, you can improve your menu, prices, and marketing for your future restaurant.

“The food truck industry offers a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to dip their toes into the culinary world without the high overhead of a traditional restaurant.”

The food truck industry is a great way to start in the food business. It has its challenges, like rules and costs, but it can be very rewarding. You can make good money and learn important things for your next business move.

Bed and Breakfast (B&B): A Hospitable Venture

The bed and breakfast (B&B) industry in the United States is worth $2 billion, says the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It slowed down during the COVID-19 pandemic but is now growing at a normal rate of 3.8% each year. For those dreaming of starting a business, a B&B from a lovely home can be fulfilling.

Starting a B&B lets you use your home as an asset. Owners live there, saving on living costs and putting that money back into the business. Guests love the personal touch, including homemade meals and easy access to local spots.

But, starting a B&B comes with legal and regulatory hurdles. You’ll need the right insurance, a food safety permit, and possibly a license for alcohol sales. Working with your local planning commission is also part of the process if you’re turning a home into a B&B.

By understanding the rules and using the perks of a home-based B&B, entrepreneurs can create a welcoming venture. They get to share their special places and hospitality with travelers globally.

Party Rental Business: Celebrating Events

The party rental industry is booming, worth $5.9 billion and growing by 4.3% each year, says a 2022 report from Research and Markets. It’s a great chance for entrepreneurs to make money by offering important gear and services for events. These events range from charity fundraisers to fancy parties. To do well, business owners need to think about what equipment to buy and the perks of having a physical store.

Equipment Investment and Rentals

Starting a party rental business means spending a lot on equipment at first. You need to have a wide variety of items for your customers. This includes tables, tents, food supplies, sound gear, stages, and more. It’s important to plan your purchases well, making sure you can rent out the items often to make back your money and earn more.

One way to save money is to rent a storage space for your gear at the start. This keeps costs low when you’re just beginning. But, moving to a physical store as soon as you can is key. This brings many benefits, like increased brand credibility and long-term cost savings.

“The party rental industry is thriving, valued at $5.9 billion and growing by 4.3% annually, according to a 2022 report from Research and Markets.”

1. Carefully plan equipment investments to cater to diverse client needs
2. Start with a storage facility to minimize overhead, then transition to a brick-and-mortar shop
3. Leverage the benefits of a physical location, such as increased brand credibility and long-term cost savings

By smartly investing in the right equipment and seeing the value of a physical store, entrepreneurs can set their party rental business up for success. This is especially true in a fast-growing industry.

Sewing and Alterations Shop: Crafting Success

The tailoring and alterations market in the US is worth $9.4 billion and growing by 4.7% each year. This makes it a great chance for entrepreneurs to start their own sewing and alterations business. You can start small and grow as you learn more, making it a flexible venture.

Growing with Your Skillset

Begin by offering basic sewing services like hemming and fixing buttons. As you get better, you can do more complex work, like making custom clothes and altering luxury items. This way, you build a strong base and gain loyal customers before opening a shop.

To start, run your business from a clean home space. You’ll need a good sewing machine, fabrics, backup tools, and a POS system. Prices for these can be low, from $150 for a basic machine to over $10,000 for a top model.

Working with local businesses can help bring more customers to your shop. Offering sewing classes, pet accessories, and restoring heirloom textiles can also set you apart.

As your business grows, keep your workspace professional and invest in quality tools. A good business plan is key to overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities in the sewing and alterations industry.

By using your sewing skills, making smart partnerships, and offering unique services, you can build a successful sewing and alterations business. With hard work and the right strategy, you can turn your sewing passion into a profitable business.

Sewing Business Ideas to StartatHow to Start a Sewingand AlterationsSewing Business Ideas

best business to start: Gently Used Maternity Clothing Shop

The maternity wear industry is booming, growing from $12.2 billion in 2021 to $16.5 billion by 2028. This growth offers a great chance for entrepreneurs to open a gently used maternity clothing shop. Such shops meet the growing demand for stylish and affordable maternity wear.

With nearly 57% of the U.S. workforce being female, the need for affordable maternity wear is rising. Many women want to pass on their gently used maternity clothes to others. This creates a strong resale market for smart business owners.

Sourcing and Pricing Used Maternity Items

To start a gently used maternity clothing shop, you need to find items from different places like social media, consignment shops, and thrift stores. Building relationships with these suppliers helps get quality items at good prices. Then, you can sell them for a profit.

When pricing used maternity clothing, think about the cost to buy it, its condition, and what customers might pay. This balance is key to making a profit.

By smartly finding and pricing used maternity items, entrepreneurs can enter the growing maternity wear market. They can offer pregnant women stylish and affordable clothes.

To do well in this business, keep up with maternity fashion trends, have a strong online presence, and offer great customer service. By meeting pregnant women’s needs, a gently used maternity clothing shop can flourish in the future.

Cleaning Service: Tidy Profits

The cleaning services industry is set to grow a lot, expected to jump to $14.6 billion by 2030, says Research and Markets. This growth makes it a great chance for new entrepreneurs to make money from professional cleaning services.

Residential or Commercial Services

Starting a cleaning business means deciding if you’ll clean homes, offices, or both. Residential cleaning includes tasks like vacuuming and dusting. Commercial cleaning might be for offices, stores, or even hospitals. Each type has its own needs, so it’s key to know the market well.

To start, you’ll need the right licenses, an LLC, and insurance. With these in place, you can begin with just basic cleaning tools. As your business grows, you can hire more people and buy more equipment.