Small Town, Big Profits: 37 Unique Ideas!

Unique Business Ideas for Small Towns

Exploring unique business ideas for small towns presents an exciting frontier for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially for those eager to make a mark outside of big city landscapes. In these close-knit communities, opportunities abound for stay-at-home men and others seeking financial independence through innovative ventures. Small towns, often overlooked, are bustling with activity and potential for growth, making them the ideal starting point for various businesses.

Popular Retail and Service Businesses

Coffee shop and bar

In many small towns, the charm of the neighbourhood brings everyone together, making a coffee shop and bar a central hub. Envision a cosy coffeehouse where locals gather not just for a quick coffee but to enjoy drinks after work. Here, the focus is on creating a welcoming establishment that serves everything from espresso and latte to iced coffee and non-caffeinated beverages.

Beyond beverages, consider incorporating remote work locations within the café. Today’s clientele often looks for places to work outside of the office, so having a section of the coffee shop designed for this can attract a steady flow of customers throughout the day.

Clothing boutique

Opening a clothing boutique in a small town presents a profitable and excellent business opportunity. Unlike big cities where shops are plentiful, small towns often lack variety in their retail offerings. This scarcity makes a boutique an appealing addition to the local shopping scene. Offering a carefully curated selection of fashion that caters to local tastes and trends can set your boutique apart.

For those with an affinity for fashion, a boutique allows you to engage directly with customers, providing a personal touch that larger chains lack. By focusing on unique, excellent styles and perhaps even local designers, you can create a shopping destination that resonates with the community’s identity and values.

In smaller communities, a boutique not only serves as a retail space but also becomes a social hub. Hosting events, fashion shows, or style workshops can draw people into your store, creating a sense of belonging and a shared fashion experience. 

Grocery stores and speciality food shops

Opening a local grocery store in a small town is a wise business decision. These stores provide convenient and accessible options for essentials, catering to everyday needs without the travel to larger cities.

Tailoring your inventory to include unique and local items can help attract more customers, making your store one of the best small-town businesses. Consider the community’s routine; many residents may commute every day, so a local store saves them valuable time and enhances convenience.

Food and Beverage Establishments

Opening a Bakery

Starting a business in a small town can be both profitable and fulfilling, especially when tapping into the evergreen demand for freshly baked goods. Entrepreneurs passionate about baking find that a bakery serves not just those with a sweet tooth but appeals to all age groups and kinds of people.

In towns where every penny counts, the option to start by renting a modest space helps keep initial costs down. This strategy allows business owners to focus on crafting unique offerings that cater to local tastes and preferences. Moreover, the aroma of freshly baked goods has a way of drawing crowds, ensuring that there’s always a demand for more.

What makes a bakery special in a small town is the community connection it fosters. Whether it’s through providing a cosy place to gather or simply selling the comfort of great, homemade treats, every sale enhances the town’s social fabric.

Restaurant Business in Small Town

Small towns often harbour unique local gems when it comes to dining, and opening a restaurant can be a glamorous yet challenging endeavour. For the hard-core foodie with a passion for flavours and a drive to serve, becoming a restaurateur in these quaint settings offers a distinct set of rewards and hurdles.

Unlike big-city eateries, a small-town restaurant can become a cornerstone of community life, weaving itself into the fabric of everyday occasions and special events.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit and Local Flavour

Launching a business in a small town requires more than just a love for cooking; it needs an obsession with creating an experience that resonates with the local populace. As a chef and entrepreneur, it’s crucial to tap into the town’s culture.

 Imagine a menu that features local pizza nights or specialities that celebrate the regional produce, creating a connection that encourages repeat business.

Incorporating the town’s history or landmarks, like the old castle or the annual fair, can also create a unique selling point. Think of a bakery that becomes as iconic as the town square, where every pastry tells a story of tradition and community. It’s these touches that can transform a simple eatery into a successful business venture.

Sports bar Business Idea

Opening a sports bar in a small town can be a lucrative investment for entrepreneurs seeking to tap into local interests and foster a sense of community. For the sports-centric populace, such a venue becomes more than just a bar; it’s a local heaven where residents gather to watch Monday Night Football or Super Bowl Sunday.

Special events and game days can transform an ordinary evening into a bustling night of fun and camaraderie. With the right setup to handle these busy nights, your establishment will not only be on regular days but also during major sports games, drawing in crowds and boosting business significantly.

 Make sure your sports bar reflects the unique personality and interests of your town to avoid potential pitfalls and ensure its successful integration into the local scene.

Food truck Business

Opening a food truck business in a small town presents a unique business idea that combines convenience with local flavour. If finding the perfect location for a traditional restaurant seems daunting, the mobility of a food truck offers a dynamic solution. You can strategically position your business near vibrant communities.

Drive your business where the demand is high, adapting to seasonal demand and participating in special events. This flexibility allows you to generate major cash by catering to different parts of town or setting up at bustling farmer’s markets.

Drawing on personal experience, the success of The Cheese Bar by Mathew Carver, originally launched as The Cheese Truck, illustrates the potential of local British cheese in a mobile setting. Not only does this embrace local cuisine, but it also fills a niche in the market—perfect for a small town that might lack diverse culinary options.

Personal Care and Wellness Services

Hair salon or barbershop

A hair salon or barbershop can become a cornerstone of the community in a small town. These places often serve as social hubs, where people come not only to get a haircut but to catch up on local news and bond over shared experiences. A salon tailored for women and a barbershop for men can cater to specific cultural dynamics and grooming preferences.

 Both can be equally successful by offering specialised services that resonate with their clientele. Whether it’s the latest hair styling trends at the salon or a classic shave in the barbershop, these establishments hold a unique place in the heart of their communities.

Each service offered can be fine-tuned to the desires of the local population, making them more than just a place to get a quick trim but a destination that enhances the community’s fabric.

Pet grooming and boarding

Starting a pet grooming and boarding business in a small town can be highly profitable. You can offer a combination of services to tap into the full potential of the pet industry. Without major chains around, your business can become the one-stop shop for all pet owners. By providing convenience and high-quality service, you can attract a loyal customer base.

Bullet points to highlight the benefits:

By strategically planning your services and focusing on the needs of your community, you can create a successful pet grooming and boarding facility that serves as a vital resource for pet owners in your area.

Massage therapist

Residents often deal with daily stress, which makes massage therapy a profitable business idea. If you’re a people person who enjoys working with your hands and meeting new people, becoming a licensed massage therapist could be the perfect career for you.

To start, look for schools or programs where you can enrol and get the necessary training. Most programs can be completed in a few weeks, allowing you to become a licensed massage therapist quickly. Once you have your licence, you can set your own hours and work at your own pace. 

Research local massage therapy training programs to find the best fit for you. Enrol in one that offers comprehensive training and support. After completing the training and obtaining your licence, you can start working immediately. Setting flexible hours helps accommodate customers and build your customer base.

Men’s Grooming

The male grooming industry is predicted to be worth $29.14 billion by 2024, a significant increase from $21.65 billion in 2018. This growth is why online brands like Dollar Shave Club, Beardbrand, and Harry’s have gained popularity quickly. However, one advantage brick-and-mortar retailers have is the ability to offer an immersive men’s grooming experience.

In a small town, you can create a unique grooming business by providing grooming services or consultations in-store. Allow customers to touch, feel, and smell the product to make the purchase decision easier. This personal touch can help seal the deal and create a loyal customer base.

Bullet points to highlight the benefits:

By focusing on these unique aspects, a men’s grooming business can thrive in a small town, tapping into the growing grooming industry and providing a valuable service to the community.

Health and Fitness Options

Gym and exercise studio

Fitness business opportunities in towns with long winters are numerous. While massive gyms with heavy weights and extensive cardio equipment might be losing popularity, there is a significant demand for more personalised fitness solutions.

One great idea is to set up an all-season indoor fitness studio that offers a variety of classes to keep things exciting. During the colder months, people are looking for ways to stay fit without braving the freezing temperatures. By offering a variety of classes, from yoga to high-intensity interval training, you can appeal to a broad range of fitness enthusiasts.

In conclusion, a gym or exercise studio can thrive in a tiny town if you approach it with the right strategy. Focus on creating a personalised, community-oriented space that capitalises on the boutique fitness trend. This way, you’ll tap into the local market and provide a valuable service that stands out from the typical massive gyms.

Health food brands

When opening a health food store, it’s important to handle and store food with care to ensure the safety and satisfaction of your customers. Implement proper food preparation practices, especially if you or your employees are feeling sick. Keeping a clean environment is crucial to prevent any issues from arising.

One effective way to build trust with your customers is to trace the supply chain of your products. Work closely with suppliers and seek referrals from trusted sources. Regularly test products in reputable labs to identify and trace elements that could cause allergic reactions.

Keep thorough records of all the food you handle and track everything from the moment it enters your facility to the time it reaches your customers.

Home and Garden Services

Home Improvement

Starting a home improvement business in a small town can be a great opportunity. This type of business helps repair, remodel, and modernise houses. With low overhead costs, it’s easier to get started. When I first started my business, I noticed that many homes needed basic handyman services, which were hard to find locally.

Here are some benefits of starting a home improvement business in a small town:

Additionally, the reality is that a home improvement business is one of the best small-town business ideas. It allows you to offer a variety of services that people need, from fixing a leaky faucet to remodelling an entire kitchen. When starting out, focus on offering quality work at reasonable prices. Your reputation will grow, and so will your business.

Flower shop Business

Starting a flower shop in a small town taps into the local community’s need for flowers during countless moments of love, appreciation, happiness, and even grief. Valentine’s Day, graduations, and other holiday events spike the demand for fresh flowers. Offering a flower delivery service helps you compete with online delivery services and keeps the business personal and community-focused.

Launching a floral business as an inexpensive business idea brings good returns. Everyone needs a get-well present or a token of appreciation occasionally, making this a sustainable business idea. By ensuring your shop provides personalised services for every occasion, you solidify your place within the town and its traditions.

Lawn and gardening service

Offering lawn and gardening services in a small town taps into a market with consistent lawn requirements and gardening needs. Homeowners value a well-maintained lawn and garden but often lack the time, tools, or physical ability to manage these tasks. Providing a variety of services such as lawn mowing, weed control, shrubbery care, and snow removal services not only meets a small-town need but also guarantees repeat services.

Expanding into outdoor maintenance with fence repairs, power washing, and seasonal weeding makes this a profitable idea. With low-cost, flexible equipment like lawnmowers and basic gardening equipment, this small business idea becomes highly scalable.

Leveraging word of mouth, recommendations, and a simple website where customers can book services, ensures predictability and reliability in income, even during the off-season.

Home cleaning service

By focusing on quality and reliability, a small business offering cleaning services like carpet cleaning and window washing can build a loyal customer base. Implementing a referral system and promoting through social media with various cleaning tips and tricks can enhance reach and satisfaction.

Expanding Your Cleaning Business

For those looking to expand, incorporating janitorial services for businesses, Airbnb cleanings, or specialised residential maid services can diversify offerings. Selling cleaning products, such as laundry detergent, dish soaps, and cleaning kits, directly to customers adds an extra revenue stream.

Partnering with cleaners as contract workers in more remote towns can extend your service area, competing effectively with larger companies and startups. AspenClean, a family-owned company from Vancouver, Toronto, and Calgary, exemplifies success in scaling cleaning companies within urban and rural areas.

Additionally, creating a website for your business not only establishes a professional online presence but also serves as a digital storefront where customers can learn about your services, book appointments, and purchase cleaning supplies, further enhancing your business’s reach and operational efficiency.

Automotive and Transportation Services

Car Wash and Auto Repair Services

In the heart of a small town, opening a combined car wash and auto repair shop addresses a clear need for locals whose cars often endure muddy conditions or just need a shine. This venture is not just about cleaning; it’s about transforming cars into shiny modes of transportation. With basic equipment like hoses and brushes, and services extending to waxing and detailing, you create a convenient spot for car ownership essentials right in your town.

Expanding Your Service Offerings

To elevate your business, include routine servicing like oil changes and tire rotations which are essential for maintaining vehicles in rural areas. This expansion makes the shop more lucrative, especially if you are mechanically inclined. Moreover, integrating a website that lists services, hours, and booking information enhances customer convenience. 

Take inspiration from Curt’s Car Wash in Utah, which offers a comprehensive range of services including car washing, safety inspections, and even pet washing. This approach not only meets a variety of local business owners’ needs but also sets a benchmark in small-town service standards.

Accommodation and Tourism

Bed and breakfast

For bed and breakfast owners, managing bookings efficiently is crucial. Implementing a POS system and PMS system helps handle room charges, manage bookings, and integrate with other hotel systems. This technology ensures that your rooms are booked smoothly, giving you more time to focus on creating a warm, welcoming environment for your guests.

Many B&Bs are run by empty nesters who want to fill their homes with life again. It’s a fantastic way to meet new people and share your small town with travellers. Special events like family reunions or weddings can also be hosted, making your small inn a perfect spot for memorable gatherings.

Local tour guide

Becoming a local tour guide is another fantastic business idea for small towns. With the charm of these towns, there is always a story to tell and places to explore. Offering guided tours can attract tourists and contribute to the tourism industry.

Local tour guides can specialise in various tours, such as historical walks, food tours, or nature hikes. This business allows you to connect with people, share your knowledge, and generate income while promoting the town’s unique attractions. By embracing technology, you can efficiently manage bookings and integrate with other hotel systems, ensuring that your tours are booked smoothly.

Event and planning services

Running a bed and breakfast also allows for hosting special events, adding another layer to the business. Tourism industry professionals often look for unique lodging experiences for their houseguests, and a B&B can offer just that. Managing these events requires efficiently handling bookings and integrating hotel systems technology to ensure everything runs smoothly.

By creating a warm, welcoming environment, B&B owners can attract more tourists and become a vital part of the local economy.

Small inns in historic inns or larger homes can become the perfect venues for family reunions, weddings, and other memorable gatherings. This not only fills the home with life but also offers a fantastic way to meet new people and share the charm of the small town with travellers.

Creative and Educational Enterprises

Tutoring service

Where there are homes, there will be children, and where there are children, there will be tears over maths and grammar. Although the internet abounds with online tutoring services, nothing can replace the benefits of an in-person teacher. Tutoring is not only a great business idea for small towns but also a profitable business for both you and your employees.

Start by hiring a few tutors who specialise in maths, reading, writing, and science. Avoid hiring tutors who claim to be a jack of all subjects as they are rare and often too expensive.

However, you can start on a small scale and operate as your sole tutor to begin with. Most children do their homework in the evenings, making tutoring an ideal part-time business if you’re already employed elsewhere. Many tutors run their businesses from home, which helps save on rent and utilities.

Photography

Many towns have a demand for photographers who can capture special moments like weddings, engagements, graduations, and family studio shots. Here are some strategies to make the most of this opportunity:

Art studios Business Idea

Starting an art studio in a small town can be a profitable venture for creative professionals. Many small towns have a demand for art studios where people can come and create in a comfortable setting. You can transform a space into a cosy studio that feels welcoming and inspiring.

To make your art studio a staple service in the community, focus on the essentials. Invest in quality art equipment, even though it might be expensive. Start with the basics and gradually upgrade as your business grows. Having the right tools is essential for producing high-quality work.

Understanding the needs of your community is crucial. Offer various services that cater to different demands, such as painting classes, open studio hours, and private lessons. This approach will ensure your art studio remains successful and continues to grow.

Community and Social Spaces

Co-op or community space

Creating a co-op or community space is a great way to bring people together and foster a sense of community. Take Deep Roots Market, for example. This grocery store is more than just a place to buy food; it serves as a community space where locals can gather and connect. 

Another example is the outdoors retailer, REI. They offer a unique opportunity for their co-op members. By charging a one-time $25 fee, members gain lifelong benefits, such as discounts, exclusive sales, and store credit rewards on qualified purchases. This model not only supports the retailer but also creates a loyal customer base.

In a small town, such initiatives can bring people together and support group activities. By offering a physical space for various events and markets, these businesses can build a strong, connected community.

Bowling Alley in Small Town

From my experience, the success of a bowling alley relies heavily on the quality of service and facilities. Ensuring top-notch equipment and a clean, inviting environment is incredibly important. Incorporating a solid business plan that includes a strategy for attracting diverse patrons and offering various food and drink options will further enhance its appeal.

Here are some important points about bowling alleys:

Mini Golf course

Starting a mini golf course is a fun and unique business idea for small towns. It’s a great option because it can attract people of all ages and provide a fun activity that the whole community can enjoy. This type of local business model thrives in small towns where families are looking for fun activities close to home.

Mini golf courses are a great place for all ages to gather and have a good time. Offering a mini golf course can also be a great option for large towns as well. It provides a unique activity that people of all ages can enjoy, making it an attractive business idea.

Starting your own mini golf course can be an exciting venture. It’s a great place for families and friends to spend their weekends or evenings. By creating a fun and engaging atmosphere, your mini golf course can become a beloved part of your community.

A mini golf course is not just a business idea; it’s an opportunity to create a great place for local residents to have fun and make memories. Whether in a small town or a large town, a mini golf course can be a great option for those looking to start their own local business.

Water Park

Water parks are always a hit because they offer a wide range of activities that people of all ages can enjoy. From thrilling slides to relaxing pools, there’s something for everyone. In small towns, where entertainment options might be limited, a water park can quickly become a beloved destination.

Why a Water Park?

Running a water park can be a successful venture for several reasons:

Adding a water park can also boost the local economy by attracting visitors from nearby areas. Plus, it provides employment opportunities for the community, making it a win-win situation.

Online and Tech-Focused Opportunities

Web Design Agency

My own experience starting a web design agency was incredibly rewarding. By focusing on local businesses, I quickly established a reputation for creating great websites. This strategy helped me build a steady stream of clients.

Getting Started

You don’t need a lot of money to start. Thanks to free resources and tutorial videos on YouTube, anyone can learn the basics of web design. The key is to keep practising and stay updated with the latest trends.

Offering a variety of web design services can help attract more clients. From simple brochure websites to complex e-commerce platforms, you can provide solutions for different types of businesses.

Online Advertising Agency

Starting an online advertising agency can be a profitable venture in a small town. Many businesses need help to promote their products and services through various online channels. You can offer services like search engine optimisation (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) marketing, and social media management.

 With these skills, you can help local businesses increase their visibility on search engines and social media, attracting more customers.

When starting an online advertising agency, consider narrowing it down to a specific type of online advertising. For example, you can specialise in helping clients with email campaigns or focus solely on social media management. By specialising, you can position yourself as an expert in that area and charge higher rates for your services.

Content Writing Agency

Starting a content writing agency in a small town can be a lucrative opportunity. With the growing demand for quality content, businesses everywhere need well-crafted blog posts, articles, and eBooks. As a freelance writer, you can capitalise on this demand by offering a range of forms of content tailored to your clients’ needs.

Charge a premium for your services by ensuring you deliver high-quality work. Clients are willing to pay more for exceptional content that helps their business stand out. This will allow you to attract more clients and gradually hire more writers. By outsourcing some of the work, you can manage a larger volume of projects while maintaining the quality of work that keeps your clients happy.

YouTube Channel

Small towns enjoy visual content, which has become extremely popular. Starting a YouTube channel can be an amazing small-town business idea. YouTube channels let you create videos about anything you like, and if you build a large following, you can make a lot of money.

You can monetise your YouTube channel through advertising, sponsorships, and product placements. As your channel grows, consider branching out into other forms of visual content. For example, you can offer webinars and courses that help people all over the web, including those in your small town.

Entrepreneurial Strategies and Financial Insights

Flipping Affiliate Websites

Starting with affiliate websites is one of the best small town ideas to make money. By recommending products or services to readers, you earn a commission on each sale. For instance, you can create a blog about pets and recommend pet products to your small town audience, earning money every time a purchase is made through your affiliate link.

Affiliate websites are typically sold for an average of 55 times their monthly earnings. This means if you build an affiliate website that generates $1,000 per month in revenue, you could potentially sell it for $55,000. Not bad for a part-time business idea!

To earn money through affiliate marketing, you can either start a website from scratch or find underperforming sites and improve them to generate more revenue. Both methods have their pros and cons, but both can be profitable. If you’re a beginner, it’s best to start your own website and, as you gain experience, start finding and improving existing websites.

Export-Based Farm

Starting an export-based farm can be a profitable venture in a small town if you know what you’re doing. The key is to find a crop that is in demand and start exporting it. This can turn a simple farm into a thriving business. To be completely honest, starting a farm is not very easy and many farmers fail within the first few years.

From my experience, planning and market research are crucial. Focus on exporting crops that are unique to your region or have a longer shelf life. 

Firewood Delivery

If you live in a small town where cold weather hits hard in the winter, starting a firewood delivery business can be a good option to make money. Firewood is always in demand during the winter, and many people’s homes and businesses need a steady supply.

Imagine you have a truck and strong arms; you’re already halfway there. You can source firewood from lumberyards and sawmills or even cut it yourself if you have access to the right tools. The key is to ensure your firewood is well-seasoned and ready to burn.

Here are a few steps to get started:

Running a firewood delivery business in a small town means you’ll be providing a necessary service, especially in cold weather. With consistent demand, it’s a reliable way to make money while serving your community.

Expanding Your Small Town Business

Establish a Strong Online Presence

In today’s digital age, having a well-designed website is more than just a luxury; it’s a necessity for any business looking to thrive, especially in smaller towns. A website acts as your business’s online storefront, accessible 24/7 to your community and beyond.

It’s the first place potential customers go to learn about what you offer, your operating hours, and how to get in touch. A professional, user-friendly website can help establish credibility and attract more customers by showcasing your products and services effectively.

Leverage Local SEO Strategies

For small town businesses, local SEO is a game-changer. By optimizing your website for local search terms, you can significantly increase your visibility to people searching for services or products like yours in your area.

This involves using location-specific keywords, registering on local directories, and ensuring your business appears on map searches. A well-optimized website can help you dominate local searches, making it easier for residents and visitors to find and choose your business over competitors.

Utilize Customer Testimonials

Incorporating customer testimonials on your website can significantly influence the decision-making process of potential clients. In small communities, where word of mouth plays a critical role, showcasing positive reviews and testimonials can enhance trust and credibility.

Highlighting stories of how your services or products have benefitted other locals not only personalizes the user experience but also provides tangible proof of your business’s value, encouraging more residents to engage with you.

These strategies not only enhance your online presence but also ensure that your business becomes a well-known name in your community, driving both traffic and sales.

FAQ: Unique business ideas

Which business is more valuable and profitable in a small city?

The most profitable business in a small city is usually one that can dominate the market. This could be the only grocery store, wine or cheese shop, hardware store, ice cream shop, or sports bar in town. These businesses thrive by becoming essential services within the community, ensuring a steady flow of customers due to the lack of competition.

How to bring business to a small town?

To attract business to a small town, start by utilizing local press releases, newspapers, and radio stations to announce new ventures. Developing websites and social media pages ensures digital presence, reaching both local and statewide audiences.

Joining chambers of commerce and business groups connects you with the economic sector, and coordinating with municipal and county bodies solidifies community ties. Traditional television ads also play a crucial role in capturing the regional market.

What is the best small town business idea to do it?

Starting a small town business offers many opportunities, and with some creativity, you can find a niche to thrive. To be successful, consider a business with the potential to dominate the market in your area. Choose a convenient location for your customers and start a business that aligns with your skills and budget. With hard work and dedication, you can create a successful venture.

Conclusion: Unique Business Ideas for Small Towns

When opening a business in a small town, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research to understand the community’s unique needs and preferences. Personally investigating local demand and consulting with existing business owners can provide valuable insights. Essential goods and services like restaurants, gas stations, and pharmacies often thrive in small towns. Success in these environments hinges on careful planning and a deep understanding of the local community.