Top 5 Business Ideas in North Carolina

Starting a small business in North Carolina is an exciting prospect and more North Carolina businesses are being formed every day. Our Top 5 Business Ideas in North Carolina list represents the most popular small business ideas in North Carolina.

Exploring your options? Check out additional small business ideas.

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Best North Carolina Business Ideas

One of the best things about starting a North Carolina business is being your own boss. Whether you’re looking to build an empire or just earn a little money on the side, there’s a business idea that will allow you to achieve your goals as an entrepreneur.

Top 5 Business Ideas in North Carolina:

  1. Open a Gym
  2. Clothing Boutique
  3. Towing Company
  4. Mobile Bartending Service
  5. Nightclub

If you have a business idea picked out, check out our simple, step-by-step Form an LLC in North Carolina guide to get your new small business started.

1. Open a Gym

Each year, millions of people join gyms to get fit and lose weight. To be profitable, a gym model typically revolves around several key revenue streams. The most basic is the gym membership. However, membership dues or fees are typically not enough to make gym owners rich. This is why most gyms supplement their core revenue stream with supplemental revenue from fitness classes, juice bars, tanning salons, and renting space to personal trainers.

Learn how to start a gym.

Find a Web Domain for Your North Carolina Business

Securing a web domain and creating a quality website is important for the overall success of an online business. You can search for an available domain below:

Find a Domain Now

After you have your perfect business idea and secure a domain for your business, one of the best things you can do for your small business is create a website.

2. Clothing Boutique

A clothing boutique is generally much smaller than a regular clothing retailer, and it creates a more intimate environment. You attract customers who are looking for very specific styles and kinds of clothing with your boutique. Since many customers stick to their own styles, it is likely that satisfied customers will return to your business. It is important to form relationships with these regular customers, as their recommendations and satisfaction can contribute to your boutique's success.

Learn how to start a clothing boutique.

3. Towing Company

Vehicles break down, are left stranded and are illegally parked every day. A tow truck business transports these vehicles to repair shops, impound lots and other locations as directed. Some tow truck businesses also offer emergency roadside assistance.

Learn how to start a tow truck business.

4. Mobile Bartending Service

Anyone with bartending experience and a bit of business savvy may consider starting a mobile bartending business. Mobile bartenders will be doing more than just serving drinks and crafting cocktails. They will be building an atmosphere and creating a great experience for their customers. Someone with people skills and event planning experience will excel in this field.

The cost to start this type of business is small, especially if you already have a vehicle to transport your mobile bar. Beyond that, you will need bar tools, a website and business cards, some liability insurance, and a license to serve alcohol. You can choose to keep your business small, remaining a one-man operation, or expand into a fleet of mobile bartenders. Earning potential for this business is solid. Profits generally start slow, but with a few years of experience under their belts, some mobile bartending businesses are bringing in up to $76,000 per year.

Learn how to start a mobile bartending business.

5. Nightclub

The characteristics of this space will largely be defined by the type of crowd the owner is able to attract based on the target market and the owner’s tastes. The club can offer a certain type of music, such as those that play only country western music or their niche could offer different services, like a gentleman's club. Nightclubs can have live music, feature DJ music, or both. Contemporary DJs have become performance stars now as well.

The most important feature of any successful nightclub is the ability to attract enough paying customers to pay the rent and occasionally “pack the place,” to make tremendous profits.

Learn how to start a nightclub.

Importance of SEO for Businesses

Once you've chosen the best business idea for you, determining a search engine optimization (SEO) strategy is essential for small business success. Good SEO allows Google (and your customers) to more easily find your business website and the services you offer.

Here are some of the benefits of SEO for your business:

  • Increases traffic to your business website
  • Improves user experience for your customers
  • Strengthens brand awareness and recognition

You can learn more about the basics of SEO and how to implement a strategy by reading our Beginner's Guide to SEO.

Other Important Services for Small Businesses:

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