Small towns create perfect opportunities for new businesses where competition isn't as fierce as in big cities. The market in these communities is tight-knit and growing steadily. 65% of households owned pets in 2016, jumping from 56% in 1988. This trend makes pet grooming and boarding services a smart choice. Our team at Bask Health has seen small-town entrepreneurs succeed by spotting what their communities need and stepping up to provide it.
Entrepreneurs can choose from dozens of promising business ideas in small towns. Local coffee shops, pet care services, and wellness businesses top the list. The brewing scene is booming, too—two new breweries open their doors every day somewhere in America. Health and wellness businesses show incredible promise, as global health food sales are set to hit $811.82 billion by 2021. This piece explores how service providers, product sellers, and digital ventures can thrive locally. We'll also look at ways telehealth and wellness businesses can grow with Bask Health's guidance.
What are the best businesses to start in small towns? Scroll down now to find out!
Key Takeaways
- Small towns offer big business opportunities due to tight-knit communities, lower competition, and growing markets, especially in pet care and wellness.
- Service-based businesses like cleaning, landscaping, and pet grooming meet everyday needs and build loyal local customer bases.
- Product-based businesses such as bakeries, grocery stores, and thrift shops thrive by creating community hubs and supporting the local economy.
- Digital businesses like e-commerce stores, online tutoring, and virtual assistant services allow small-town entrepreneurs to reach broader markets with low overhead.
- Health and wellness ventures — fitness studios, telehealth services, and online supplement sales — are growing rapidly and fill critical gaps in rural healthcare access.
- Success hinges on identifying real community needs, building personal relationships, and choosing businesses that align with both market demand and personal passion.
Service-Based Businesses That Meet Everyday Needs
Service-based businesses help small-town residents solve their everyday challenges. These ventures remain profitable by meeting basic needs and building strong community relationships through tailored service.
Cleaning services for homes and offices
Small town residents want clean homes but rarely find time to keep them tidy. A cleaning service business fills this need with minimal startup costs. Industry research shows home cleaning businesses rank among the easiest to launch with low overhead. Americans understand the value of professional help—67% agree that "professional landscape help would allow them to have a nicer yard."
Starting a cleaning business could include these specialized services:
- Eco-friendly cleaning with environmentally responsible products
- Deep cleaning for move-ins/move-outs
- Residential maid services or commercial janitorial work
Professional cleaners charge between $30-$50 per hour. The average cleaning job costs around $180 for four hours of work. Small communities help cleaning businesses build a loyal client base quickly through word-of-mouth referrals.
Lawn care and landscaping for year-round demand
Lawn care makes an ideal small-town business with steady, reliable income. Rural homeowners typically have larger properties that need professional care. The landscaping services market reached $76 billion in 2015 and should grow 3.3% yearly through 2020.
New lawn care professionals earn $5,000-$50,000 their first year. Experienced owners make $160,000-$280,000 annually after several years. Aging baby boomers who value well-kept lawns but lack the time or interest to do the work themselves drive this demand.
Pet grooming and boarding for local pet owners
Pet services have grown into a booming $60 billion industry nationwide. Pet ownership has jumped from 56% in 1988 to 65% of U.S. households today. Small towns need affordable, convenient pet care options, making pet grooming and boarding excellent business opportunities.
Pet businesses thrive on convenience since pet owners avoid long drives for grooming or boarding. Successful ventures combine multiple services under one roof. The most profitable businesses offer grooming, luxury boarding suites, outdoor play areas, and supervised playtime.
Pet grooming and boarding businesses excel in small communities. They create lasting relationships with repeat customers who treat their pets like family members.
Product-Based Businesses That Locals Love
Physical retail stores create gathering spaces that build stronger community bonds in small towns. These businesses often become local landmarks where people connect and support their local economy.
Opening a bakery or coffee shop
Small-town bakeries and coffee shops build multi-generational customer loyalty unlike their urban counterparts. Local coffee shops earn more customer dollars than large chains because they support the local economy and serve better coffee. The coffee industry will grow by 6.34% each year, making this the perfect time to bring specialty coffee to small communities.
Community connection helps bakeries build a lasting business model. Neighborhood bakeries meet many small-town needs from morning pastries to birthday cakes. A bakery stands out as one of the most profitable ventures in small towns, especially when you have specific products that match local needs.
Starting a general or grocery store
Small-town grocery stores deliver essential services that bigger chains miss. Grocery stores make up more than one-third of all brick-and-mortar businesses, with independent stores holding 60% of the market.
Local grocery stores create economic benefits beyond just selling necessities. They create jobs, generate tax revenue, and attract new residents. Working with local farmers brings fresh products to market and creates community connections while giving customers nutritious ingredients. Modern small-town grocers can expand beyond their local community with smart marketing strategies.
Launching a thrift or antique shop
Thrift stores combine business success with community service. The global secondhand market will double by 2027 and reach $350 billion. Entrepreneurs can start thrift stores without a huge capital investment.
Thrift stores become community hubs through donation drives, swap events, and workshops about eco-friendly living. These stores shine in small towns because they:
- Keep usable items out of landfills
- Give residents affordable shopping options
- Let people find unique vintage and antique items
A mix of physical and online sales channels can boost your profits substantially.
Digital and Remote-Friendly Business Ideas
Small-town entrepreneurs can now reach global markets through remote work without leaving their communities. The digital world lets them start businesses with minimal upfront costs compared to physical stores. This makes digital ventures perfect for rural entrepreneurs who want flexibility and room to grow.
Starting an online store with local or niche products
Even the smallest towns can support thriving online stores that cater to niche markets. Smart entrepreneurs don't compete with major retailers - they target underserved segments with specific needs. Finding the right products is vital when you launch an e-commerce business. You can engage with hobbyists, tap into personal interests, and watch product trends.
Small towns offer several good ways to source products:
- Create handmade products that attract buyers looking for unique items
- Partner with local manufacturers to create original private-label products
- Use print-on-demand services that handle production and shipping
Your e-commerce platform acts as your business command center. Shopify, Wix, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce are some prominent options.
Offering tutoring or coaching online
Online tutoring has grown quickly because more people just need remote learning options. This business model fits perfectly in small towns. You only need a computer with internet access and a quality webcam to start. Tutors can make good money and work on their schedule.
Students worldwide connect with tutors through many platforms. They teach everything from math and science to languages and test prep. Brainfuse offers free tutoring for grades K-12 with support in English, Spanish, and Chinese. New tutors can build a steady client base by focusing on subjects that are in high demand or test preparation.
Becoming a virtual assistant or freelance marketer
Virtual assistants help business owners run their operations from anywhere. They handle tasks from scheduling to customer service. A successful VA business can bring in around $40,000 each year. Freelance writing is another great option that lets small-town residents work from anywhere.
Writers and creative professionals often love the peace and quiet of small towns. These places are perfect for creating content. Rural communities also attract remote workers by offering coworking spaces. These spaces give people chances to network and access business resources they wouldn't find otherwise in smaller areas.
Bask Health and Wellness Businesses That Thrive Locally
Small-town health and wellness businesses rank among the most profitable ventures. These enterprises meet growing needs and build meaningful community connections. Our team at Bask Health has seen how these businesses fill crucial gaps in rural health ecosystems.
Opening a fitness studio or yoga space
Local fitness facilities draw clients from all walks of life. Baby boomers want convenient exercise options, while sports enthusiasts aim to stay in top form. The yoga market alone has grown by 50% in the last five years. This $12 billion industry keeps expanding in the US. Your startup costs will vary based on your plans. Premium facilities might need $500,000 to $1 million, while smaller operations can start with $15,000 to $100,000.
New studio owners should think over:
- A location everyone can reach, with plenty of parking and transport options
- Room for different types of classes
- Ways to earn more through retail sales
You can start small by using shared spaces or community centers. Many studios succeed by starting with minimal equipment and building a loyal client base first.
Starting a telehealth business with Bask Health
The telehealth market hit $101.15 billion in 2023. Experts project it will grow at a 24.3% CAGR through 2030. Our Bask Health team helps healthcare providers set up compliant telehealth practices. These services help rural communities that lack specialized care facilities.
Healthcare providers launching a telehealth business just need:
- HIPAA-compliant video conferencing tools
- Systems to manage appointments
- Software that works on all devices
- Integration with electronic health records
About 85% of hospitals and private clinics plan to invest in telemedicine over the next several years. This creates great opportunities for new providers. You can earn through direct service fees ($49-$99 per visit) or subscription plans for individuals and families.
Learning about health ecommerce for supplements or wellness products
Online health product sales keep growing. US health and wellness sales rose 6.4% year-over-year through Q1 2024. Performance shakes and powders lead the pack with a 38% sales jump.
The most successful health ecommerce businesses target specific niches like digestive health and nutrition products. Many owners combine online and physical stores to reach more customers while keeping personal connections strong.
Amazon leads online health product sales right now. Yet specialized stores offering unique products continue to succeed. You might want to create your own private-label supplements or team up with innovative wellness brands. Some use Finnish water or natural Alpine ingredients to stand out.
Small Towns: The Perfect Landscape for Entrepreneurial Success
Small towns offer ideal conditions for entrepreneurs, with strong community ties and real market needs. Service businesses like cleaning, lawn care, and pet care thrive by meeting everyday demands. Local shops—bakeries, thrift stores, grocers—double as hubs for connection.
At Bask Health, we see major potential for telehealth and wellness ventures in rural areas. Limited access to healthcare creates big opportunities, and with telehealth projected to grow 24.3% by 2030, the trend is here to stay.
Success comes from solving local problems. Unlike saturated cities, rural areas offer untapped niches and loyal customer bases. Lower overhead and community support make them perfect for career pivots, side hustles, or seasoned entrepreneurs expanding their reach.
In the end, pick a business that matches both your passion and your town’s needs. Do that, and your venture will fuel more than income—it’ll strengthen your entire community.
References
- Glofox. (n.d.). Opening a Yoga Studio: 10 Things You Need to Know. Retrieved April 28, 2025, from https://www.glofox.com/blog/opening-a-yoga-studio-10-things-you-need-to-know/
- Korona POS. (n.d.). How to Start a Thrift Store. Retrieved April 28, 2025, from https://koronapos.com/blog/how-to-start-a-thrift-store/
- Lightspeed. (n.d.). Successful Business Ideas for Small Towns. Retrieved April 28, 2025, from https://www.lightspeedhq.com/blog/successful-business-ideas-for-small-towns/
- TrueReview. (n.d.). Small Business Ideas for Small Towns: 30+ Unique Ideas to Get You Started. Retrieved April 28, 2025, from https://www.truereview.co/post/small-business-ideas-small-towns
