Nebraska is known as the Cornhusker State in the United States. It is home to a diverse economy with opportunities for small businesses across various industries. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or an experienced business owner looking to expand, Nebraska offers a favorable business climate and a range of promising ventures. Here in this article, we have provided you with a list of the best small business ideas to consider in Nebraska:
Running a small business in Nebraska has many advantages. The state of Nebraska provides one of the most low-cost living facilities in the United States. With the presence of wide stretches of plains, this state offers enormous business opportunities in the agriculture sector.
Nebraska has a massive manufacturing industry with a large agriculture sector producing top-selling products like corn and soybeans. The domestic industry includes the production of beef, pork, maize, soybeans, and sorghum. Freight transport, rail and truck, manufacturing, telecommunications, information technology, and insurance are the major contributing sectors to Nebraska’s economy.
A diversified economy, Nebraska has different industries in a variety of sectors including manufacturing, finance, telecommunications, and information technology. With a huge market for small businesses, the government offers an array of opportunities for new businesses.
List of 20 Small Business Ideas in Nebraska
1. Start a Trucking Company
Nebraska is one of the busiest states in the United States. If you have the resources to buy or lease a truck to start with, starting a trucking company in Nebraska can be a profitable venture.
2. Agriculture and Agribusiness
Nebraska’s fertile land and agricultural heritage make it an ideal location for businesses related to farming, ranching, and food processing. Consider starting a specialty crop farm, livestock operation, or value-added food business to tap into the state’s rich agricultural resources.
3. Real Estate Broker
If you live in places like Omaha, or Lincoln, there is a good demand from people for proper accommodation. If you have good networking skills starting a real estate brokerage firm can fetch you good returns.
4, Craft Brewing and Distilling
The craft beer and spirits industry is booming nationwide, and Nebraska is no exception. Starting a microbrewery or craft distillery can be a lucrative venture, especially in urban centers like Omaha and Lincoln, where there is a growing demand for locally-made beverages.
5. Health and Wellness Services
As people become more health-conscious, there is a growing demand for health and wellness services in Nebraska. Consider opening a fitness center, yoga studio, wellness spa, or healthy meal prep service to cater to the needs of health-conscious consumers.
6. Tech Startups and IT Services
Nebraska is home to a thriving tech ecosystem, with a growing number of startups and tech companies in cities like Omaha and Lincoln. If you have expertise in software development, cybersecurity, or IT consulting, consider starting a tech-focused business to serve the state’s growing tech community.
7. Elderly Care
There is a good demand for quality healthcare for elders. If you are looking forward to a profitable and rewarding business in the medical industry on a small scale, consider starting an elderly care business.
9. Virtual Assistant Service
A growing home business across the globe, companies now look for virtual assistants who can work from home. You can start as a freelance virtual assistant offering services like management, data organization, and virtual administration.
10.E-commerce and Online Retail
With the rise of e-commerce, there are ample opportunities for small businesses to sell products online in Nebraska. Whether you specialize in handmade crafts, specialty foods, or niche products, launching an e-commerce store allows you to reach customers across the state and beyond.
11. Soybean Export Business
Nebraska has a sprawling agricultural economy producing corn and soybeans. You can start to produce soybeans in the state and then export them to other areas of the country.
12. Home Services and Maintenance
Home services such as landscaping, cleaning, home repair, and remodeling are always in demand in Nebraska. Starting a home services business can be a profitable venture, especially if you offer high-quality services and excellent customer service.
13. Specialty Food and Beverage Stores
Nebraska’s food scene is diverse, with a growing demand for specialty and artisanal food and beverage products. Consider opening a specialty grocery store, gourmet food shop, or ethnic food market to cater to the diverse tastes of Nebraska residents.
14. Travel Agency
The state has a flourishing tourism industry with some of the top tourist attractions. With attractions like the Henry Doorly Zoo, Chimney Rock, and the Nebraska State Capitol, starting a travel agency is a thriving industry in Nebraska.
15. Pet Care Services
Nebraska residents are known for their love of pets, creating a demand for pet care services such as pet grooming, dog walking, pet sitting, and pet boarding. If you’re an animal lover with a knack for caring for pets, starting a pet care business can be a rewarding venture.
16. Cattle Farming
Nebraska for the last many years ranks as one of the top cattle-producing states in the United States. This state has the top three beef cow counties in the country. Nebraska hosts the nation’s No. 1 cow county – Cherry County, with nearly 166,000 cows. If you have a vacant land, or have the resources to lease one, cattle farming is surely worth considering.
17. Social Media Management
Companies now depend on social media for exposure. If you know the bits of social media, you can choose to offer specific digital marketing services like Facebook marketing, Instagram promotions, and more.
18. Start a Restaurant
If you have your own retail space or have the resources to lease one, starting a restaurant business is a potentially profitable business opportunity in Nebraska.
19. Business Planning Services
Business plans are an important part of any business. It determines how a business will perform. If you have the right skills, you can choose to offer consulting services like writing a well-detailed business plan with all the dos and don’ts.
21. Bed and Breakfast
If you are near any interesting tourist destination, consider starting a bed and breakfast business. You can register in places like Airbnb for faster bookings and get paid to host your guests.
21. Freelance Writing Services
If you wish to write, but not start a blog, it’s better to start offering writing services. You can work as a freelance writer from home offering services like copywriting, blogging, social media posts, press releases, and more.
How to Start a Business In Nebraska
Find below a step-by-step guide on the steps to be followed in starting a business in Nebraska covering aspects like registering a business, licenses, permits, and much more:
Step 1. Choose a Business
The very first step is to choose a business. Explore market demand and your resources and decide on which business would be most appropriate for you. The above-mentioned business ideas hopefully will help you in selecting the right one.
Step 2: Register Your Business
In Nebraska, the Secretary of State monitors the registration of trade names and business names. You need to register with them to start a business here in Nebraska. However, if you are planning to start a choose corp. or an LLC as your business structure, a registered agent is a must to process it.
Step 3: Get a Tax Identification Number
Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) acts as a tax ID for a business. The IRS issues Employer Identification Numbers. It is a unique identification number that identifies your business. Visit the IRS official site and enquire whether you need it or not and also ask anything you want.
Step 4. Create a Business Plan
Start with a detailed business plan. Nebraska has several businesses, and it’s going to be competitive. A business plan will help you to stay ahead of your competition. Jot down the goals, targets, and how you wish to proceed to start a new business.
Step 5. Financing Your Business
The state has a healthy platform for new businesses. There are investors and venture capital firms to whom you can pitch your idea. If you choose to fund your own business, go for a loan with a long-term payback period and a low interest rate.
You can also check the following business loan and guarantee programs:
- Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan Programs
- Business Loans from Northeast Nebraska Development District.
- Business Loans Southeast Nebraska Development District.
Step 6. Check for a Relevant Website Business Domain Name
Nowadays, you must have a website if you are serious about starting a profitable business. It is advised to find a relevant domain name before you finalize your business name.
Read: How to Check Domain Name Availability
Step 7. Business Permits & Licenses
There are local licenses applicable in different cities of Nebraska. You will need a sales tax license to sell products. Nebraska also has special permits and licenses specific to different businesses. If you are planning to start as an LLC, there might be a requirement for multiple business licenses and permits. It is advised to get the job done by professional vendors.
Step 8. Business Bank Account & Accounting Software
A separate bank account will help you to manage your financial transactions better. Also, you can apply for a credit account for vendors with your EIN. Next up, set up good accounting software that would help to maintain all your transactions in one place.
Step 9. Business Insurance
The state has no mandatory insurance applicable. But it’s better to go for a professional liability policy to sell and a worker’s compensation insurance to legally hire an employee.
Step 10. Promoting Your Business
Promotions play a major role in new businesses. Taking the business to the potential audience is important initially. It’s better to hire an agency for planned promotions and marketing.
Best Places To Start A Business in Nebraska
Choosing the right location is going to determine how your business runs. Here are some of the best places in Nebraska to start your business:
- Omaha
- Lincoln
- Norfolk
- Grand Island
- Fremont
- Columbus
Completing all the steps one by one in a planned manner will help you set up your new business within a short period. Hopefully, this guide will assist you in establishing your dream business successfully.
Editorial Team at 99BusinessIdeas is a team of experts led by Rupak Chakrabarty with over 25 years of experience in starting and running small businesses. Started in 2010, 99BusinessIdeas is now one of the largest free small business resources in the industry.
