Do you want to start a business in Ohio and look for the right opportunity? Find here a list of top business ideas in Ohio that can be started at home or on a small scale.
After California and Texas, Ohio is the third-largest U.S. manufacturing state in the United States. Ohio is situated in the heart of the Midwest part of the United States. It is a state known for its diverse economy and rich business landscape. From bustling urban centers to charming small towns, Ohio offers a wide range of opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. The three major industrially rich cities in Ohio are Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland.
25 Small Business Opportunities in Ohio, Columbus
1. Digital Marketing Business
More and more businesses in Ohio are seeking online visibility. Hence, there is a rising demand for competent digital marketing specialists here in the state. To meet this demand, you can start a home-based digital marketing agency and offer services like SEO, social media management, and content creation and make good earnings. It is without saying, one of the most lucrative business ideas in Ohio at present.
2. Affiliate Marketing
The concept of affiliate marketing is to earn commission by promoting other people’s (or company’s) products. There are many companies that look for affiliate marketers to promote their products or services.
3. Dropshipping Business
Dropshipping is a retailing business where you can run n online store without holding any inventory. When someone buys a product, the supplier will sell that product to the customer’s doorstep. You can check our guide on how To Start A Drop Shipping Business with Low Investment.
4. Freelance Writing
If you have a passion for writing and looking to earn from the comfort of your home, freelance writing is a good option. There are many freelance writers in Ohio making a good amount of money.
5. Create & Sell Courses Online
Creating and selling courses online can fetch you a lot of money in a short period of time. And it is easier nowadays. There are many online platforms where you can create and sell online courses.
6. Transcription Business
Transcription service is all about converting oral (speech) files, such as video or audio into electronic or written text format. There is a huge demand for general and medical transcribers in the state of Ohio.
There are reputed online transcription companies that look for general and medical transcriptionists. If you are good at trying and have good language skills, the transcription business can fetch you a good profit.
7. Customized Tour Services
Tourism is a major contributor significantly to Ohio’s overall economy. There are several tourists visiting the state every year. While many need customized packages, you can start a tour service in Ohio to offer special customizable tours with different packages.
8. Pet-Sitting Business
Animal care services are in huge demand in Ohio. If you love animals, you can start to work from your home offering different pet services like pet sitting, training modules, and exercising. Pet sitting is one of the best profitable small business ideas in the state of Ohio.
9. Cake Shop
Cake shops and bakeries are lucrative business options in Ohio. The state has a potential number of cake lovers offering a huge market. You can start to sell special bakery items and different cakes directly from your home. You can even start your own storefront if you see more orders coming in.
10. Plastic & Rubber Export Business
The state is the largest producer of plastics and rubber in the United States. You can start to produce the items and export them to other countries. Do note, that you will need a license to start selling plastics and rubber out of Ohio.
11. Food Truck
Instead of a cafe or restaurant, a food truck offers the ease to move your food business around with a relatively low investment. Ohioans love good food. Hence, starting a food truck business can cater to various tastes. You can offer unique cuisines, gourmet burgers, ethnic delights, or health-conscious options.
12. Craft Brewery or Distillery
The craft beverage trend is on the rise in Ohio. You can tap this market by launching a brewery or distillery and making good money.
13. Barber Shop
Do you want to be a hairstylist? Grooming services in Ohio can be a profitable business. All you need to do is take a course and learn the trending haircuts and specialized styles to start a barbershop on your own.
14. Meditation Services
People in Ohio are looking for options other than gym and yoga. Meditation lately has been a huge hit among working people. Good professional mediation services are in demand and different forms of meditation are practiced.
15. Resume Writing Services
There are many job seekers who need good resumes to make an impact. If you are good at writing, you can help them create an intuitive resume that will help them communicate their skills properly to employers.
16. Candle-Making Business
A great part-time business opportunity, scented candles are always in demand. You can start to make candles and sell them through different channels, both online and offline.
17. Bed & Breakfast
Ohio has several travelers visiting the state every year. If you are located at any strategic tourist location, you can start a bed and breakfast business from your home. Many tourists look for an alternative to hotels with breakfast.
18. Gas Station
The gas station is another potentially profitable business in Ohio. However, it will require a good amount of investment to open. You can also buy a franchise of a reputed Gas Station Brand
19. Convenience Store
Individuals having a retail space in Ohio can think of starting a convenience store. Other than consumable products, you can sell gasoline from the shop.
20. Plastic Recycling
The plastic recycling business is growing in the state of Ohio. Items, like used plastic bottles, jugs, soda bottles, and a lot of plastic-related products, can be recycled.
21. Nightclub
The nightlife in Ohio buzzes with cocktail bars and nightclubs. If you have the required money to invest, the profit returns will not disappoint you.
22. Fabricated Metals Business
Ohio is the largest producer of fabricated metals in the United States. With a huge market outside Ohio, you start to produce and export fabricated metals in the state. The manufacturing costs are low and it’s easier to sell these metals in other markets.
23. Career Consultancy
One-third of the working population of Ohio is into a salary-based job. There are several individuals who are looking for better career-oriented opinions. You can start to offer career consultancy services in the state to help students choose a good career.
24. Specialty Coffee Shops
It is well-known that Ohioans appreciate their coffee. You can create a cozy, unique coffee shop that caters to local coffee aficionados with quality beans and innovative brews.
25. Fitness and Wellness Center
The health-conscious population is growing in Ohio. You can explore this rising fitness market by opening gyms, yoga studios, wellness retreats, and personal training services.
Starting a business in Ohio is much easier compared to most other states in the United States. Access to SBA funding is third-best here in the state. We hope this list of small business ideas and opportunities in Ohio will help you launch your own business venture.
About the Author: 99businessideas.com led by Rupak Chakrabarty is committed to helping beginners, entrepreneurs, and small business owners in starting, managing, and growing their businesses.
