Best 14 Profitable Business Ideas in Oregon with Little Money

Oregon is home to some of the largest global corporations and industries like Nike and Adidas-US. The state is a major producer of lumber, oil and multiple agricultural products, hydel power, and more. With a healthy economic environment, the state offers a diverse platform for new and growing businesses.

Various forms of agriculture, fishing, hydroelectric power, food processing, and electronics are the primary contributors to the state’s economy. Technology is one of the state’s major economic contributors with big names like Tektronix and Intel. If you are planning to start a business of your own from home, here’s a list of the most profitable businesses along with a complete guide on how you can start a successful business in Oregon.

Here is the list of the best profitable small businesses one can start with no or almost no money.

14 Small Business Ideas in Oregon

1. Car Wash Business

One can start a car wash business in Oregon by investing a little and without much experience. Yes, passion for cars and knowledge about car detailing is a big plus to being successful in the trade.

2. Livestock Farming Business

The state of Oregon offers different types of soil and diverse landscapes providing an ideal environment for several types of livestock farming. The famous livestock items produced are dairy products, eggs, and poultry.

3. Social Media Manager

Are you a social media person? Well, there are companies that need avid social media users to manage their accounts remotely. As a social media manager, you are supposed to manage the company’s Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest and you will be paid to put your expertise to work. Find jobs on sites like UpWork, Flexjobs, or CareerBuilder.

4. Tutoring Services

Are you good at your studies? If yes, you can start teaching students and make good money. There are freelance teachers who make more than $100 an hour with a year of experience. You can start to offer tutoring services in your locality or even teach online.

5. Hazelnut Business

Oregon is the largest hazelnut producer in the United States producing around 95 percent of the domestic hazelnuts. You can start to produce and export hazelnuts to different states and countries.

6. Financial Planner

If you are good with taxes and finances, do an online course to get certified. Within a few months, you can start to help other people manage their finance. Small businesses and individuals need help to prepare tax returns and find investment alternatives.

7. Travel Agency

Tourism plays a major role in the state’s economy. With natural landscapes like mountains, forests, waterfalls, rivers, beaches, and lakes, it has millions of visitors who visit the state every year. You can start to offer travel services via an agency like ticketing, hotel booking, guides, and more.

8. Virtual Assistant

Sites like Flexjobs, CareerBuilder, Indeed, or Upwork offer a ton of options to work as a virtual assistant. You can work for anything with a fixed schedule and timely payments all from the comfort of your home.

9. Affiliate Marketer

If you run a website or have some idea of how to promote something to targeted traffic, you can make money as an affiliate marketer. Some of the best affiliate networks are ShareASale, Rakuten, Clickbank, and Skimlinks which you can use to make money from home with the content you already produce.

10. Freelance Writing Services

Companies around the world need part-time writers for their blogs, social media posts, PRs, and more. You can work from home as a freelance writer and will be paid for the assignments you complete. You can even run a blog of your own to promote your expertise.

11. Business Consultancy

If you have the experience, you start to work as a business consultant and help new businesses establish themselves. Hundreds of small businesses are coming up every month in Oregon, and owners need help with marketing, strategy, manufacturing, and distribution.

12. Custom Phone Case Printing Business

With a massively growing market, the custom phone case business is a hit across the globe. You can start producing custom phone cases with the latest designs or take orders on a per-piece basis. You can start a website to make an order online and offer your services from a single place.

13. AdSense Specialist

Individuals and freelancers now run websites or blogs full-time to earn money. If you are an expert or have some experience with AdSense, you can start helping others do it properly. Paid internet marketing with Google remains a top favorite among bloggers. You can help freelancers make money with AdSense or charge them to manage their Google AdSense.

14. Senior Caring Business

There is a good demand for senior care services in various towns and cities in the state of Oregon. You need to select the types of senior care services based on the local demand and plan to execute them properly. One can start this business with little money.

Here is a Stepwise Guide on Starting a Business in Oregon

If you want to legally start a business in Oregon, follow the given steps:

Step 1. Choose a Business

Choose any of the business ideas from some of the top business opportunities you can start mentioned above.

Step 2. Business Plan

Business plans play a crucial role in shaping your business. If you are ready with an idea, first start working on a feasible plan. Chalk out the strengths, o through all the possible threats your business can face, select the objectives, and set your goals.

Step 3. Financing A Business In Oregon

Oregon offers a healthy business environment with options to have an investment in your new business. You can approach angel investors and venture capital firms for investment or even go for crowdfunding. If you wish to self-finance your business, there are multiple financing options available at attractive rates.

Step 4. Naming Your Business & Domain Registration

A name is required to officially register your business. Find a name, go for something meaningful, and with fewer syllables. Try a business name generator for more suggestions. Once you finalize your name, register it with the US Trademark department and buy a domain immediately with the same name.

Step 5. Business Registration

You have to choose a business structure for your business in Oregon to be legally operational. Either you can go for an LLC or sole proprietorship or corporation. If you opt for an LLC Business Structure, you can enjoy added tax benefits with legal advantages like no individual legal liability.

Read: Top 10 LLC Formation Service Companies in the United States

Step 6. Business Licenses & Permits You Need In Oregon

You don’t require a general business license in Oregon. But for a few types of businesses, you must register with the Secretary of State’s, Corporation Division. This will fall under the Central Business Directory.

Step 7. Federal EIN & Tax Filing

Now you need to apply for a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) at the IRS. This will act as your social security number for businesses allowing you to be legally taxed. An EIN is also compulsory to open a business bank account.

Step 8. Bank Account & Setting Up Business Accounting Method

Apply for a business bank account. This will help you to maintain all your financials separately. Next, procure reliable business accounting software for easy management of transactions. Setting up a business accounting system will help you to file your annual taxes without any hassle.

Step 9. Business Insurance

Business Insurance in Oregon is regulated at the state level. You need to get general liability insurance. It is required by the state for most business owners. You will also have to get worker’s compensation insurance if you hire an employee.

Step 10. Promoting A Business In Oregon

Once you are done with the setup in Oregon, it’s now time to take the word out. It’s recommended to go to a professional agency for promotions. You can also use social media to explicitly promote your new business on the internet.

Best Places To Start A Business In Oregon

Choosing the right location is going to determine how your business runs. Here are some of the best places in Oregon to start your business:

• Portland
• Salem
• Eugene
• Beaverton
• Medford
• Bend
• Hillsboro

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to start a business in Oregon?

You can start a legally compliant business in Oregon in two ways. Either you form it yourself or hire a reputed registered agent to do the job at some extra cost. The mandatory payment of $100 for forming an LLC needs to be paid to the Oregon Secretary of State when filing the LLC’s Articles of Organization.

Does Oregon require a business license?

As of now, Oregon state authorities don’t have a general business license. However, you must check with the concerned state agencies or boards if any special license is required to start and run your type of business activities.

Do I need an EIN in Oregon?

Yes, you need to have EIN to start a business activity in the state of Oregon in the United States.

Oregon is one of the most economically progressive states in the country. Hopefully, this hands-on guide on how to start a successful business in Oregon will help you to start a business from home with a little investment.