802 Most Common Small Businesses in the United States

802 Most Common Small Businesses in the United States

QUESTION: I’m stuck, and can you use some help. I live in a small town in Idaho (under 10,000 people) and I want to start a business. Can you help me brainstorm a dozen new business ideas? Every idea I come up with already exists here, and I’d rather not have to compete with someone else, if at all possible. The community is very judgmental about new businesses that compete with existing businesses. The other day a Subway franchise opened up and people actually picketed! Thanks. -Rick.

Thanks Rick! We’ve been sitting on this list for awhile, just waiting for the right time to share it. Sorry it’s not a dozen but the sheer variety should help give you some great ideas. Here are the 802 Most Common Small Businesses in the United States. Check it out and see if there isn’t something that’s perfect for you! In addition, check out our directory for many excellent and low cost business opportunities.

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Abrasive Blast Cleaning Services
Accountants
Acoustical Analysis Services
Actuaries
Acupuncturists
Addressing & Mailing Services
Adhesive Application Services
Adult Schools
Adventure Travel Agencies
Advertising Agencies
Aerial Surveying Services
Agricultural Support Service
Air Cleaners Dealers
Air Cleaning, Purifying & Monitoring Services
Air Conditioning Contractors
Air Freight Forwarding Services
Air Quality Monitoring Services
Aircraft Accessories, Parts & Supplies
Aircraft Engine Repair Services
Aircraft Instruction
Aircraft Rental
Airline Food Service Contractors
Ambulance Services
Amusement Places
Animal Breeders
Animal Hospitals
Annealing Services
Answering Services
Antique Appraisers
Antique Dealers
Antique Restoration
Apartment Rental / Property Management
Apparel
Apparel – Baby
Apparel – Big and Tall
Apparel – Children’s
Apparel – Men’s
Apparel – Natural Fiber Clothing
Apparel – Swimwear
Apparel – Women’s
Appliance Dealers
Appliance Repair
Appraisal Services
Aquarium Dealers
Arcades
Architects
Art Dealers
Art Galleries
Art Instruction
Art Therapist
Artists and Entertainers
Arts & Crafts
Athletic Clothing Suppliers
Athletic Shoe Dealers
Auctioneers
Auto Parts Dealer
Auto Sales (New)
Auto Sales (Used)
Auto Wheel Alignment
Automobile Air Conditioning
Automobile Brokers
Automobile Customizing
Automobile Detailing
Automobile Inspection Stations
Automobile Part Supply
Automobile Rental
Automobile Restoration
Automobile Seat Covers and Upholstery
Automobile Service
Automobile Starter Repair
Automobile Towing
Automotive Roadside Service
Automotive Transmission Repair
Baby Equipment Rentals
Backhoe Service
Bail Bonds
Bait Shops
Bakery
Bakery Cleaning Services
Balloon Delivery
Balloon Tours
Banquet Facilities
Barber Schools
Barber Shop
Bars
Bathroom Safety Products Dealers
Beauty Schools
Beauty Shop/Salon
Bed and Breakfast Inn
Beef Farming
Beer and Ale Dealers
Beverage Machine Service
Bird Breeding
Board and Care Facilities
Boarding Houses
Boat Charters
Boat Covers, Upholstery
Boat Repairing
Boat Storage
Body Art, Tattoos, Piercing
Body Care Products Dealers
Body Waxing
Boiler Cleaning/Calibration Services
Book Dealers
Bookbinding Services
Bookkeepers
Booklet Printing Services
Boot and Shoe Repair
Bottled Water Dealers
Brake Service
Bridal Consultant
Bridal Shops
Builders Supply Delivery Service
Building Inspection Services
Building Materials Dealers
Building Movers
Business Card Printers
Business Coach
Business Forms Suppliers
Business Intelligence Consultants
Business Schools
Business Support Services
Butchers
Cabinet Makers
Cable Installation Services
Cable TV Service
CAD/CAM Services
Cafes
Cafeterias
Cake Decorating
Camera Equipment Dealers
Camper Sales
Candle Shops
Candymakers
Car Washes
Car Washing and Polishing
Carburetor Repair Shops
Careers Advisor
Carpenters
Carpet and Rug Cleaners
Carport Contractors
Carryout Foods
Cat Breeding
Caterers
CD, Records, Tapes Dealers
Cellular Phone Sales
Ceramic Coatings Services
Certified Public Accountants
Chain Restaurants
Charter Bus Services
Chemical Disposal and Recycling Services
Child Care Centers
Child Care Services
Children’s Party Supplies
Chimney Cleaning
Chiropractors
Christmas Tree Farms
Cigar, Cigarette and Tobacco Dealers
Cinemas
Circuit Boards Repair and Service
Circuit Design and Layout Service
Civil Engineer
Cleaning Supplies Dealers
Closet Organizing
Clothing Alterations
Clothing Design Company
Clothing Resale
Coal Delivery
Cocktail Lounges
Coffee Houses
Coffee Kiosks
Coffee Shops
Coffee, Tea, Spice Suppliers
Coin Dealers
Coin Dealers
Coin Op Carwashes
Coin Op Laundry
Coin Op Machine Service
Collectibles Dealers
Collection Agencies
Commercial Aircraft Washing Services
Commercial Steam Cleaning
Commodity Brokers
Communications Equipment Repair
Computer Backup Services
Computer Consulting
Computer Network Consultants
Computer Printer Supplies Dealers
Computer Programming
Computer Refurbishment
Computer Service/Repair
Computer/Technology Instruction
Concrete Contractors
Concrete Cutting Contractors
Concrete Suppliers
Confectionery & Nut Dealers
Conference Organization Service
Consignment Shops
Construction Forms Supplier
Consumer Electronics Dealers
Contract Packaging
Contract Parts Cleaning Service
Convalescent Care
Convenience Stores
Cookie Shops
Cooking/Gourmet Equipment Sales
Corporate Fitness Consultant
Cosmetics Sales
Cost Reduction Consultants
Costume Rental
Court Reporters
Court Reporting Schools
Craft Malls
Craft Supplies Dealers
Credit and Debt Counseling Services
Custom Drapery Makers
Custom Embroidery
Cyclery
Dance Studios
Data Processing Services
Data Storage Products Suppliers
Dating Services
Day Spas
Delicatessens
Desktop Publishing
Diaper Services
Dietician and Nutritional Counseling
Disc Jockeys
Discount Stores
Diving Schools
Dog Breeding
Doll Hospitals & Repair
Dollar Stores
Domestic Service Agencies
Domestic Services
Doughnut Shops
Drafting
Drapery Cleaners
Drapery Installation
Drapery Repair
Drive In Theaters
Driveway Contractors
Driving Instructors
Driving Schools
Drug Stores
Dry Cleaners
Drywall Contractors
Dynamic Balancing Services
E-Commerce Consultants
Educational Services
Electrical Contractors
Electrolysis
Electronic Bookkeeping Services
Elevator Inspection Services
Employment Agencies/Consultants
Energy Conservation Dealers
Engine Rebuilding
Engineer
Engravers
Escrow Services
Event Planners
Excavating Contractors
Executive Placement Services
Exercise Equipment Repair
Exercise Equipment Sales
Exhaust System Repair
Fabric Laminating Services
Fabric Shops
Fabricating Services
Facial Salons
Facsimile Transmission Service
Farm Equipment Operators
Farm Equipment Sales
Farming
Fast Food Franchises
Feed Dealers
Fencing Contractors
Financial Planners and Consultants
Fire Damage Restoration
Fire Extinguisher Sales
First Aid Kit Sales
Fish and Seafood Markets
Fish Hatcheries
Fishing Ponds
Fishing Tackle Dealers
Fitness Consultants
Floor Covering Dealers
Floor Coverings Dealers
Floor Waxing and Polishing Services
Food Service Supplies Dealers
Forestry Support Services
Forklift Sales and Service
Formalwear Rental/Sales
Framing & Art
Franchise Restaurants
Freight and Trucking
Frozen Yogurt Shops
Fuel Oil Delivery
Fundraising Services
Funeral Homes
Funeral Homes
Furnace Repair
Furniture Dealers
Furniture From Recycled Materials Dealers
Furniture Repairing
Garden & Lawn Sprinkler Contractors/Dealers
Garden Accessories
Garden Centers
Gardeners
Gas Stations
Geologist
Gift Baskets
Gift Shops
Glass Blowing Services
Glass Coating and Tinting
Glass Dealers/Installers
Glassware: Advertising
Global Positioning Systems Services
Golf Courses
Gourmet Food Dealers
GPS Hardware Dealers
Graffiti Removal Services
Granite Dealers
Graphic Designers
Graphics Services
Greeting Card Dealers
Grocers
Groundwater Monitoring & Testing Services
Guitar Dealers
Gun Dealers
Gymnastic Studio
Hair Removal
Handicapped Transportation Services
Handymen
Hauling
Hay Growers
Health and Diet Food Producers
Health Clubs
Health Food
Health Resorts
Hearing Aids
Heating Contractors
Heating Oil Dealers
Helicopter Services
Here is an alphabetized list of the most common small businesses in
the United States.
Hobby Shops
Holography Services
Home Builders
Home Health Equipment Rental
Home Health Services
Home Improvements
Home Inspection Service
Home Rental / Property Management
Home Theater Dealers
Home Watch Services
Honey and Syrup Collectors
Horse Rentals
Horseshoeing
Hospices
Hospital Equipment and Supplies
Hot Dog Wagons
Hot Tub Dealers
Hot Tub Repair
Hot Tub Maintenance Service
Housecleaners
Household China & Dishware Dealers
Household Glassware Dealers
Hydraulic Equipment Repair
Hypnotherapists
Ice Dealers
Illustrator
Independent Insurance Agents
Independent Restaurants
Industrial Machine Maintenance Services
Industrial Polishing Services
Industrial/Technical Schools
Information Consultant
Inkjet Cartridge Refurbishing
Inline Skating Products Dealer
Instrument Installation Services
Insulation Contractors
Insurance Loss Adjuster Services
Interior Decorators/Designers
Internet Access Centers
Internet Cafes
Internet Entrepreneur
Internet Marketing
Intranet Consultants
Investigation Services
Investment Advisory Service
Irradiation Services
Irrigation Systems Dealers
Janitor Service
Janitors Equipment & Supplies
Jewelers
Jewelry Repairing
Karate Instruction
Kennels
Key Making
Kitchen Remodeling
Knitting & Needlework Instruction
Ladybug Breeding
Land Clearing
Land Subdivision & Development
Landscape Contractors
Landscaping
Laptop Computer Refurbishment
Laser Engraving Services
Laser Scribing Services
Laundries
Laundry and Dry Cleaning Supplies Dealers
Lawn Mower Dealers
Lawn Mower sharpening & Repair
Lawnmowing
Leather Goods Sales
Leather Repairing
Legal Services
Legal Transcription
Lift Truck Services
Lighting Equipment Rental
Lighting Fixtures Dealers
Lighting Maintenance and Repair Services
Lighting Stores
Lightning Protection Equipment Installation/Services
Limousine Services
Linen Supply Services
Linens & Domestics Dealers
Lingerie Shops
Linoleum Dealers
Linoleum Layers
Liquor Stores (Carryout)
List Updating Services
Loan Brokers
Locksmiths
Logging
Luggage Dealers
Lumber Dealers
Lunch Service Catering
Machine Shops
Machine Tool Servicing
Machinery Installation Services
Mail Box Rental
Mail Order
Mail Order Returns Processing
Mailing List Dealer
Manicurist
Marine Equipment and Supplies
Marine Repair
Market Research
Marketing Publications
Marriage and Family Counselors
Martial Arts Instruction
Masonry Contractors
Masonry Supplies Dealers
Massage Therapists
Matchmaking Service
Materials Handling Equipment Dealers
Maternity Shops
Mattress and Sleep Furniture Dealers
Media Buying Services
Medial Transcription Service
Mediation Services
Medical Claims Billing
Medical Equipment and Supplies
Medical Laboratories
Medical Records Copying
Medical Transportation Service
Medical X-Ray Services
Meditation Studios
Metal Scrap Dealers
Microbrewery
Mini Blind and Window Treatments
Mink Breeding
Mobile Auto Glass
Mobile Home Dealer
Mobile Home Repair/Restoration
Mobile Home Supplies Dealers
Model Shops
Modeling Agency
Moisture Control Services
Monuments
Mortgage Brokers
Motels
Motorcycle Accessories Dealers
Motion Picture and Sound Recording
Motor Scooter Dealers
Motorcycle Dealers
Motorcycle Repair
Movers
Moving Equipment Rental
Museums
Music Dealers
Music Instruction
Musical Instrument Dealers
Musical Instrument Repair
Nail Artist
Nail Salons
Natural Pest Control Products
Natural Pest Control Services
News Dealers
Newstands
Nightclubs
Non-store Retailers
Notaries Public
Nurseries
Nursery Stock Suppliers
Office Copier Supplies
Office Machine Sales
Office Machinery Rental and Leasing
Office Record Storage Services
Office Supplies
Oil and Gas Extraction
Oil Change & Lube
One-Hour Photo Service
Optical Coating Services
Opticians
Optometry
Organic Food Growers/Supplier
Organic Gardening Supply Dealers
Organizing Services
Outboard Motors Dealers/Repairs
Outfitters and Guides
Oven Repair Service
Packaging Service
Packing & Crating Service
Paging & Signaling Service
Paint Dealers
Painting Contractors
Pallet Suppliers
Parking Lots/Garages
Party Planning
Party Sales
Party Supplies
Patent Research Services
Patio & Deck Builders
Patio Furniture Dealers
Paving Contractors
Pay Telephone Operators
Payday Loans
Payroll Preparation Service
PDA Dealers
Pedicurist
Pension Administration Services
Personal Coach
Personal Concierge
Personal Safety Instructors
Personal Safety Products Dealers
Personalized Label Suppliers
Pest Control Services
Pet Grooming
Pet ID & Recovery Services
Pet Memorials
Pet Shops
Pet Sitting & Boarding
Pet Supplies
Petting Zoos
Pharmacies
Photo Finishers
Photographers
Physical Therapists
Piano Dealers
Piano Tuning, Repairing
Pipe and Cable Locating Services
Pipe Contractors
Pipe Inspection
Pizza Restaurant
Plant Dealers
Plaster Contractors
Plumbers
Plumbing Fixture Dealers
Podiatrists
Pottery Dealers
Poultry Farming
Printers
Privacy Consultants
Private Investigators
Private Sports Instruction
Produce/Fruit Dealers
Product Design Services
Product Engineering Services
Product Evaluation Services
Product Fulfillment Services
Product Safety Testing Services
Propane Dealers
Psychics
Public Opinion Polling
Public Relations Consultants
Publishers
Pump Dealers
Pump Repair
Quality Control Inspection Services
Quarries
Quilters
Radiator Repair
Rain Gutter Cleaning
Rain Gutter Contractors
Real Estate Appraisers
Real Estate Title Services
Realtors – Commercial
Realtors – Residential
Records/Document Management
Recreational Vehicle Dealers
Recreational Vehicle Parks
Recreational Vehicle Rental
Recycling Services
Refrigeration Dealers/Repair
Rehabilitation Hospitals
Rehabilitation Outpatient Services
Religious Book Stores
Religious Goods Dealers
Relocation Services
Remodeling Contractors
Rental Service Stores/Yards
Reprographic Services
Reptile Breeding
Research and Development Services
Residential Steam Cleaning
Resorts
Respiratory Treatment Services
Restaurant Supplies Dealers
Retirement Planning Services
Riding Stables
Roofing Contractors
Roofing Material Suppliers
Rotary Die Cutting Services
Rubber Stamps
Saddlery
Safe and Vault Dealers
Safety Equipment and Clothing
Safety Training Services
Safety Valve Testing Services
Sales Lead Generation & Management Services
Sales Presentation & Development Services
Sampling Services
Sand & Gravel Dealers
Sandblasting Services
Sandwich Shops
Sanitation Service
Satellite Equipment and Systems
Saw Sharpening
Scales – Repair and Service
Scanning Services
School Supplies Dealers
Scrap Metal Processing
Scrapbooking Dealers
Screen Door/Window Dealers
Screen Door/Window Screen Installation
Screen Printing
SCUBA Equipment Rental and Sales
Second Hand Stores
Secret Shopper Service
Secretarial Services
Securities Brokers
Security Guard Services
Security System Dealers
Self Storage Facilities
Self-Service Laundry
Seminar Production
Septic Tank Contractors
Service Contracts: Appliances
Service Station Equipment Suppliers
Sewing Machine Service/Repair
Shaved Ice Dealer
Sheet Metal Work
Shock Absorber Sales/Repair
Shoe Stores
Siding Contractors
Sign Installation Services
Sign Printers
Sign Makers
Skateboard Dealers
Small Engine Rebuilding
Small Manufacturing – Chemicals
Small Manufacturing – Clay
Small Manufacturing – Glass Products
Small Manufacturing – Metal Products
Small Manufacturing – Plastics
Small Manufacturing – Rubber
Snackbars
Social Assistance
Social Therapists
Sod and Sodding Service
Software Duplication Services
Software Publisher
Software Sales
Solar Energy Systems Dealers
Soldering Services
Sound System Dealer/Repair
Souvenir Shops
Specialty Food Products
Specialty Furniture Manufacturing
Specialty Greeting Cards
Specialty Paper Suppliers
Specialty Transportation Services
Sporting Goods Dealers
Sports Activity Centers
Sports Bars
Sportswear Dealers
Spraying Services
Staffing Services
Stamp Dealers
Store Fixture Installation Services
Stove Dealers (Wood, Pellet, etc.)
Sun Glasses Dealers
Surveyors
Swimming Pool Contractors
Swimming Pool Service
T-Shirt Dealers
Taco Shops
Tailors
Tank Installation Services
Tanning Salons
Taverns
Tax Return Preparation
Taxicabs
Technical Writing Services
Teen Clothing & Accessories
Television Repair
Termite Control
Termite Inspection
Textile Bag Suppliers
Thrift Shops
Tile Contractors
Tile Dealers
Tire Dealers
Tool & Die Makers
Tool Dealers
Tour Operators
Toy Crafters
Toy Dealers
Trade Show Exhibition Services
Traffic Schools
Trailer Hitch Dealers/Installation
Trailer Repair Services
Transcription Services
Translation Service
Travel Agents
Tree Service
Trenching Service
Trophy Dealers
Truck Dealers
Truck Driving Schools
Truck Painting & Lettering
Truck Renting
Truck Stops
Truss Construction
Turbine Repair Services
Turnkey Building & Installation Services
Tutoring
Tuxedo Rental
Typesetting Services
Typographers
Ultrasonic Cleaning Services
Ultrasonic Inspection Services
Uniform Supply Service
Upholsterers
Used Equipment Dealers
Vacuum Cleaner Dealers/Repair
Valet Services
Van Conversion Services
Vegan Food Products Supplier
Vehicle Emissions Testing Services
Vending Services
Veterinary Services
Video Equipment Sales/Rentals
Video Inspection Services
Video Rentals
Video Tape Duplicating Services
Videographers
Vintage/Retro Clothing Retailers
Virtual Assistants
Wallpaper/Wallcovering Dealers
Wallpaper/Wallcovering Installation
Warehousing
Water Analysis Services
Water Damage Restoration
Water Haulers
Water Heaters Dealers/Repair
Water Purification & Filtration Services
Water Well Drillers
Watercraft Dealers
Watercraft Rental
Website Designers
Wedding Chapels
Wedding Planners
Weight Control Services
Welcoming Services
Welding Equipment Leasing & Rental Services
Welding Repair
Window Blinds Dealers
Window Cleaning
Window Coverings Dealers
Window Dealers
Window Replacement
Window Tinting and Coating
Wine Dealers
Woodworking
Woodworking Supplies
Wrecking Service
Wrought Iron Dealers
Yoga Instruction

Hope that help you with some idea generators. Remember to check our Directory for real world business opportunities that might be just perfect for you! Laurie

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