10+ Best Small Business Ideas to Start in Missouri [2023])

Explore our top 10+ small business ideas for Missouri in 2023! Kickstart your entrepreneurial journey with these profitable opportunities.
Newfoundr

By Nick Cotter
Updated Feb 07, 2024

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Hey there, future entrepreneurs! Welcome to the Show-Me State, where the spirit of enterprise is as vast as the mighty Mississippi River. If you're thinking about planting your entrepreneurial seeds in the fertile soils of Missouri, you're in the right place at the right time. As we approach 2023, we're seeing a surge of opportunities that are just waiting to be seized.

Starting a small business may seem daunting, but don't worry, we've got your back. We're here to guide you, inspire you, and show you that the path to success is not as winding as the Route 66. Whether you're a local Missourian or an aspiring business owner looking to make a mark in this vibrant state, this article is for you.

So, buckle up and get ready to explore the top 10+ small business ideas to start in Missouri in 2023. We promise, it's going to be an exciting journey!

Local Food Restaurant

Starting a Local Food Restaurant in Missouri is a fantastic idea for several reasons. Missouri is known for its rich agricultural heritage, which provides an abundant supply of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. This type of restaurant not only supports local farmers and promotes healthy eating, but also attracts food lovers who appreciate the farm-to-table concept.

  • Missouri's diverse agriculture allows for a wide variety of fresh, local ingredients, including fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products.
  • Supporting local farmers and businesses can boost the local economy and create a sense of community.
  • Locally sourced food is often fresher, healthier, and more flavorful than food shipped from far away.
  • Many consumers are becoming more conscious of where their food comes from and prefer to support businesses that use local, sustainable ingredients.
  • Missouri has a growing foodie culture, with residents and tourists alike seeking out unique dining experiences.
image of a Local Food Restaurant

Specialty Bakery

Missouri, known for its diverse culture and rich history, is a perfect place to establish a Specialty Bakery. The state's love for unique, homegrown, and quality food products makes it a fertile ground for a bakery that offers specialized and customized baked goods. The bakery will not only cater to the local residents' tastes but also attract tourists who are exploring the local food scene.

  • Local Ingredients: Missouri is rich in agriculture, providing a wide array of locally sourced ingredients. This ensures freshness and quality in every baked good produced.
  • Diverse Population: The diverse population in Missouri provides a broad customer base with varying tastes and preferences, perfect for a bakery offering a range of specialty items.
  • Thriving Tourism: With millions of tourists visiting the state each year, a Specialty Bakery can attract a significant number of out-of-town customers.
  • Support for Small Businesses: Missouri has numerous programs and incentives in place to support small businesses, making it an ideal location for a startup bakery.
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Examples of successful businesses:

Missouri, known as the "Show-Me State," has proven to be a fertile ground for small businesses to thrive. With its diverse economy and supportive business environment, numerous entrepreneurs have found success in various industries across the state. From innovative tech startups to traditional mom-and-pop shops, here are some examples of small business ideas that have flourished in Missouri:

  • Square, Inc.: Founded by Jack Dorsey, Square is a financial services and mobile payment company that started in St. Louis, Missouri. It revolutionized the way small businesses accept credit card payments by introducing a compact card reader that attaches to smartphones or tablets.
  • Beyond Meat: This plant-based meat substitute company was founded in Columbia, Missouri. Beyond Meat has gained significant popularity and disrupted the food industry by offering alternatives to traditional animal-based products, catering to the growing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly food options.
  • Big O Tires: Established in St. Joseph, Missouri, Big O Tires is a successful franchise specializing in automotive services. It has expanded across the country, providing tire sales, installations, and other vehicle maintenance services.
  • Swank Motion Pictures: Based in St. Louis, Swank Motion Pictures is a licensing company that provides access to movies for non-theatrical markets. It has become a leading provider of licensed film content to various industries, including universities, cruise ships, and correctional facilities.
  • Peterson Manufacturing Company: Founded in Grandview, Missouri, Peterson Manufacturing is a family-owned company specializing in vehicle safety lighting. It manufactures and distributes a wide range of lighting products for trucks, trailers, and other vehicles, serving both domestic and international markets.

Mobile Pet Grooming Service

Mobile Pet Grooming Service in Missouri is a fantastic idea for several reasons. Firstly, it brings convenience to pet owners who lead busy lives and are unable to take their pets to grooming salons. Secondly, it provides personalized attention to pets in a familiar environment, which reduces stress and anxiety. Thirdly, it eliminates the need for transportation and potential exposure to other animals' diseases or parasites. Lastly, it offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate pet owners' needs.

  • Convenience: This service comes to your doorstep, saving you time and effort. You no longer have to adjust your schedule to make trips to the pet salon.
  • Personalized Attention: In a one-on-one setting, your pet will receive undivided attention from the groomer, ensuring a thorough and high-quality grooming session.
  • Safety: Your pet won't be exposed to other animals that may carry diseases or parasites. Plus, the familiar environment can help reduce anxiety in pets.
  • Flexible Scheduling: Mobile pet grooming services often offer more flexible hours than traditional pet salons, making it easier for you to find a time that works for you.

More resources:

Local Craft Brewery

Setting up a Local Craft Brewery in Missouri is a fantastic idea for several reasons. Missouri, known for its rich history and diverse culture, offers an ideal environment for such an enterprise. The state's favorable business climate, coupled with its residents' love for beer, makes it a prime location for a craft brewery.

  • Rich Beer History: Missouri has a rich beer history, home to Anheuser-Busch, one of the largest brewers in the world. This history has cultivated a beer-loving culture, providing a ready market for a local craft brewery.
  • Favorable Business Environment: Missouri has a favorable business environment with low taxes and business-friendly regulations, which would support the growth and success of a local craft brewery.
  • Local Ingredients: Missouri's fertile land is perfect for growing high-quality ingredients like barley and hops, which are essential for brewing beer. Using locally sourced ingredients can enhance the flavor and quality of the beer, making it unique and appealing to beer enthusiasts.
  • Support for Local Businesses: There is a strong sense of community in Missouri, with residents often showing great support for local businesses. A local craft brewery can leverage this community spirit to build a loyal customer base.
  • Tourism: Missouri attracts a large number of tourists each year. A local craft brewery can become a tourist attraction, offering brewery tours and beer tastings, thereby increasing its revenue.

Outdoor Adventure Guide Service

Missouri, known as the "Show-Me State," offers a wealth of natural beauty and outdoor activities, making it an ideal location for an Outdoor Adventure Guide Service. From the rugged Ozark Mountains to the stunning riverways, the state is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. An Outdoor Adventure Guide Service can provide expert-led experiences, ensuring safety and maximum enjoyment for visitors.

  • Wide variety of outdoor activities: Missouri offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, rock climbing, fishing, canoeing, and camping. An adventure guide service can provide expert guidance for these activities.
  • Stunning landscapes: With the Ozark Mountains, Mark Twain National Forest, and numerous rivers and lakes, Missouri is home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the country. A guide service can help visitors fully explore these scenic areas.
  • Rich biodiversity: Missouri boasts a rich variety of flora and fauna. An outdoor adventure guide service can offer informative wildlife and nature tours.
  • Historical and cultural sites: Missouri is also rich in history and culture, with many sites of interest for visitors. A guide service can provide historical tours and cultural experiences.
  • Safety: Outdoor activities can carry risks, especially for inexperienced adventurers. A professional guide service ensures that all safety precautions are taken, providing peace of mind for visitors.

Related business ideas:

Home Cleaning Service

A Home Cleaning Service in Missouri is a great idea for several reasons. Not only does it help maintain a clean and healthy living environment, but it also saves time and reduces stress. Professional cleaning services have the necessary tools and expertise to thoroughly clean your home, ensuring every corner is spotless. Here are some key benefits:

  • Time-saving: With busy schedules, finding time to clean can be challenging. A cleaning service takes care of all the cleaning tasks, allowing you more time to focus on other important things.
  • Professional Standards: Home cleaning services have professional cleaners who are trained to clean your home to the highest standards.
  • Healthier Environment: Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of dust, mold, and allergens, promoting a healthier living environment.
  • Stress Reduction: Keeping a home clean can be stressful. By hiring a professional cleaning service, you can reduce this stress knowing your home will be cleaned thoroughly and regularly.
  • Custom Cleaning Plans: Many cleaning services offer customized cleaning plans to suit your specific needs and preferences.

Local Coffee Shop

Setting up a Local Coffee Shop in Missouri is a brilliant idea for several reasons:

  • Missouri has a thriving community of coffee lovers, providing a ready market for a local coffee shop.
  • Missouri's central location in the United States allows for easy access to both local and national coffee suppliers, ensuring the shop can offer a variety of flavors and blends.
  • The state's strong economy and supportive small business environment make it an ideal place to start a coffee shop.
  • Missouri is home to several colleges and universities, providing a steady stream of students who are potential customers.
  • With a local coffee shop, residents can enjoy high-quality, freshly-brewed coffee and also support a local business, contributing to the local economy.

Home Renovation And Interior Design Service

Missouri, known for its blend of Midwestern and Southern cultural influences, offers a unique canvas for home renovations and interior design services. This service is a great idea for various reasons:

  • Value Addition: Professional interior design and renovation services can significantly increase the value of a home. This is beneficial for homeowners planning to sell or rent out their properties.
  • Customization: A home renovation and interior design service allows homeowners to customize their living spaces to their tastes and needs. This can greatly enhance the comfort and functionality of their homes.
  • Energy Efficiency: Renovations can also improve a home's energy efficiency. For instance, installing new windows or improving insulation can lead to substantial savings on energy bills.
  • Local Expertise: A Missouri-based service would have a deep understanding of local styles, trends, and regulations. This can result in a design that beautifully blends with the local architecture and environment.
  • Professionalism: Homeowners can benefit from the expertise, experience, and resources of professionals. This can ensure a high-quality finish, avoid costly mistakes, and save time.

Personal Fitness Training Service

Missouri, known for its diverse landscapes and active communities, is an ideal location for a Personal Fitness Training Service. With a growing awareness of health and fitness in the region, the demand for personal training services has increased significantly. Here's why establishing a Personal Fitness Training Service in Missouri is a good idea:

  • Health-Conscious Population: Missouri residents are becoming more health-conscious and are looking for personalized fitness programs to meet their health goals.
  • Diverse Client Base: Missouri boasts a diverse population across different age groups, providing a wide client base for personal fitness training services.
  • Active Communities: Missouri communities are known for their active lifestyles, participating in various outdoor activities and sports, which creates a natural market for fitness training services.
  • Supportive Local Government: The local government in Missouri encourages businesses that promote health and wellness, offering potential support and incentives for such initiatives.
  • Availability of Fitness Facilities: Missouri has a good number of fitness facilities and open spaces, providing ample opportunities for personal trainers to conduct their sessions.

Handmade Craft And Artisan Goods Store

A Handmade Craft and Artisan Goods Store in Missouri can be a great business idea for a number of reasons. Missouri has a rich history of art and craftsmanship, making it a prime location for such a store. The local community is known for its appreciation of unique, handmade items, providing a ready market for the products. Additionally, having a physical store in Missouri allows for the promotion of local artisans and their work, contributing to the local economy and culture.

  • Missouri's rich history and culture make it a prime location for a store specializing in handmade crafts and artisan goods.
  • The local community has a deep appreciation for handmade, unique items, ensuring a steady demand for the products.
  • Having a physical store allows for showcasing the work of local artisans, giving them a platform to sell their goods and promoting local talent.
  • Such a store contributes to the local economy, providing job opportunities and promoting tourism.
  • It encourages the continuation of traditional crafts and techniques, preserving them for future generations.
  • A physical store provides a unique shopping experience, allowing customers to touch, feel, and appreciate the craftsmanship of the items, something that online shopping cannot offer.

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We're newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

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