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Written by: Esther Strauss
Esther is a business strategist with over 20 years of experience as an entrepreneur, executive, educator, and management advisor.
Edited by: David Lepeska
David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.
Updated on March 14, 2023
California represents the world’s fifth-largest economy, with $3.4 trillion in economic output in 2021. Its biggest sector is agriculture, though Hollywood and Silicon Valley are also major contributors.
Besides businesses related to film, television and technology, entrepreneurs like you can go into retail and sell beauty products, or set up an e-commerce business or shoe store. Check out our list of brilliant business ideas in California and start chasing your dreams!
Books give you knowledge and life lessons, provide entertainment, enhance your imagination, and record important memories of society. Some books are better than others, though. If you love books and you want to have control over the type of books that see print, why don’t you start a publishing company?
The US publishing industry has yet to recover from the pandemic slump, but it remains a huge market with revenue exceeding $30 billion, according to market analyst IBISWorld. Besides publishing, publishers also take care of book editing, design, illustration, and distribution.
There are segments that are still performing well such as educational books, scholarly publications, and ebooks. German data firm Statista predicts the ebook market to grow 17% per year and approach $7 billion by 2025. It’s a wise choice to stick to these segments and start publishing ebooks first. You can do so on self-publishing platforms such as Amazon’s KDP, which claims to sell more than eight in 10 ebooks sold worldwide. Good luck!
A great deal of manufacturing has moved overseas in recent decades, but US manufacturing is still an $8 billion industry that has seen steady growth in recent years. Manufacturing businesses can be extremely profitable, but they also require a lot of planning and hard work.
The first step is to decide what you’re going to produce. Do some market research and see which products are selling well and where there may be a market gap. You should keep an eye out for products that are more affordable to manufacture or offer a significant markup and strong profits. Next, you’ll need to rent or purchase a manufacturing facility, preferably in an out-of-the-way location to keep costs low. Once you start making your products, you’ll need to have them tested and certified and acquire all the necessary licenses and permits.
Finally, you’ll be ready to launch a marketing campaign that, with a bit of luck, should start bringing in orders and put you back in the black.
The US real estate market has been booming in recent years, and is now worth nearly $400 billion and expected to see further growth in the years ahead. As an entrepreneur, you’re probably always on the look-out for new opportunities. Right now, with sales totals and home prices at record highs, real estate ranks among the largest and most promising markets. And best of all, you’ll be helping families settle down and build homes and communities.
Of course, starting a real estate business isn’t as easy as getting out of bed. You’ll need to educate yourself about the market and obtain a real estate agent’s license. You’ll need to familiarize yourself with all of the relevant online tools and information to keep you updated on market trends, and find a local broker to partner with. Finally, you’ll need to set up a website and successfully market your home buying and selling abilities in order to stand out in a crowded marketplace.
All that done, you’ll be ready to start building your real estate empire.
If you’re an accountant, why not consider launching your own accounting business? It’s one of the most lucrative small businesses and there’s always a demand for accounting services. As the US economy improves, corporate profit is also expected to increase, presenting vast opportunities for accounting businesses. The accounting services market in the US is worth more than $140 billion and still growing.
Before you get started, it’s important to have a clear vision of your purpose and a firm grasp of the risks involved in starting a business. In some states, you may not need to be a certified public accountant to start an accounting firm. You just need to register it as a business and comply with all applicable laws and regulations. But getting certified will allow you to offer some services that only CPA businesses can. With the right skills, a good marketing plan, and a lot of hard work, you can make your accounting business incredibly rewarding.
Thinking of setting up a health care business? You’re on the right track. Demand for health care services is on the rise mainly due to an aging population in the US. By 2030, the number of American adults age 65 and older is forecast to exceed 60 million. This means increased health care spending. Which segments are booming, you might ask. Profits are growing fastest in medtech and health care information technology (IT).
So what are you waiting for? Now’s the time to start a health care business. Take the first step by finding a niche that you can focus on. Make sure you have the necessary permits and licenses, whether you’re thinking of starting a medical practice, home health care company, or something else entirely. You’ll also need to decide on a value proposition that will set you apart from the competition and make it easier for you to promote your business.
Starting an insurance business can be a great way to make a profit while helping others plan for the future and hedge against financial losses. The global insurance industry has been growing, with revenues estimated to reach more than $6 trillion in 2025. Analysts believe the industry is poised for a more rapid growth as the world recovers from the pandemic. This could be the right time for you to start your own insurance business.
You can start small by setting up an office affiliated with a major industry player. Before you launch your business, you need to know your products well and focus on a niche market. Will you be offering property, health or life policies, among others? You’ll also need to consider the emerging technologies in coming up with business models. It would be helpful if you have actuary skills, some customer service experience and great networking skills.
Gas stations sales continue to increase despite the recent surge in pump prices. In early 2022, sales at gas stations were up 36% from the previous year. Gas stations can be very profitable when they’re strategically located and well-managed. If you have a property at the heart of a commercial district or the chance to acquire a gas station in a good location, this may be opportunity knocking.
A gas station requires a significant investment if you’re building from scratch, so it’s important to identify funding sources before you get started. One option is to buy an existing station, but not before you check for any legal, environmental and other issues affecting the property. You will need to get a license and comply with underground storage regulations. But with hard work and careful planning, you can make your gas station successful.
Do you have a great business idea, but don’t know where to start? These days, the best way to get started is often by turning to the internet, where a wide variety of ecommerce businesses have found great success in recent years. Of course you know about Amazon, but there are also millions of smaller businesses that make up what is now a $4 trillion global industry.
With countless people stuck at home, ecommerce revenues spike in 2020, and they’re still growing, so opportunity in this market remains strong. You will need an appealing, in-demand product, a simple, easy-to-use website, and a sharp marketing plan, but if you’re willing to invest a good chunk of your time and money, your new ecommerce business will have a great shot at success. Somebody’s got to be the next Jeff Bezos, right?
As the US economy recovers from the pandemic, gyms and fitness centers are also bouncing back. The gym, health and fitness clubs industry is poised for modest growth in 2022. Starting your own gym business can be very profitable and rewarding, too.
Setting up a gym can be a breeze if you’re motivated and have a clear vision in mind. You will need to invest in exercise equipment, choose a location that is accessible to potential customers, and secure the necessary permits and certifications. One option is to get a franchise or buy an existing fitness center. You will also need to identify a target market. There’s an increasing number of younger people who want to get fit and healthy, so you might want to direct your advertising and marketing efforts to this demographic. Don’t forget the older fitness buffs, though. Their numbers are also increasing.
Californians REALLY love their cars, and need to keep them looking beautiful in and out. That’s why the US is home to nearly 17,000 car washes and a growing $28 billion industry. With a decent-sized investment, you could start your own car wash business and make countless car owners beam with pride while making a good living.
One crucial element will be location, as few people drive out of their way for a good car wash. So it’s important to find a location with ample space, steady vehicular traffic and easy access. Near malls and shopping centers, or alongside highway rest stops, are among the stronger options. Once you’ve nailed that down, you’ll need to invest in top-of-the-line car washing machines and fine-tune your knowledge of car detailing. Soon enough, you’ll be washing your way straight to the bank!
With many people staying at home and working remotely because of the pandemic, companies have also gone online and undertaken digital marketing initiatives to keep their target markets engaged. Global digital marketing is booming and expected to more than double to $786 billion by 2026.
If you’re looking to start your own digital marketing business, you’re in luck. There has never been a better time to do it. Just catch up on the latest industry trends and keep in mind that since this is a relatively new industry, there are no concrete guidelines for success.
Still, some insights into how other companies grew can be helpful. Read and learn everything you can about the business before uploading your first social media post or your first digital ad. Once you’ve done that, you should be able to get the hang of digital marketing!
Are you a people person who’s good with hair? If so, you might consider starting a barber shop. You’re sure to have clients because tens of millions of American men get haircuts every few weeks. And you might be able to create a cozy and welcoming community hang-out spot.
Before you get started, you’ll need to get a barber license to be able to cut hair for money. The rules vary from state to state, but generally, a barber must complete a barber program or undergo apprenticeship or both, pass the licensure examination, and be at least 16 years old. Most states also require candidates to either complete high school or pass the GED.
Once you hurdle these and other requirements, it’s a good idea to set up your shop in an area with high foot traffic. With careful planning and effective marketing, your business can be profitable.
Have you seen Californians singing BTS songs in Korean? Music has been called the universal language because it’s something all cultures can understand. That’s why it’s also big business. US recorded music revenue jumped 23% in 2021 to $15 billion, and the big players are not the artists, but the record labels. If you’re thinking of tapping into this lucrative market, consider starting your own record label.
A label signs the artist, helps record the music, and markets the music as well as the artist. For small record labels, the wise thing to do in order to minimize startup and operating costs is to go digital instead of producing physical albums. Many consumers tend to stream selected songs, instead of buying entire albums. Streaming is dominating the music industry, with revenue accounting for two-thirds of the total. So if you’re ready to earn big profits, start making music now!
In this age of social media and digital marketing, opportunities abound for skilled and creative writers who can connect to any audience. In the US, employment of writers and authors is set to grow nearly 10% per year through 2030. If you’re looking to capitalize on your writing skills, you might want to consider setting up a freelance writing business. You could write or ghostwrite for magazines, books, blogs, organizations and corporate clients.
There’s nothing easy about freelance writing, though. You would be competing with millions of writers on known freelancing platforms so you’d have to work first at establishing your brand as a writer. Create a blog or a website, set up an account on social media and networking platforms, and connect with other writers to find your first client. It would take a lot of hard work, patience and dedication for you to succeed. But once you start to find some clients, you can expect to land more contracts.
More than eight in 10 adults in the US listen to the radio weekly, making the radio one of the most powerful mediums of communication. Radio has been able to stay relevant by adapting to new technologies. It’s now accessible through smartphones, laptops, and other mobile devices.
Starting your own radio station would be a great way to launch your broadcasting career. It’s fun and highly profitable too. Radio stations in the US earned over $22 billion in 2021, according to market analyst IBISWorld.
Depending on your budget, you can apply for a license to operate a web radio station or a traditional AM/FM radio station. Broadcasting on the web requires less startup investment and allows you to reach more listeners. It’s important to decide on your programming early on, whether you want to just play music, broadcast podcasts, or both. Keep in mind that the number of podcast listeners in the US has more than doubled in the last five years. If you play your cards right, you’ll be making money from your radio station soon.
Businesses stand to lose customers and important data whenever their computer systems are down. That’s why demand is high for computer maintenance and repair services. The US computer and electronics repair industry is valued at $19 billion. If you’re knowledgeable about computers and have troubleshooting skills, consider starting a computer repair business.
This type of business can be run from home, with minimal startup and overhead costs. But you’ll still need to register your business and comply with applicable regulations. Obtaining certifications on top of a bachelor or associate degree will increase your value and attract more clients so it’s wise to apply for these. Computer repair technicians mostly study computer science, IT, or computer information systems. It’s also important to be abreast of the latest trends. With impressive skills, you’ll be making big profits in no time.
Nearly 230 million Americans play video games and the rapidly growing video game market, valued at more than $95 billion, awaits you if you’re thinking of launching a new video game. Who knows? Your new game might dislodge Minecraft or League of Legends as the next smash hit!
If you’re designing the game, you should collaborate with a script writer and graphic artist. It’s important to build your team first and brainstorm on your game’s features, characters, story arcs, and more. Although you can run this business from home, you’ll still need to register it and make sure it’s legally compliant. Once you’ve completed and tested your game, it’s important to apply for a patent. Just make sure it doesn’t bear any similarities to existing games. Starting a video game company is not easy, but you’ll be reaping the rewards if your game catches on.
Wholesale is all about the advantages of scale: prices are lower because purchases are in bulk, vast amounts of tomatoes, cement mix, shoes, or whatever it may be. If you’re good at scaling up and making sales, you might want to consider starting a wholesale business, because the industry is expected to continue its steady growth in the years ahead.
Getting started will require a significant investment, because all of that inventory is not going to suddenly appear out of nowhere, and you’ll need a place to keep it. Fortunately, unlike retail, a wholesale business doesn’t have to worry about finding an area with heavy traffic. Instead, the main concern is space. Once you’ve got your goods and a warehouse, you’ll need to obtain all the necessary licenses, then start reaching out to local businesses that might be interested in your goods.
Keep in mind that this is a big and growing industry, which means you’re going to face stiff competition from established firms and other new entrants. You’ll likely need to work hard, and smart, to succeed.
Are you all about going green and saving the environment? Then why not start a recycling business and turn your passion into your livelihood. You could be fighting climate change and making good money at the same time — now that’s a win-win!
Getting started won’t be cheap, as you’ll need a vehicle to collect and transport the recyclables and a sizable processing facility, as well the appropriate licenses. But you should see a relatively quick return on that initial investment as the US recycling industry is worth billions and growing fast. You’ll just need to decide which types of recyclables you’ll focus on, such as collecting glass to melt down into jars.
Before you dive in, keep in mind that California’s recycling rates are very strong, and could put you in the green.
Are you always checking out people’s shoes? US shoe stores are poised for a rebound due to pent up demand and rising consumer spending. The industry is estimated to be worth $42 billion and expected to post strong growth in the next five years.
To start your own shoe store business, the first thing to do is to scout for a good location. It has to be accessible and located in an area with high foot traffic. Next, come up with a business plan to identify your target market, find reliable suppliers, choose which brands to carry, and more. Your business plan should include a strategy to promote your business through traditional and digital channels. There will likely be bumps along the way, but your shoe store can succeed with hard work and determination.
In the wake of the pandemic, Californians are getting back out to try the latest hot dining options, so now is a great time to start your own restaurant. It’s no easy task, but it can be very lucrative. The US food service industry is expected to bounce back strong and generate $900 billion in sales in 2022.
Still, many restaurant operators believe it will take a year or more before business conditions return to normal. But you could establish a digital presence and work on offering delivery services before opening your doors.
There are many other key steps to consider. First, it’s important to decide what type of restaurant you want to open. Do you want to serve classic American fare, or maybe Italian? Do you want to do casual or fine dining? What about a family-style restaurant? Next, it’s a good idea to research the competition in your area and come up with a plan to set yourself apart. Starting a restaurant can be tough, but if you’re prepared for the challenges ahead, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
Are you interested in real estate? If so, you’re probably aware that the pandemic has spurred record-setting growth, with prices and sales totals as high as they’ve been this century. The real estate market has cooled down slightly lately, but it’s still a great time to get in on the action — and one good way to do so is by starting your own rental property business.
The concept is easy. Just buy a multi-unit property or larger residential complex and start making a steady income from renters, in addition to property appreciation and tax benefits. Of course you’ll need a significant investment to get started, but you also need to break some eggs to make an omelet.
You’ll need to decide which type of property you want to invest in. Are you interested in buying and managing properties yourself, or would you prefer to invest in a property management firm? Next, research the market and find out the price range for your area. Be sure not to overspend early on. Get started, get a feel for the industry in your area, and then start thinking about making bigger bets.
If you’re thinking about starting your own beauty supply business, you’re not alone. The US beauty industry remained attractive even at the height of the pandemic, growing marginally after a drop in sales in 2020. The market is expected to increase to more than $19 billion in 2022 as consumer confidence improves and the economy continues to recover.
Starting a beauty supply business can be challenging since there are so many different types of beauty products in the market. To make your mark in this highly competitive industry, choose a beauty niche and develop a strong brand identity. You should make sure your brand is unique and engaging enough for your customers to notice it when they go on social media or visit their website. It is important to understand your target audience so that you can develop marketing strategies to reach them. Finally, make sure your products are approved by the FDA and that your business complies with cosmetics laws and regulations.
Hollywood is calling, will you answer? With your own film production company you can have some control over the movies people watch. The US film industry is still a huge market with plenty of growth opportunities despite the closure of theaters at the start of the pandemic. The industry earned nearly $92 billion in 2020 and is set to grow 4% annually through 2025.
You’ll need a hefty amount to acquire the necessary equipment, build a creative team, create content, and finance production. Before you can start, your team should do research, scout for locations, and identify the cast. It’s a good idea to link up with theaters and streaming services for the distribution of your movie. Starting a film production company is not easy, as you’ll be competing with big names like Paramount, Universal, and Warner. To succeed you’ll have to offer something fresh and unique.
Demand for project management skills is growing across IT, manufacturing, construction, defense, publishing, and even healthcare. Online recruitment platform Zippia says nearly 47,000 job openings for project management professionals are expected to be created through 2028. If you’re thinking of starting a project management business, you’re on the right track. It’s a great way to start your entrepreneurial journey and make big profits.
Generally, a project management business oversees the implementation of a project and makes sure the goals are achieved within a certain time frame and based on the allotted budget. Your business may be in charge of complying with regulatory requirements, such as an environmental impact study. As project manager, you’ll need strong organizational, business, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills. It’s to your advantage to obtain certifications to prove you have training, knowing the vital skills will add value to your project management business.
If you’re thinking of getting into retail, why not a consignment shop? The resale and consignment market in the US is booming and expected to reach $53 billion in revenue by 2023. A consignment shop sells used goods from a consignor, who retains ownership of the goods until the goods are sold. Your store merely takes a share of the profits.
Before you open, you’ll need to abide by regulations issued by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. Operators of consignment stores and other resale retailers are required to closely examine the products prior to resale to make sure they’re safe.
It’s to your advantage to open your store in an area with high foot traffic. Keep in mind that you’ll be competing with all the other resale and consignment shops in your region. Thus, a good location and an effective marketing strategy can make your consignment shop a success.
Social media is among the world’s fastest-growing industries, with its 20% annual expansion in the last five years expected to increase to 25% annual growth through 2026. By then it will be nearly a trillion dollar industry, which means that now is a great time to get in on the action and ride this wave.
Starting a social media business can be as simple as starting a blog about the media industry on LinkedIn or as complex as creating a fully-fledged Instagram business with lots of people using your content and products. With any social media business, marketing is absolutely crucial. The primary goal will be to connect with your target audience on the relevant platform. This means that before you even get started, you should do some research and experimentation to decide which platform and its user profile best fits you and your interests. From there, you’ll just need to find your niche and start building a respected brand.
Are you thinking of starting your own retail business? If so, you’re in good company. The retail industry is a huge part of the economy, and it’s only getting bigger. But starting a retail business isn’t easy. There are a lot of things to think about, from choosing the right location to setting up your payment system. And let’s not forget the most important step: deciding what you’ll be selling!
A good way to choose your product offerings is to first do some research — see what’s out there, and more importantly what’s not. You’re looking for what sells well, as well as a market gap to fill. Once you know your products, finding a great location for your store will be the next big step. However, you might want to initially run your retail business out of your home. This would significantly reduce your costs and give you time to build a brand and a reputation.
After a year or two, assuming your products are well received by the market, you’ll be in a much better position to find a great location and run a successful retail outlet.
Business is revving back up as the pandemic recedes, and one of the industries best positioned to take advantage is consulting, worth more than $250 billion in the US after strong growth in 2021. If you have an area of expertise — finance and budgeting, technology, operations, or management — you could start your own firm and help businesses improve their efficiency while also making a good living.
Starting a consulting business is difficult, and will require hard work and determination, as well as a decent amount of red tape. Beyond building up a strong network and reliably providing value, a key element of your success will be understanding what sets you and your firm apart and finding ways to promote that message to your target market and deliver on your promise. Accomplish this and you’ll soon build a reputation and, with a bit of luck, seven-figure revenues.
Do you have an area of academic expertise? Maybe you’re great at math, deeply familiar with science, or obsessed with language and literature. Even if you’re not a subject expert, but simply good with children, now’s a great time to consider starting a tutoring business and shape young minds.
The industry took a hit during the pandemic, but today many tutors are embracing virtual instruction and tutoring is expected to see steady growth in the years ahead. As a result, you’re now able to run a tutoring business almost entirely from home, all while helping children to learn and excel and making a good living.
Starting a tutoring business is not terribly complicated. If you have teaching experience or some proof of your expertise, you mainly need a good computer and you can start offering your services on a variety of online platforms, like ClubZ or eTutorWorld. With a bit of marketing on social media, you should be able to attract a few clients and start building your tutoring empire.
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