20 Best Business Ideas in Nebraska

Nebraska is known for sand dunes and towering rock formations. More importantly, it’s a major producer of corn, wheat, and cattle. The local economy is predicted to continue expanding over the next few years, so now is a great time to get in on the action.

Businesses outside the agriculture sector can also thrive in Nebraska. For example, trucking is very important for the delivery of goods to the communities. Other possible businesses are in fashion, ecommerce, and marketing consulting. Check out our list of smart Nebraska business ideas below.

1. Manufacturing

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.

2. Insurance

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.

3. Fish Farm

The average American ate less than 20 pounds of fish and shellfish in 2019, a slight increase from the previous year but still below the recommended dietary allowance. The US Department of Agriculture’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that people eat two 4 oz servings of seafood each week, or 26 pounds per year. This presents an opportunity for fish farms to increase their output. If you’re looking to start a fish farm, you’re on the right track. 

A fish farm commercially breeds fish and seafood, usually for food. It’s important to prepare a substantial amount to find a suitable location, establish your fish pond, procure the required equipment, and find a reliable supplier of fingerlings. Of course, you’ll need to comply with licensing, zoning, and other regulations. It’s also to your advantage to scope out the market and draw up a plan on how to corner a share. With these in place, you’re on your way to launching a successful fish farm business.

4. Real Estate

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.

5. Health Care

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.

6. Wholesale

Wholesale is all about the advantages of scale: prices are lower than retail because the 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.

7. Trucking Company

Driving trucks for a living may not be very glamorous, but trucking is vital to the US economy. Trucks move roughly 70% of US freight and eight in 10 towns depend on trucks to deliver necessities. As of 2022, US trucking is estimated to be worth $217 billion. Industry revenue has increased steadily, even during the pandemic. If you have a truck, starting a trucking business is a great idea.

Before you get started, you’ll need to obtain a commercial driver’s license, pass a written exam and driving test, and apply for trucking authority. The licensing requirements may differ from state to state so it’s best to check with your state for the details. Once you’ve obtained your license and registered your business, it’s a good idea to research the market and promote your business. With an effective marketing strategy, your trucking business can provide you with a steady stream of income.

8. Real Estate Agency

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.

9. Virtual Assistant Service

The job didn’t even exist 20 years ago, but now, thanks to new technologies and the sharp increase in remote work during the pandemic, the virtual assistant industry is booming. After years of strong growth, the market is expected to be worth more than $4 billion by 2025. That means now is a fantastic time to start your own virtual assistant business. 

To be clear, we’re talking about a human, not a digital or AI-powered, assistant, who provides administrative, technical, and creative services to clients remotely, via the internet. If you have a strong business skillset, you can get started with a minimal investment and run the company out of your own home while serving clients anywhere in the world. You could also add more skills over time, increasing your revenue streams and the rates you’re able to charge. 

With hard work and a bit of luck, you’ll soon be helping businesses run more smoothly and efficiently while making good money for yourself.

10. Cattle Farm

The US is both a major exporter and importer of beef, and the cattle sector accounts for the largest share of total cash receipts for agricultural commodities nationally, so starting a cattle business is certain to provide anyone with a steady income. If you’re thinking about establishing your own ranch or simply opening a retail shop for cattle products, this is your opportunity! Commercial beef production in the US is projected to grow to more than 27 billion pounds on higher expected non-fed and fed cattle slaughter. 

If you open a breeder farm, you will need to comply with your state’s laws and regulations first. There are also regulations for butcher shops and meat processing businesses. You will have to choose your niche market and create a business plan. There are many factors to consider – from branding and customer acquisition to managing growth. Although the industry faces pressures caused by vulnerabilities in the supply chain and extreme weather conditions, a growing international demand for US beef could still make your cattle business profitable.

11. Restaurant

If you’re looking to open a restaurant, you’re not alone. Americans love to dine out, which explains the steady increase in the number of full-service restaurants. With the lifting of pandemic restrictions, restaurant revenue is expected to return to pre-pandemic growth and approach $900 billion in 2022.

Before you can launch your restaurant, you’ll need to comply with the licensing and regulatory requirements, find a suitable location, and secure enough funding. It’s also important to decide on the concept and theme of your restaurant. Do you prefer casual or fine dining? It’s a good idea to identify your target market and come up with a good marketing plan in order to survive in this highly competitive industry. 

Once you open, it’s important to be prepared for potentially long hours. Always making sure to serve the perfect dish and that your customers enjoy their dining experience can spell the difference for your restaurant.

12. Storage Business

One in 10 Americans spend at least $90 a month on storage, so if you’re looking for a low maintenance business that provides a steady source of income, storage could be a great option. There are many reasons people rent storage space — when they renovate, relocate, get organized or just declutter.

If you own or intend to rent an empty piece of land, you can turn it into a storage lot for boats, RVs, and other stuff. An option is to build some self-storage units. You’ll know what’s best for you after you conduct your market research. It’s also a good idea to find out what existing storage businesses in the area are offering. With careful planning and an effective marketing campaign, your storage business can be very profitable.

13. Social Media Management

Social media is among the world’s fastest-growing industries, with its 20% annual expansion in the last five years expected to increase to stunning 25% annual growth through 2026. By then it will be nearly a trillion dollar industry, which means 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 or as complex as creating a fully-fledged Instagram business with lots of people using your content and products. With any social media business, the marketing will be 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 to start building a respected brand.

14. Shipping Company

Are you looking for a new business idea? Shipping and logistics represent a trillion-dollar industry that’s experiencing steady growth. In addition, new opportunities are emerging as the shipping industry embraces new tech tools that allow for better monitoring and tracking and easier ordering. This, of course, hasn’t stopped the world from facing serious supply-chain issues recently. 

But you could launch your own shipping business, simplify the logistics and help companies and consumers get their goods more quickly while making a good living. You’ll need to decide which shipping options you’ll offer, such as three-day or express delivery, and small packages or commercial freight. You’ll also need to acquire all the relevant permits and licenses from the US Department of Transportation as well as local and potentially international authorities. 

But once you’ve made it through all the red tape, your shipping firm could be set for smooth sailing all the way to success. Just be sure to deliver!

15. Fashion Company

You might think being a fashionista means just splurging on the latest clothes and accessories, but did you know that you could turn your passion into a thriving business? The global fast fashion market, which refers to clothing collections that move quickly to the stores from the catwalk, is expected to surpass $210 billion by 2030. Whether you’re dreaming of launching your own line of clothes or engaging in a buy-and-sell business, there’s a huge market waiting for you. 

You could start small by just selling to family and friends. As your business grows, you might want to do digital marketing and even hold live selling sessions, the latest trend in online shopping. During live selling, you will not only get to model your clothes on an imaginary catwalk in your home, but you will also be making a lot of sales. Before you start, however, it is important that you scope out the market, prepare some initial capital, decide whether to put up a physical store or stay online, and comply with government regulations.

16. Nutrition Consultation

Have you noticed how everybody’s more concerned about diet these days? If so, a nutrition business might be perfect for you. Nearly 6,000 dietitians and nutritionists are needed each year through 2030 in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and government offices across the US. Globally, the billion-dollar human nutrition market is expected to continue growing due to rising health awareness among consumers and the surging demand for dietary supplements. 

If you’ve been thinking about starting a nutrition business, there are several ways to do it. You may provide outsourced services to hospitals and nursing homes, or set up your own nutrition center and be your own boss. You just need to check out the licensing requirements and government regulations before you start operating. Pick a niche and stick to it, whether it’s dietary supplements, food and beverages, or infant nutrition. If you’re passionate about what you do and dedicated to helping others achieve their nutritional and other health goals, you’ll find your nutrition business fulfilling and financially rewarding at the same time.

17. Marketing Consulting

If you’re ready to take your marketing career to the next level, why not set up your own marketing consulting business? The $475 billion global marketing services industry is projected to grow steadily. A fast growing segment is digital marketing, which has also been contributing the bulk of income.

If you have experience providing professional advice on marketing and sales, you’ll need only a minimal investment to set up your marketing consulting business. Before you launch, it’s a good idea to choose which services to offer, build your team, and scope out the market to determine pricing. Once you’ve decided on a business name, it’s to your advantage to create a logo, set up social media accounts, and develop a website to establish your brand especially in the digital space. These will help you find your first clients. The journey won’t be easy and you might encounter bumps along the way, but success will be well worth it.

18. 3D Printing

So you’ve decided to start a 3D printing business. That’s great! Strong demand for three-dimensional products is driving rapid growth in the global 3D printing market, which was worth $16 billion in 2021. The market is set to grow 24% per year through 2028 due to increased demand for prototypes, models and artistic designs in various industries like aerospace, automotive, health care and more. 

You will need to understand first the regulations and legal issues affecting the industry. For example, the use of 3D printers is not regulated but medical products produced through 3D printing are regulated by the FDA. A license is also needed for 3D printers that are used to make weapons. If a design used to create a 3D model is covered by intellectual property rights, printing the model would infringe those rights. You’ll also need to make a hefty investment upfront to get your business up and running, but the benefits could be immense.

19. Ecommerce Store

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 increased by more than a quarter in 2020, and they’s 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?

20. Bookstore

Do you love reading? If so, opening your own bookshop could be a great way to encourage reading in your community while making a living doing what you love. Even in the age of Amazon and e-books, independent bookstores have been making a comeback, increasing by more than half in recent years, to 2,5000 in the US alone. People have begun to appreciate bookstores not only as a good place to buy a new book, but as a community gathering place and event space. 

You’ll need to find a great location, and build a sizable inventory of books, with your selections based on your personal tastes and preferences. You’ll also need to decide what other products you might offer — literary knickknacks, coffee and snacks, reading accessories? Beyond that, it’s relatively easy to get started. And if you do it right, the customers will surely come.

Comments