home Ideas What can you open in a small town? Business ideas for small towns: how to make money away from the metropolis? What business to open in the regional center.

What can you open in a small town? Business ideas for small towns: how to make money away from the metropolis? What business to open in the regional center.

What are the benefits of trading in a small town? What is the best business to run at home? How to open your own business with minimal investment?

Working for yourself is like growing up. Anyone who wants to gain independence sooner or later leaves their home - leaves the hired service and begins to work exclusively for themselves.

Good, The choice of areas for personal business is unlimited. The only problem is to find the type of activity that will truly reveal your talents and abilities to the fullest.

Denis Kuderin is with you, an expert on the HeatherBober portal on economic and financial issues. In a new article I will tell you what business to start to earn a lot and consistently, what business ideas are most promising today and now, and what is more profitable - a YouTube channel or a home photo studio.

Don’t switch – you will learn a lot of interesting things.

1. Business with minimal investment - let’s stop work and let's begin earn

There is an opinion that you need to be born a successful businessman. They say that this requires a special mindset, extraordinary abilities and a specific character. Millions of people believe that entrepreneurship is not for them. That they won’t be able to work for themselves. That their business will fail. That they don’t know how to count money, etc.

Of course, we are born with different abilities and inclinations, there is no doubt about that.

However, I personally prefer this point of view: every person from birth is an entrepreneur. When he is born, he already has a ready-made company - himself. It depends only on you whether this company will become successful. You are the manager of this company, its general director and the owner of a controlling stake.

Thousands of people are working for themselves right now. They do not expect a salary from the employer, are not afraid of dismissal, and set their own working hours.

This does not mean that their life is complete euphoria. There are enough problems in the life of a businessman. Perhaps there are even more of them than an employee. But all the disadvantages of “free swimming” are outweighed by a big plus - you become the master of your life and your time, set your own goals and determine your priorities.

And a few more advantages:

a huge selection of areas for commercial activity– if you want, teach everyone how to paint in your own studio, if you want, make soap in the garage;
the amount of income is unlimited– you set the upper limit yourself in accordance with your ambitions and goals;
free schedule, vacation not when allowed, but when wanted– you independently manage your main asset – time;
you are not tied to a workplace– work wherever you want: at home, in the garage, in an Internet cafe, on a personal plot;
you set the rules yourself– no one obliges you to follow strict regulations and schedules.

If you fail to achieve results in one area of business, you always have the right to change the direction of activity to the diametrically opposite one. If your online business is not working out, get involved in purely earthly technologies - open a shawarma shop or start a business.

I have a friend who dealt successively with: animal feed, video equipment, Indian gems and jewelry (he brought it from India himself), equipment for private (home) cinemas, commercial real estate, and information products.
Not to say that he failed in every type of activity - on the contrary, reaching a certain level, he realized that he was losing interest in the chosen topic, and saw broader prospects in another area.

But do not confuse freedom with sloppiness, indifference and projectism. A naturally lazy and undisciplined person is unlikely to achieve serious success in business. The money will not be transferred to your account on its own– simply because you declared yourself an entrepreneur.

You will definitely have to work hard and persistently. Perhaps even more than in the office or production. You will need self-control, self-confidence, the ability to calculate options and make decisions on your own.

Being an entrepreneur means working hard and being a multitasker.

Is it necessary to have initial capital? It all depends on the type of activity you plan to engage in. If you open an online store, you will have to purchase goods and launch a website. And this requires money.

Similarly with production - consumables and equipment require investment. But there are different options - leasing, renting, finding investors.

But if you sell exclusively intellectual services, then capital is not required. You'll only have to waste your time. But time doesn’t pay off right away. It is necessary to acquire clients, develop skills, and ideally undergo training.

Give up the hope that a couple of weeks or even months after launching a business, gold coins will start pouring into your wallet. Business, especially small business, requires patience and hard work. Everything will happen, but not right away - remember this phrase!

And for those who need a reliable and proven option with a guarantee of profitability, we offer to invest money in a ready-made business - purchase a franchise from the company. The co-owner of a chain of restaurants serving Japanese and Pan-Asian cuisine is Alex Yanovsky, an entrepreneur with 20 years of experience, the owner of his own School “Business Behind Glass”.

The founders of HeatherBeaver magazine know Alex personally - his business schemes really work and generate income.

Moreover, our good friend Sergei opened a business under this franchise in the city of Maykop - he launched a point in the “island” format. His investment of 1.5 million rubles paid off within six months. So we can confidently recommend his franchise to both beginners and experienced businessmen.

Alex Yanovsky about the advantages of a franchise:

2. 5 popular areas in business

In fact, there are more directions, but these five are proven and well-trodden paths along which thousands of aspiring businessmen like you are successfully and confidently walking right now.

Let's look at all the pros and features the most popular areas of small and medium-sized businesses.

1) Resale of goods

The most accessible type of business.

Its principle is simple and has not changed since ancient times: buy goods in bulk in one place at a low price and resell them in another at a higher cost.

Stable income comes from those goods that everyone needs - food, clothing, shoes, household chemicals, cosmetics. The consumer goods market has billions of dollars in turnover and the same profits.

Another thing is that large corporations take the lion's share. Beginners are left to look for narrow niches and maneuver between mass-market products and exclusive goods.

When choosing the profile of your company, focus not only on demand, but also on the state of the economy. For example, during a crisis, most people have no time for luxury - Swiss fountain pens with a platinum nib are unlikely to be sold quickly and profitably in a small town, where the average salary is half the cost of this very fountain pen.

In such populated areas it is worth choosing a more popular product– for example, open a stock store with inexpensive branded clothing. Or a smartphone store - analogues of well-known companies, but originally from the People's Republic of China.

Small towns, on the one hand, offer excellent prospects, but on the other hand, they are unpredictable in terms of business development.

The table will outline the situation with trade in small towns more clearly:

The universal salvation for any modern trade is the Internet. Here the audience is not limited geographically. Live in Torzhok, and send goods to either Moscow or Nizhny Novgorod.

2) Provision of services

You don't have to sell material things. Professional services are no less in demand than clothing or food.

There are many examples:

accounting services;
printing center;
Interior design;
writing texts to order;
organization of banquets;
creation and promotion of websites;
Internet Marketing;
Pizza delivery;
repair of bicycles or household appliances;
writing term papers, etc.

Any matter that you understand or want to understand is suitable. The modern world is differentiated and belongs to narrow specialists. Family lawyer, tutor, commercial writer and other specialties are no longer a curiosity and are constantly required.

3) Production

More and more small enterprises are opening in the Russian Federation: in conditions of crisis and sanctions, domestic producers entered new markets.

Are in stable demand natural food. If you focus on quality, then even the relative high cost of production will pay off due to a higher price. The modern consumer is ready to overpay for healthy and environmentally friendly products.

You will find more details about production activities in the article “”.

4) Real estate transactions

An option for those who have substantial starting capital. The real estate market, despite gloomy forecasts, continues to bring profits to owners of liquid housing. Earnings from rentals, sales and other operations with residential and non-residential premises are traditionally high.

5) Business on the Internet

The most promising modern direction. And the least expensive if you sell not a product via the Internet, but your skills or services.

But first, you need to master at least one of the most popular professions - website designer, SEO promotion specialist, copywriter, social media administrator. Or make money on your website, affiliate programs.

It's not as difficult as it seems - the main thing is not to be lazy and not stay too long in the status of a beginner. If you want to succeed, read the large article on our website, which is called “”.

3. What kind of business can you start - TOP 10 ideas for a beginning businessman

Let's get down to specifics.

Ten promising ideas for beginners with minimal experience.

1) Homemade soap making

The first private soap makers of our time made soap right in their apartments. Some people still do this, but it is better to have a separate room for these purposes.

I have a friend who lives in Chisinau. Katerina started making handmade soap 7 years ago. The first experiments - multi-colored ellipses of soap with herbal scents, which she sent me as product samples - cost her too much. In addition, in Moldova the demand for this product was almost zero.
She gradually improved the technology, accumulated a customer base and now has a full-fledged online store, where, in addition to designer soap, there are a lot of other exclusive and natural products. The high price does not bother buyers from Moscow, St. Petersburg and other cities. They care about quality, original execution and purely natural ingredients.

2) Tutoring

If you are fluent in foreign languages, a six-string guitar, school subjects, and other useful skills and knowledge, no one will forbid you share your experience with others for money.

Thanks to Skype you can teach people all over the world

3) Management of corporate events and holidays

An idea for people with organizational and public speaking skills. Creative thinking, self-confidence and a little courage, and you will become the soul of any audience.

The ingredients for success are as follows: constant practice, original scripts, competent room design, and a constantly changing repertoire.

4) Equipment repair

If you were born with a screwdriver in your hands, clearly understand how household appliances work, and understand electronics, why not turn your skills into a source of income?

Modern technology has a low safety margin. Most people are better off getting their washing machine repaired than buying a new one. Meanwhile, repairing one “washing machine” costs from 2 to 5 thousand rubles . Several orders a day, and the income is enough not only for bread and butter, but also for an annual vacation to Bali.

Minimum costs – tools, diagnostic equipment, spare parts. If you have a garage, then the problem of renting a room disappears. Large equipment can be repaired at the customer's home.

5) Food delivery

In Novosibirsk, where I live, you can order anything to your home or office, from hot corn to a full meal from a Chinese restaurant.

Such a business requires investments - renting premises and transport, purchasing raw materials, paying employees. Permits from sanitary services are needed: the premises must have ventilation, all necessary communications, and employees must have sanitary records.

6) Transportation of goods

Are you the owner of a truck? Engage in the transportation of large-sized cargo. You don't even have to buy a car - rent or lease it.

You will need 2-3 responsible workers, and not people from the street, but experienced riggers who know how to properly transport furniture and household appliances, how to pack fragile cargo, how to lower a piano from the third floor.

7) Video channel on YouTube

The YouTube channel's audience is more than a billion viewers. This is every third Internet user on the planet. Promoted TV channels bring their owners millions in profits. Some of the presenters are not even 15 years old.

The ingredients for success are as follows:

popular destination– video games, beauty blog, TOPs and lists, entertainment;
signature feature– original image, unique format;
competent promotion– use professional techniques.

Most Internet users are young people raised on gadgets. They prefer to see it once rather than read a long text, which is why video blogs are so popular.

A little educational program from popular YouTube video bloggers:

8) Home photo studio

You will learn how to take satisfactory pictures in a couple of weeks. You will need professional photography equipment and equipment for printing photos. And then work in the format that you prefer - photo for documents, wedding photography and videography, prom albums, image processing and photomontage.

Just six months after the start of her career, she was invited to major city events as an official photo-chronicler. I don’t know why, but clients like her photographs even more than photographs of experienced professionals.

9) Growing vegetables and fruits in a greenhouse

An idea for those who are interested in gardening and gardening. One greenhouse will give you several harvests a year, and people need fruits, herbs, vegetables and flowers every day.

Before buying a greenhouse and seedlings, take care of the product market, study the competitive environment, price, read specialized literature and thematic sites.

A greenhouse is an excellent tool for your own business

Additional income: canning, processing and freezing vegetables, selling seedlings and seeds.

But this is a long-term business for the patient and smart. If you want, read the special publication.

10) Seasonal storage of tires, skis, bicycles

Income close to passive. Very nice idea. You just need to prepare the room: an empty garage is best suited for these purposes. Install shelves, insulate the room, install a security system. In summer, store winter tires, sleds, skis, snowboards here, in winter - bicycles, scooters, summer tires, etc.

4. Franchise business – minimum risk, maximum benefit

A restaurant franchise is a ready-made business model with a guaranteed return on investment and an established operating scheme. You acquire not only the right to open a restaurant under a nationally known sign, but also current marketing technologies, unique dish recipes and licensed equipment.

At the time of writing, 125 franchise restaurants have already been opened in 80 cities in Russia, China, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and other countries.

Sushi Master retail outlets are several modern restaurant formats with high-quality glass and natural wood finishes. Thoughtful design and delicious dishes guarantee a constant influx of visitors. If it worked for hundreds of other people, it will definitely work for you!

The work flow is as follows:

You get acquainted with the activities of Sushi Master on the company’s official website and submit an application for franchising.
You pay a lump sum fee and sign an agreement.
Receive training and instructions at the company’s training center (Krasnodar).
Together with your assistants, you select a place for a restaurant and build it.
Open a retail outlet, implement marketing and management strategies.
You analyze the results of your work and adjust it under the guidance of your mentors.
Bring your restaurant to a stable monthly profit.

Approximate investment size from 1.4 to 4 million rubles . Opening period is from 3 to 6 months. If necessary, you will be assisted by a professional start-up team.

Multi-format is another unique feature of the company. You choose the desired restaurant format – “food court”, “street”, “island” or classic – depending on the location, region, and characteristics of the local public.

A predictable business with a well-thought-out structure is an investment tool whose effectiveness has already been proven. By choosing this option, you immediately insure yourself against hundreds of risks that are relevant to all entrepreneurs starting their business from scratch.

The universal advice that I give to all beginning businessmen without exception: the business you are doing should, as they say, “warm” you. If you like the direction, economic wisdom will reveal itself as the process progresses.

And remember - in any business there is a risk of failure. Even a brilliant idea doesn't always work. A huge number of successful businessmen started with failures. Failed projects are the best business school.

Tip 1. Analyze the popularity and demand of the niche

The Internet can help you - take advantage of the achievements of civilization. In particular, the Wordstat resource will help you find out the number of key questions about certain products and services in your region.

Visit thematic forums and groups - people, as a rule, are willing to share their personal experience and knowledge. If you want to sell a rare product, make a test sale on Avito.

Do you live in a small town and want to create your own business, but don't know where to start? In fact, everything is not as scary as many people are used to thinking. It is important to know some of the features of provincial cities and take them into account when choosing your business.

Small towns often have shortages of basic goods and services. For example, an inexpensive cafe with delicious food will be popular among locals. But the turnover in an unusual boutique with handmade designer clothes is unlikely to be high. Therefore, we advise you to initially focus on the needs of future buyers.

🎓 Features of small cities for opening a small business

Geographical position. For example, a 24-hour tent selling beach slippers is unlikely to be popular in a northern city. And in the southern resort there is a salon of elite fur products
Solvency of the population. It is unlikely that people with an average salary of 15,000 rubles will be happy to open a restaurant with an average bill of 2,000 rubles
Availability of the necessary personnel. If you are opening, for example, a complex production facility, you should understand that the local population may not have the necessary specialized specialists
Needs for specific goods and services. In a metropolis you can open your thirtieth eatery, but in a small town there may simply not be any visitors
Limited growth. When a business reaches a certain “ceiling”, it will have to be developed not by increasing the average check, but by opening branches or developing a related area

⚖ Advantages of starting a business in a small town

There are many positive aspects for business development in the provinces that may not exist in a large city.

Opportunity to occupy a vacant niche. You can become the first in your industry or identify the weaknesses of competitors and profitably build from them.
Savings on basic expenses. In small towns, rent for premises or land is much lower than in a metropolis. Salaries for staff can also be calculated according to local tariff schedules.
Support for private businesses. Small towns often have various loyalty programs for new businesses, grants and preferential subsidies are issued.
Easy understanding of customer needs. When all clients are literally in sight, understanding their requests is not too difficult

🏆 The best business in a small town: ideas that will work

You don’t have to come up with a mega-unique idea that no one has ever implemented before. But differentiate yourself from competitors in the service. For example, free delivery or a cumulative bonus system.

We need to focus on the needs of the majority of the city's population. In this case, you will not work at a loss.

It might be worth taking a closer look at a complementary business. For example, there is an excellent butcher shop in the area, but there is a shortage of farm-grown dairy products. In this case, you will easily occupy your niche.

And we offer you a large catalog of business ideas for small towns! More than 150 options for developing your business. Learn, apply and discover what you love!

People planning to open their own business often mistakenly believe that they can earn high incomes and develop only in a big city. In fact, it is easier to run a business in a small city, and if you approach the issue wisely, you can provide yourself with constant high profits.
First of all, you should clarify which city is considered small. From the point of view of the business community, this includes settlements whose population does not exceed 100 thousand inhabitants. Most cities in the Russian Federation fall into this category, so it is obvious that the potential of business ideas for them is huge, and it is easier and cheaper to put into practice.

A person who lives in a small town has a lot of opportunities to create his own business. Financial costs are much lower than in a large center. Some types of business can be started with virtually no investment. Thanks to low competition, there is always something to do, even if it seems that the city already has everything.

Why open your own business at all?

By going into business, a person has the right moment to gain complete independence from other people, as well as the chance to earn significantly larger amounts of money than as a full-time employee.

From the very beginning, build your business so that in the future it can operate without your constant participation. This is the only path to financial independence.

Differences from big cities

Considering the situation from the point of view of the differences between large and small cities, we should dwell in more detail on their characteristics.

Citizens in small towns earn much less. For this reason, large business is not profitable, not taking into account the construction of plants and factories, which require labor.
The main demand is for traditional goods and services that people use every day. This allows you to expand your business activities into several areas at once.
Low level of financial investments in the initial development process. This is explained by the lower rental cost of premises, low staff salaries, and low promotion and advertising costs.
And of course, the smaller the city, the faster rumors spread. Accordingly, the reputation of a businessman plays an important role. People will not make a profit if friends or relatives tell about deception or inadequacy, and no amount of advertising will save them. This aspect is key.

Business ideas in the food sector

Opening a small cafe with reasonable prices and classic dishes is a profitable business. Because there are few such places in small towns, they will definitely be popular. Profitability is high due to low investments and high level of self-sufficiency.

Food trucks. This term refers to small mobile cafes. Presented in the form of vans with the necessary equipment for cooking directly inside. They are able to move to any place, for example, during a festival they go directly there and provide food for participants. The assortment is small, the chefs prepare each dish quickly and well, thanks to a lot of practice.

Inexpensive canteen on the territory of a factory or educational institution. Low cost and large portions of inexpensive dishes allow us to receive a large flow of customers.

Food delivery services (especially sushi and pizza) demonstrate popularity and good profitability. Delivery is organized at our own cafe, and a special courier service is opened that works with catering outlets in the city. Services of this type are common in large cities, but in small cities you can easily capture the market.

Some open mini-bakeries. This is relevant in areas where people pass through. For business efficiency, you should prepare products from the freshest ingredients that customers like. The room required is small, and special equipment is also required.

Retail

Of course, when talking about small business, it is impossible to ignore trade. Opening your own store is the most common way to start your own business.

In this matter, the main thing is to correctly assess the demand. What is missing in your city? What products could you offer to the local population?

Opening a grocery store is traditionally popular. The basis for success is the correct location and price level adequate for the average salary in the region.

To start a small non-food store you will need a minimum investment if you order goods from China, for example on Aliexpress. There you can find a huge number of interesting things at a very low price (for example, accessories for mobile phones, jewelry, clothing).

Business ideas in the entertainment sector

In the event that a traditional cafe does not bring the necessary profit, you can provide clients with various holidays. These include corporate events of private companies and government agencies, weddings and banquets.

Stylishly decorated nightclubs will be popular with young clients.

To organize it you need:

Rent a large premises;
Purchase the necessary equipment. Moreover, both for the kitchen, where snacks and drinks will be prepared, and for the dance floor.
Popular DJs and dancers from big cities are also invited to perform there and attract the attention of young people. Such events improve the authority of the establishment.
It is possible to organize themed parties in honor of popular holidays. And during the day it functions as a regular cafe.

Business ideas in the service sector

The service sector is very popular. Minimum level of financial investments, high level of self-sufficiency.

A salon for women and men, providing hairdressing, manicure and pedicure services with separate booths for VIP clients, will be popular. Specialists in massage and cosmetology are also involved. The level of profitability of such a project will be high, given the proper level of craftsmen.

Organization of taxi transportation. Several professional drivers with their own cars and a dispatch service, at reasonable prices, will provide residents with comfortable transport. This type of business is promoted through advertising and word of mouth. The profitability is high, due to the fact that in small cities there are no aggregators like Yandex taxi or Gett.

It is promising to create your own fashion tailoring studio. A small room, special equipment and professional seamstresses are required. Sewing dresses for proms and weddings, clothing repairs and other services at reasonable prices will lead to high profitability of the business.

The business of garbage removal and destruction of old buildings and structures is gaining momentum. Instead of dilapidated abandoned houses, large residential complexes are being built. And to make room, they need to be demolished. Labor and equipment costs are negligible. At the same time, waste is removed from spontaneously formed landfills and special bins.

Some unconventional ideas

The problem in the Russian Federation is the lack of kindergartens. This stimulates the development of private institutions and mini-kindergartens. Financially wealthy parents who cannot leave their children with anyone are the target audience.

To do this business, we need competent employees who have experience working with children. You also need to rent a room and obtain official permission from government authorities. The last stage is the most difficult and time-consuming.

Business by . You can read more here. In short, this is an opportunity to open your own business using a ready-made model. For a certain amount of money or a percentage of sales, you will receive constant information and advertising support, technology and a ready-made business model.

People who lead an active lifestyle can organize ethnotourism. Standard resorts won’t surprise anyone, so rich people prefer to travel to picturesque places and hard-to-reach places.

For example, excursions to Lake Baikal are in great demand, where you can enjoy the nature and beauty of the region without fuss. But this is not the only interesting natural place in our huge country.

According to travel agencies, thousands of tourists go on vacation to Kamchatka and Karelia. If a town has similar attractions, the excursion business has great potential.

Organizing hunting and fishing trips for wealthy clients from large cities is very popular today.

Real estate

If there is excess real estate, you can organize. There are two options: monthly, daily.

In the first case, an apartment or house is rented to permanent residents, who are students and young families. Income will be stable.

It may be much more profitable to rent out daily if there are tourist flows in the city. Popular when there is a lack of hotels in resort towns. You need to publish your ads on airbnb.com and booking.com to attract regular travelers from all over the world.

If you don’t have your own property, you can make money on someone else’s. Open a real estate agency. The initial investment in such a business is quite low, but the prospects are excellent, since small towns are not yet accustomed to renting out housing and commercial premises via the Internet.

Internet business

Until recently, you could earn a lot by opening a computer club. A room is rented, gaming computers are purchased, whose performance is sufficient for modern games, and a low price per hour is set. Young people spent days in such places. However, with the progress of progress, computers appeared in every family, and the Internet made it possible to play group games at a remote distance. As a result, this type of business simply disappeared.

Your own Internet resources bring good profits. First of all, you need an idea and a thorough analysis of the niche. The main thing is that the topic of your site is interesting to you, otherwise your enthusiasm can evaporate quite quickly. You also need to have the necessary skills and tools to run such a business, and the ability to promote your website.

The most popular option for organizing a business is an online store. The goods can range from various small household items to large household appliances. The development of progress has made this accessible to residents of any locality. Goods are delivered both by courier service and through Russian Post. You can read the characteristics in advance and choose the right product without wasting time getting to the store.

If resources are available, we open our own web studio. A few professional programmers are enough for this. The cost of one Internet resource ranges from 10-20 thousand to several million. Clients are searched for remotely or through the “cold calling” method.

Enterprising modern girls develop businesses through social networks, for example, Instagram. Fitness instructors train daily, post photos online, attract subscribers and sell advertising. Or they create individual training plans for a fee. The cost of advertising posts reaches several tens of thousands of rubles.

If you have some expert knowledge, then you can start running your own educational channel on YouTube (youtube.com) and make money from advertising. Foreign languages, cooking, car repair and maintenance, computer topics, etc. are in demand. The advantage of an educational channel over an entertainment channel will be a constant and stable level of views, and therefore income.

You can start an online business with virtually no initial capital. This is its main advantage, but there will be corresponding competition.

Market and competitor analysis

To start opening your own business, you need to conduct a comprehensive market analysis, find out what specific services or goods are required for city residents. Having found out this, you need to select competent personnel who can work effectively and attract more clients. To do this, it is often necessary to contact a special recruiting agency.

It is important to pay attention to potential competitors. What are their advantages and disadvantages? Does it make sense to open nearby or is it better to look for another place.

Many problems can be solved without leaving home. An advertisement seeking employees is posted on the Internet through special resources. In a small town, you must definitely take advantage of word of mouth, which often spreads information faster than the Internet and newspaper advertisements.

It is worth noting that goods from suppliers from large cities or simply large firms will cost significantly more than products from small manufacturers. You should definitely consider the possibility of supplying goods from China. Today it is not as difficult as it might seem.

It is important that the planned business must have prospects and be in demand. Opening a fashionable gourmet restaurant in a city where the average salary does not exceed 15 thousand rubles will be unprofitable. Same with a 5 star hotel. Another thing is to invest in a street point selling shawarma near a university or vocational school. It is also promising to open an inexpensive pizzeria there.

You should competently assess your own strengths and capabilities, and determine when the investment will pay off and begin to generate net profit. Without an effective strategy, a business will fail.

Where to get money to start

The most commonly used way to start a business without having the required amount of your own money is a bank loan. Explore all options from different lending institutions.

To receive borrowed funds, you must provide the bank with all documentation related to the planned business. There are government support programs (be sure to check with your local administration about this). These include preferential taxation systems, subsidies of various levels, and reduced loan rates. To get a loan, you need help from a competent lawyer who will provide all the necessary information and advice.

Be sure to find out about the availability of specialized business incubators in your city. There they can help you with any legal issues that may arise, as well as assist you in obtaining a loan and drawing up a business plan.

If you have reliable friends or relatives, you can try to start your own business together, refusing borrowed funds.

Search for a place

When it comes to finding a suitable location for your business, it is important to highlight two aspects:

Rent price.
Availability of potential clients nearby. Good maneuverability.

Sometimes, a room is rented and subsequently renovated on its own, which allows you to save money.

Depending on the concept of the business, the appearance of the office plays a big role. If you plan to receive clients, the interior furnishings must be of high quality and stylish. As a rule, residents of small towns react strongly to this and prefer to trust what looks expensive and of high quality.

It is also important to consider the trafficability of the target audience of a particular business. Inexpensive fast food outlets are opening near educational institutions, shopping malls, and markets. It is students and people going shopping who are the main clients of such places.

At the same time, it is better to locate food outlets close to residential buildings. People will not go far for bread and milk if there is a good store nearby.

Planned level of profitability

It is worth understanding that a business in a small town does not pay off quickly, unlike a large settlement. Residents cannot afford to spend a lot of money due to low salaries. The degree of demand also influences. The time of year plays a significant role.

For example, outlets that sell kvass or ice cream in the summer, especially in the southern regions, have huge profitability. Moreover, in winter, there are simply no such points. But beauty salons are gaining popularity; in the summer, on the contrary, they are empty.

Most importantly, make sure that your income is always enough to pay off your loans if you decide to finance your business this way.

The basis of a successful business in the province

For any business in a provincial city to be successful, quickly pay for itself and generate good income, you must follow several key rules. Their practical use allows you to earn money and attract new clients.

The cost of goods and services should not exceed a certain value. The mentality and level of income of provincial residents does not allow them to spend extra money just like that. They are looking for an opportunity to save money. Therefore, they resort to a mechanism of discounts and incentives for regular customers.

The quality of service is above average. If a person likes it, he will recommend this place to friends, acquaintances, and relatives. At the same time, a bad reputation will have a negative impact on business activity. Negative reviews need to be prevented in the bud. There have been cases when a cafe, after a decline in the quality of service, lost customers and went bankrupt. A bad reputation for an establishment in a small town can be a curse, but a good one can become the main driver of sales.

Promising ways of development

It is important to note that the basis for any business is constant movement forward, development, evolution. What is profitable now, in a year, when marking time, becomes the cause of ruin. There are many options for improving your own business.

A good method is advertising. Advertising attracts new customers. Popular moves include promotions, discounts, and presentations of new products. Marketing moves are of great importance. The special features are the duration of the promotion and the profitability of the offer.

The image of a business plays a big role. Positive reviews and gratitude from clients allow you to increase the number of clients.

Another step is to open branches in neighboring cities and regions. Over time, such costs will pay off. Brand awareness will increase.

To start a small business, it is enough to register as an individual entrepreneur. This will allow you to save on accounting and taxes.

In conclusion, it is worth saying that a business even in a small town with a small population can generate income. A provincial city is a good place to create and develop your own business, and an enterprising person will definitely achieve success.

In a small town, business opportunities are limited - this is a misconception of many entrepreneurs. Underestimating small settlements is a dangerous matter: there are much more opportunities here than in megacities. But first, let’s talk about which city is considered small. The population in such a locality should be from 50 to 100 thousand. And successful business in such cities has special features.

Residents of the province have low incomes. There is a small labor market here, and wages are very different from those in the capital. This should definitely be taken into account when opening a business. What kind of business can you start in a small town? A boutique selling expensive collectibles is a losing proposition, and instead of impressive profits, there is a risk of receiving no less impressive losses.

Basic goods are usually scarce in small communities. And the results of the analysis give an excellent idea for starting your own business: is there a pharmacy, clothing store, supermarket in a certain area, or do you have to travel to the other end of the town? Perhaps there is not a single cinema? Studying the existing market before opening your own business is a mandatory task.

Business expansion in a small town is limited. Initially, the number of consumers increases. But those wishing to receive services or buy goods will sooner or later run out. For further development, it is worth thinking through a plan in advance. It is quite possible that residents of nearby towns and villages will become clients.

The advantages include the small amount of starting capital. The costs of rent, advertising campaign, and labor costs are much lower than in a large or medium-sized city. But it is also necessary to open a business that is in demand among the population. For small cities, popular goods and services are good, not exclusive ones.

It is easier to get support at the state level. Small businesses are more readily encouraged here, and support programs work. If there is an opportunity to take advantage of certain privileges, then why give it up? And some entrepreneurial niches are not occupied by anyone at all. So the competition situation is favorable.

“Word of mouth” is wonderful advertising, and it’s also free. It's quite profitable. Everyone will know about the opening of a new business. But there is also a drawback: the slightest mistake of an entrepreneur will immediately become known to everyone, and it is very difficult to correct a shaky reputation in a small town.

The foundations in the small town have already been established. Therefore, residents may begin to resist the new. This means that before opening a business, you should brainstorm. What services would make life easier if you offered them? If you already have them, there is no need to despair. You just need to do your job better than your competitors. All options are written out, their pros and cons are worked out, and the ideal option is selected.

Real business ideas for a small town

Among the ideas for small towns, several can be highlighted. And the first, always in demand, store. Grocery stores are essential. In a sparsely populated region, such establishments usually have low quality of service, and “second-fresh” products are also not uncommon. So, what kind of business can you open?

Business service ideas

If you manage to open a store that meets all expected standards, without exorbitant prices, then such an investment will pay off quickly. He will be able to exist happily ever after due to the constantly arriving clientele.

A good option is a private kindergarten. If you locate it in an area where there are many young mothers, then there will definitely be demand.

But the quality of services comes first. Just one deterioration and the idea is ruined forever.

An excellent option for a profitable business is city landscaping. The development of such services for removing weeds, fertilizing the soil, mowing lawns, caring for and planting plants for a small fee will ensure the prosperity of the business in a short time.

You can do it alone, or you can bring in partners with design skills for business card projects. It will turn out more solid. And quality will make advertising without extra costs.

The size of the authorized capital is the lowest among all options. True, a profitable business is seasonal. But it can also be considered as the main one, subject to modification.

Opening the production of business cards also requires small investments. Local entrepreneurs always need them. But the quantities to order are small, and ordering them from a printing house is not profitable. So, we need to offer such a relevant service! Equipment you will need is a good graphics editor program, a computer and a printer.

Even with seemingly high competition and a crowded niche, you can find a way to stand out and make a profit. Is the city center busy with supermarkets? You can set up a kiosk selling natural sausages. There is always a selection of fresh products, which is very important for provincial cities. The client will be able to order whatever he wants according to his own choice. High profitability rates, rapid development, and high popularity are guaranteed.

The bakery is another example of a successful business. The aroma of fresh baked goods always surpasses any advertising in effectiveness. And in a small town, such baked goods are guaranteed to find their buyers.

Ideas for online business

The idea of an Internet business is very promising. For a small town, this is a real, albeit original, type of income. Even a small profit can turn into a reliable foundation for promoting a serious business. But any direction will require knowledge of copywriting, online sales, mail marketing and psychology.

Pros and cons of online business

Both affiliate programs, MLM, and information business require training. And the practical application of acquired knowledge is the key to success. If you want to develop a stable Internet business in a small town, you need to study. But easy and fast money on the World Wide Web is a myth. You can earn them only through hard work, investment of patience and time.

What business ideas are feasible for a small town? MLM or network business is usually classified as a business in megacities, where there are a lot of residents and money. But practice has proven that there are many more successful MLM businessmen in small towns. In a metropolis it is difficult to keep contacts and maintain relationships. Life in a small town is more relaxed. And it’s easier to get to the address due to the lack of traffic jams, and to build relationships.

But the downside of the project’s success is the almost eternal label of an enamel specialist and the fear of selling your product to friends. In any case, making money in such a business is not at all easy, if someone starts to prove the opposite - this is a lie. But you can make money here if you work hard. And it is true.

A small town and an online store from scratch? Sounds a little unusual. But it is not necessary to sell goods only among 20-30 thousand residents. Postal services will help deliver products to all corners of the world.

It is not difficult to organize such a business. With the help of modern technologies, you can create it in a quarter of an hour. As a last resort, there is always the opportunity to give the task to a freelancer for a fee.

Organizational and procurement issues will remain. But the solution does not require closing the business providing services to the public for a while. So, if you wish, it is quite possible to master such a task.

An example is the opening of an intimate goods store in a small town. Residents are guaranteed not to buy such things on the main street for fear that their friends will be aware of the purchase. But home delivery of a modest box without any inscriptions is another matter. And such sex products will be in great demand.

It is not necessary to open exactly such sales, but there are also unoccupied niches. In the end, the main thing is to become the best and beat the competition in small business.

The idea of opening an Internet cafe has good prospects. Usually in the provinces there are almost no places where you can access the network “with all the amenities”. This means that when organizing such a business, success is guaranteed: there is an opportunity to communicate, get together and complete the planned tasks without being distracted by extraneous things. So this kind of business is in demand now.

True, the main problem will be organizational issues and approvals. And the practical side of the matter will seem like a very simple task.

Medical Center

Often in a small town many people know each other. And there is a practice of helping to support businesses. You can open an on-site center to provide medical services. This is one of the business options. The arrival of a specialist from the capital is organized for consultations and receptions. And the businessman is responsible for organizing the transportation of a professional, renting premises and providing marketing services.

Medical services are especially in demand as small business ideas. Residents of villages and suburbs are forced to go to big cities for tomograms, ultrasounds and medical procedures, covering vast distances. And it’s especially difficult for pregnant women, who have to do fetal ultrasounds frequently, and getting to the regional center is very problematic in this situation. Therefore, there is no doubt about the demand and relevance of the services offered.

Another type of business for beginners is one based on local products. Purchases are carried out in their locality, and then sold in a large one. Fresh fruits and vegetables, berries, mushrooms, and farm products are bought at low prices.

Eco-products are now in fashion, and the resale margin is significant. But it is advisable not just to resell, but to pre-process it: canning, smoking, baking. Such mini-enterprises are always relevant.

Ready business: franchise

Among the business ideas of 2016-2017, business based on other people’s ideas, that is, franchising, is gaining popularity in a small town. There is no need to create a business from scratch here, because you need to represent an already well-known brand. Many well-known brands offer franchises, and the needs of city residents will help which direction to choose.

It turns out that organizing a business in a small town comes down to supply in one of the areas of trade, services or production. Among the services provided there are car washes, tire fitting, minor repairs, and offering the services of blue-collar specialists.

Trade in goods includes opening grocery stores, pharmacies, construction markets, and selling spare parts. Own production – mini-bakeries, processing and sale of own products. We shouldn’t forget about products for children, private kindergartens, development centers, and we shouldn’t discount additional entertainment. The demand for such offers is high in any city.

Online consulting is already in demand. Open your own business and you can even consult clients from other countries. The main thing here is to be an expert in your chosen field. And the demand for legal, accounting, and psychological services is always and everywhere.

Opening your first business, especially in a small town, is necessary in an area that is familiar to you. Thus, an experienced accountant can open a mini-business for conducting accounting services and tax accounting, for drawing up and submitting reports and declarations. Such services are in demand both among individual entrepreneurs and small organizations, of which there are many in the province. After all, turning to an outsourcer for help is easier and more profitable than hiring a permanent full-time employee.

It is always worth paying attention to areas that are independent of the crisis, that is, products, care services, budget entertainment. There are also offers for scarce services. There are very few inexpensive and unusual entertainment options in the province; there is nowhere for adults and children to go to relax. But it’s so good to put trampolines in accessible places. And there are many such options. The affordability of services is an important criterion for the successful development of a business.

Residents of the provinces value services that allow them to save money: repair of clothes, cars, apartments, budget hairdressers with a range of all services. Among the things you can do in this area, the best option is to open a service center, the low prices of which compensate for the high constant demand for services among local residents.

It is advisable to register a business as an individual entrepreneur or LLC. Each form has both “pros” and “cons”. And the choice is determined by the type of business. It is worth choosing a tax regime that is more favorable for paying taxes.

Without investment, opening even a small business is impossible. You can use your own funds or take out a loan from a bank on favorable terms. But when you define your niche and organize a profitable business, all investments quickly pay off.

It is no secret that employment is a real problem in provincial cities. Either you have to put up with a small salary close to home, or you have to leave for the nearest large populated area, spending a lot of time on the road.

Both options are equally unpleasant. The solution could be to open your own small consumer-specific business, from a sawmill to a farm.

In a small town, a business can be closed or open. When open, interaction occurs with both local consumers and clientele from nearby settlements.

When a business is closed, the whole business is concentrated only in its own city. Goods and services are sold in one place. Most often, such a business is opened by a service provider to the public. The manufacturer of goods is trying to expand the range of action.

In a small town, the main thing is to offer something previously unused and unique. This is the only way to gain clientele. Needs that are not satisfied by other businessmen are what a new entrepreneur must satisfy. Then the company will be able to offer the product in demand. Competitors usually target the average buyer, excluding people's right to receive exclusive items.

Small business is a popular and very promising industry. Cafes, mini-restaurants, cinemas are examples of businesses for private entrepreneurs. Organizing a profitable business in a small town is within the power of any person with a certain amount of resources.

There are a lot of options for ideas. An impressive starting capital is not required. And the result from thoughts and fears is zero. So without certain actions applied to the proposed opportunity, success is impossible. This means that you need to act and start a business in a small city without delay.

About 80% of the Russian population lives outside the capital and regional centers. Rumors that it is impossible to create a profitable business in the periphery are greatly exaggerated. The article provides five examples of quite successful businesses, and notes the characteristic features of provincial cities.

The answer to the question of what business to open in a small town cannot be unambiguous. In addition to the general characteristics inherent in small administrative centers, each of them has its own unique features. When counting on the success of an enterprise, it is necessary to take into account both groups of influencing factors as fully as possible. As life shows, the advantages in this regard are on the side of the local residents. In contrast to the “alien Varangians” who develop a new territory by trial and error.

Pros and cons of a small town

Two professors from the Higher School of Economics: Simon Kordonsky and Yuri Plyusnin, made 30 traveling expeditions in 2011-2014, studying provincial towns in the Russian hinterland. The results of the study were announced in June of this year as part of the round table “Russian Society Outside Big Cities.”

Hence the conclusion: there are prospects anywhere. The main thing: when choosing which business to open in a small town, all ideas need to be considered through the prism of specific local characteristics.

General specifics of small towns

one, less often two city-forming enterprises;
low-rise buildings, low population density;
low incomes and solvency of residents;
high level of administrative "press".

At first glance, all of the above limits the choice of business idea. But on the other hand, these same factors provide some advantages: low start-up capital investments, no large advertising costs and a relatively low level of competition.

As an example, we can cite federal retail chains: “Magnit”, “Seventh Continent” and others. Despite widespread development in large cities, in the periphery they, as a rule, do not receive the expected profit. In small towns, they lose their main advantage: the savings from population density, which reduces their costs, and displace small retail outlets within their small radius of influence. In addition, the average salary of residents of small towns is 5-7 times lower than even the regional level, which significantly reduces trade turnover from 1 sq. m. and the amount of the average bill. Lack of knowledge of the local market and consumer tastes also plays a role.

As a rule, socially oriented projects receive administrative support: educational, sports, cultural, and health projects. When developing a trading business, you need to take into account the interests of local producers. In general, the authorities are interested in developing those types of activities, the income from which goes to the local budget.

What business ideas to pay attention to

If you intend to open your own business in a small town or village, it would not be superfluous to ask what small and medium-sized enterprises in Russia do in general (Fig. 1).

Even at a quick glance, everything is obvious. About 40% of small and medium-sized enterprises are engaged in retail trade, catering, and household repairs. Under “others” are hidden: hotels, restaurants and cafes; housing and communal services, education; entertainment, tourism. How to assess the prospects of this or that idea, to understand which business is the most profitable in a small town?

The main feature of a business idea for a small city: it must take into account local specific factors, both positive and negative.

In most cases, the bet turns out to be successful:

to local flavor, unique nature: organization of non-standard tours, including agritourism, which is gaining popularity; horse breeding; opening of a mini-hotel;
on historically established habits: fishing and fish breeding, production of dairy products, potatoes - in agricultural areas; knitting production in areas where goats and sheep are raised.
to meet the modern needs of the population: private kindergartens, cafes, paintball clubs, entertainment for children, development and sports centers.

The services offered must solve pressing, vital problems of city residents. Practicality and benefit are the main criteria for choosing a business idea for a small town, and not its pretentiousness or exclusivity.

A separate topic is services for business. Surprisingly, they are in demand! For accountants, economists, lawyers, experts in various industries, this is a poorly filled and very promising niche. This is shown by the results of a survey recently conducted by the Small Business Resource Center (Fig. 2). The project was implemented using the example of three cities: Suvorov (20,126 people), Buturlinovka (26,241 people) and Ostrogozhsk (32,310 people).

The biggest gap is in legal advice. There is no company providing such services in any of these cities.

Is successful business in the periphery a reality? Yes!

The examples below are taken from real life. This is a clear illustration of everything that was said above.

Private kindergarten "Umka"

City of Sibay, Bashkiria, 62 35 inhabitants.;

Ilmira Gatiyatova directly faced a problem when she was unable to go to work: there was no place in kindergarten for her 2.5-year-old daughter. 6 months passed from the birth of the idea to its implementation. 200,000 rubles of their own funds were invested in the organization, and 300,000 were received from the city budget under the program to support small and medium-sized businesses. The private kindergarten is the first and so far the only one in the city. There are 30 children attending it, and 50 parents have already signed up for the waiting list. In the video below, the entrepreneur talks about his experience.

The Ministry of Labor has prepared a bill that is under consideration. It will allow the use of maternity capital funds to pay for private kindergartens and individual entrepreneurs providing supervision and care for children. If the law is adopted, this type of business will receive an additional impetus for development.

Interesting franchise: Baby Way - an innovative technique for raising children.

Consulting in a small town?

Engineering group "Compass"

G. Glazov Udmurtia, 94,610 inhabitants.

In Europe and the USA, about 90% of small and more than 50% of medium-sized enterprises use the services of accounting firms. In Russia there is still much less, but the number of people interested is constantly growing. The Compass educational and methodological center grew out of a small company providing services in the field of law, accounting, and consulting on business issues. The organization was created in 2002, and now it is already a group of companies. Its partners and clients include the largest enterprises in the region. In 2008, the Expert RA rating agency assigned the company a V quality rating. Its director Andrey Anatolyevich Makarov was recognized as the best entrepreneur of the city in the “Services” category in 2010.

Uryupinsk: “Russia is a province - a hole”?

The town is located in the south of the Volgograd region, population - 39,171 people. Two years ago, he officially registered the brand “Capital of the Russian Province”. The following three examples of successful businesses show that enterprising people find business everywhere.

Let's replace Polish apples with Russian ones

In 2007, a young entrepreneur Nikolai Sayutin purchased one of the apple orchards abandoned in the 90s. The mild climate makes it possible to grow excellent apples here, and over the past years, the renovated orchards have entered a time of active fruiting. Taking into account the policy of import substitution, the entrepreneur hit the bull’s eye. A video from local Uryupinsk TV shows the whole process in detail.

The entrepreneur organized waste recycling

The enterprise, created by Ali Ibragimov in 2010, is thriving - there is plenty of garbage in the city. It makes a profit and employs 10 workers. There is a loader, two presses. Aluminum cans, waste paper, and plastic bottles are recycled. So far it is the only one in the city, but there are plans to expand services in the housing and communal services sector. In what areas is kept secret from future competitors. B.zYu

Knitting enterprise LLC "Uzory"

A small enterprise was organized by Raisa Kazimirova in 2000. It employs 10 homeworkers, 7 knitters, 3 spinners. Uryupinsk is the only place in Russia where goats with a fluff length of up to 13 cm are bred (the vaunted Orenburg ones, according to locals, have it shorter). Nowadays, Vyacheslav Zaitsev, Andrey Malakhov, and members of the Ryzhkov and Chubais families are wearing products from Uryupinsk. For his 55th birthday, Putin was given down underpants, a T-shirt with the inscription “I’ll give up everything, I’ll go to Uryupinsk” and socks. They were included in the rating of “The Best Gifts for the President” compiled by the Trud newspaper.

There are only 5 examples, and small and medium-sized cities in Russia make up more than 80% of the total number. There is a field for activity, if there is a desire.

An important condition for organizing a business in a small town is low initial costs. In a special section of the Moneymaker Factory, we have collected 45 projects with investment amounts starting from 15,000 thousand rubles. Here you will find real stories of aspiring and successful businessmen, examples of business plans and interesting ideas.