30 Small Business Ideas in Houston, Texas for 2024
Houston, Texas is the fourth-largest city in the United States and is a major economic hub for the state of Texas. It has a diverse population of over 2.3 million people as of 2020, making it a melting pot of cultures and business opportunities.
The city covers an area of 671.67 square miles, with 640.44 square miles of land and 31.23 square miles of water. The city's location in Southeast Texas near Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico has helped it develop into a major port city and transportation hub.
Houston's subtropical climate and warm temperatures make it an ideal location for year-round outdoor activities, which has led to a thriving tourism industry. It also boasts a highly skilled and educated workforce, with several renowned universities and research institutions located in the city.
Houston has a strong business-friendly environment, with low taxes and minimal regulations, which makes it an attractive location for entrepreneurs looking to start a business.
In addition to its robust economy, Houston is also home to a vibrant cultural scene, with a diverse range of food, music, and art. With all of these factors in play, Houston is a prime location for entrepreneurs to start and grow a profitable small business.
30 Small Profitable Businesses You Can Open Now in Houston, Texas
According to the latest report from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Texas is home to a whopping 2,627,724 small businesses. This means that small businesses make up an impressive 99.78% of all businesses in the state.
1. Food truck Business
Houston is known for its diverse and delicious cuisine, and a food truck is a great way to bring your specialty dishes to the masses. With the city's thriving food love, you can park at popular locations and events to attract a wide range of customers.
2. Personal training
As you know, Houston is home to many fitness enthusiasts, and starting a personal training business is a great way to help them achieve their fitness goals. Offer services in fitness and nutrition, either at a gym or at the client's home.
3. Event planning business
Houston hosts many social events, including weddings, corporate events, and galas, making event planning a lucrative business idea. You can help clients plan and execute memorable events by coordinating with vendors, creating a budget, and managing logistics.
4. Pet grooming business
Like other things, Houston is home to many pet owners who love to pamper their furry friends, making a pet grooming business a great option. You can offer grooming services to pets of all shapes and sizes, making them look and feel their best.
5. Online store
With Houston's bustling economy and diverse population, starting an online store can be a great way to reach a wider audience. Selling a variety of goods and services through an e-commerce platform makes it easy for customers to shop from the comfort of their own homes.
6. Mobile car detailing
Houstonians love their cars, and a mobile car detailing business can cater to this passion. A car washing and detailing service at the customer's location will provide convenience and increase your profit.
7. Lawn care and landscaping
With Houston's warm climate and abundant greenery, starting a lawn care and landscaping business can be a profitable venture. You can offer services such as lawn mowing, tree trimming, and garden maintenance to residential and commercial customers.
8. Cleaning services
There is always a need for cleaning services for many busy professionals and families in Houston. You can offer residential and commercial cleaning services, making homes and businesses look and feel their best.
9. Home remodeling
Houston's growing population and housing market make home remodeling a viable business idea. You can offer services such as kitchen and bathroom renovation, helping homeowners improve their living spaces.
10. Photography
Houston's vibrant cultural scene and beautiful scenery make photography a popular business idea. You can offer services for events, weddings, and family portraits, capturing memories that last a lifetime.
11. Digital marketing
For businesses looking to expand their online presence, a digital marketing business is a profitable business idea. You can offer services such as social media marketing, SEO, and PPC advertising, helping businesses reach a wider audience.
12. Freelance writing
For Houston's thriving media industry, starting a freelance writing business can be a great way to make a living. You can offer writing services to individuals and businesses, creating engaging and informative content.
13. Tutoring
There is also a large student population in Houston. Starting a tutoring business can be a lucrative option in the city or the suburbs. You can offer services in a variety of subjects for students of all ages, helping them achieve their academic goals.
14. Mobile massage
With many busy professionals in Houston, a mobile massage business can provide a much-needed service. In this business you can offer therapeutic massage services at the customer's location, providing relaxation and stress relief.
15. Personal shopping
With Houston's thriving retail industry, a personal shopping business can cater to those who need assistance with shopping for clothing, home decor, and other items. You can offer personalized shopping experiences, helping clients find the perfect items for their needs.
16. Food delivery business
As many people opt for delivery services, partnering with local restaurants to offer food delivery can be a profitable business idea. By providing affordable and convenient food delivery services to customers across Houston, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences and cuisines you can capture the market in no time.
17. Car rental business
Houston is a famous and popular tourist destination so the demand for cab and rent services is always present. A good car rental business providing affordable car rental services to visitors, making it easy for them to explore the city at their own pace will be a great addition to the city.
18. Personal chef
Starting a personal chef business can cater to those who appreciate delicious and gourmet meals. Offer customized meal plans and cook for clients in their own homes and provide a unique and personalized culinary experience to quickly gain traction in the market.
19. Business consulting
Houston is home to many small and large businesses, making business consulting a viable option. You can provide consulting services on a variety of topics such as marketing, finance, and operations, helping businesses grow and succeed.
20. E-commerce consultancy
With the rise of online businesses, starting an e-commerce consultancy business can be a profitable venture. You can provide consulting services on topics such as website design, SEO, and online advertising, helping businesses succeed in the digital world.
21. Car dealership business
With many Houstonians passionate about cars, starting a car dealership business can be a lucrative option. You can offer a variety of new and used cars, catering to different budgets and preferences.
22. Language translation
As you know Houston is one of the biggest cities in the USA therefore it has a diverse population residing. Starting a language translation business will be a great way to cater to non-English speakers. You can offer translation services in a variety of languages, making it easy for individuals and businesses to communicate effectively.
23. Virtual assistant
With many professionals in Houston juggling multiple tasks and responsibilities, a virtual assistant business can provide much-needed support. By starting this business in Texas you will be able to offer administrative and other support services remotely, helping clients stay organized and productive.
24. Interior design
There is a growing housing market in Houston past several years. An interior designing business is a great option if you know about interior design or have a taste of it. In this business you will offer design services for homes and businesses, creating stylish and functional spaces that meet the client's needs.
25. Tour guide business
With Houston being a popular tourist destination, starting a tour guide business can provide visitors with a unique and personalized experience. You can offer guided tours of the city's cultural and historical sites, highlighting its unique character and charm.
26. Car wash
With many car owners in Houston, starting a car wash business can cater to those who want to keep their cars looking their best. You can offer a variety of car washing and detailing services, providing convenience and high-quality service.
27. Handyman services
Start a handyman business for the people of Houston, Texas. A variety of services like plumbing, electrical, and carpentry work will help your clients keep their homes in top condition.
28. Wedding planning
Starting a wedding planning business is always a great business idea. By offering a variety of wedding planning services, you can help couples in planning and executing their dream wedding while earning a lot of money.
29. Financial planning
There are many individuals and businesses in Houston in need of financial advice due to different reasons. Starting a financial planning business can prove a profitable venture. Services like retirement planning, investment management, and debt reduction will help your clients achieve their financial goals and enhance your business.
30. Art gallery
Houston's people love art. So starting an art gallery business will be a great way to showcase local artists and provide a platform for art lovers. Moreover, offering a variety of art exhibitions and events, catering to different artistic tastes and preferences will promote your business faster.
How to Start a Business in Houston, Texas
Starting a business in Houston, Texas requires following certain legal procedures. Here are the steps you need to take:
- Choose a business structure: You can choose to operate as a DBA, LLC, or a Corporation.
- Appoint a registered agent: Your business needs a registered agent for company formation and filing purposes.
- Select a business name: Ensure that the name is available by checking with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Additionally, check whether a relevant business domain name is available.
- Register your business: You can check for top LLC service providers in the United States to help you with this process.
- Obtain your Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN or “EIN”): You will need this to legally hire employees.
- Register for taxes: The Comptroller of Public Accounts handles state tax filings.
- Create a business bank account: This will help you separate personal and business finances.
- Obtain necessary licenses and permits: Depending on the nature of your business, you may need certain licenses and permits to operate legally in Houston.
