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Business ideas · California · Census Business Patterns 2023

Business ideas in Irvine, CA: what has room right now

Out of 239 business types, these five have the most room in Irvine at a $60,000 budget: fewer per resident than the rest of California, a startup range you can reach, and a realistic time to the first paying customer. Skipped 70 the city already has more of. Run it with your own budget and interests.

Neur picks

Irvine, CA · 308,160 residents
  1. 01

    Garage / Epoxy / Concrete

    Decorative concrete coatings, epoxy floors, and garage upgrades

    • RoomIrvine has 81% fewer of these per person than California. At the state rate it would hold about 13 more.
    • CostOpens for $10k to $30k, inside your budget.
    • In Irvine3
    • Per 100k vs state1.0 vs 5.2
    • Residents per one102,720
    • To first dollar—
  2. 02

    Roofing

    Roof installation, repair, and replacement — residential and commercial

    • RoomIrvine has 77% fewer of these per person than California. At the state rate it would hold about 17 more.
    • CostOpens for $15k to $50k, inside your budget.
    • In Irvine5
    • Per 100k vs state1.6 vs 7.1
    • Residents per one61,632
    • To first dollar—
  3. 03

    Convenience Store

    Small retail store with everyday essentials, snacks, and beverages

    • RoomIrvine has 75% fewer of these per person than California. At the state rate it would hold about 18 more.
    • CostOpens for $50k to $200k, inside your budget.
    • In Irvine6
    • Per 100k vs state1.9 vs 7.8
    • Residents per one51,360
    • To first dollar3 to 7 mo
  4. 04

    Florist

    Floral design for everyday sales, events, and weddings

    • RoomIrvine has 68% fewer of these per person than California. At the state rate it would hold about 6 more.
    • CostOpens for $20k to $75k, inside your budget.
    • In Irvine3
    • Per 100k vs state1.0 vs 3.1
    • Residents per one102,720
    • To first dollar3 to 7 mo
  5. 05

    Cabinetry / Finish Carpentry

    Custom cabinets, trim, built-ins, and closets for remodels and builders

    • RoomIrvine has 64% fewer of these per person than California. At the state rate it would hold about 14 more.
    • CostOpens for $15k to $80k, inside your budget.
    • In Irvine8
    • Per 100k vs state2.6 vs 7.1
    • Residents per one38,520
    • To first dollar—

Questions

What business should I start in Irvine, CA?
On Census Business Patterns for Irvine's own ZIP codes, the types with the most room at a $60,000 budget are garage / epoxy / concrete, roofing, convenience store, florist, cabinetry / finish carpentry. Garage / Epoxy / Concrete leads: Irvine has 81% fewer of these per person than California. At the state rate it would hold about 13 more.
How is "room" measured?
Establishments per 100,000 residents inside Irvine against the California rate, from Census County and ZIP Business Patterns 2023, with crowded types (more than 1.35 times the state rate) left off. It is a screen, not a guarantee: the paid report maps the actual competitors and the neighborhood demand.
What does it cost to open these?
Garage / Epoxy / Concrete $10k–$30k; Roofing $15k–$50k; Convenience Store $50k–$200k; Florist $20k–$75k; Cabinetry / Finish Carpentry $15k–$80k. Ranges are Neur planning ranges per business type; the report localizes rent and wages.