Business ideas · Tennessee · Census Business Patterns 2023
Business ideas in Memphis, TN: what has room right now
Out of 231 business types, these five have the most room in Memphis at a $60,000 budget: fewer per resident than the rest of Tennessee, a startup range you can reach, and a realistic time to the first paying customer. Skipped 14 the city already has more of. Run it with your own budget and interests.
Neur picks
Memphis, TN · 629,063 residents
- 01
Flooring Install
Installation of hardwood, tile, laminate, and vinyl flooring
- RoomMemphis has 95% fewer of these per person than Tennessee. At the state rate it would hold about 19 more.
- CostOpens for $10k to $30k, inside your budget.
- In Memphis1
- Per 100k vs state0.2 vs 3.2
- Residents per one629,063
- To first dollar—
- 02
Cabinetry / Finish Carpentry
Custom cabinets, trim, built-ins, and closets for remodels and builders
- RoomMemphis has 90% fewer of these per person than Tennessee. At the state rate it would hold about 35 more.
- CostOpens for $15k to $80k, inside your budget.
- In Memphis4
- Per 100k vs state0.6 vs 6.1
- Residents per one157,266
- To first dollar—
- 03
Garage / Epoxy / Concrete
Decorative concrete coatings, epoxy floors, and garage upgrades
- RoomMemphis has 89% fewer of these per person than Tennessee. At the state rate it would hold about 32 more.
- CostOpens for $10k to $30k, inside your budget.
- In Memphis4
- Per 100k vs state0.6 vs 5.7
- Residents per one157,266
- To first dollar—
- 04
Toy / Hobby Store
Toys, games, models, trading cards, and craft supplies; events drive repeat visits
- RoomMemphis has 87% fewer of these per person than Tennessee. At the state rate it would hold about 14 more.
- CostOpens for $50k to $200k, inside your budget.
- In Memphis2
- Per 100k vs state0.3 vs 2.5
- Residents per one314,532
- To first dollar3 to 7 mo
- 05
Video Production
Commercials, social content, events, and real-estate video for local clients
- RoomMemphis has 85% fewer of these per person than Tennessee. At the state rate it would hold about 17 more.
- CostOpens for $5k to $40k, inside your budget.
- In Memphis3
- Per 100k vs state0.5 vs 3.1
- Residents per one209,688
- To first dollar1 to 3 mo
Questions
- What business should I start in Memphis, TN?
- On Census Business Patterns for Memphis's own ZIP codes, the types with the most room at a $60,000 budget are flooring install, cabinetry / finish carpentry, garage / epoxy / concrete, toy / hobby store, video production. Flooring Install leads: Memphis has 95% fewer of these per person than Tennessee. At the state rate it would hold about 19 more.
- How is "room" measured?
- Establishments per 100,000 residents inside Memphis against the Tennessee 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?
- Flooring Install $10k–$30k; Cabinetry / Finish Carpentry $15k–$80k; Garage / Epoxy / Concrete $10k–$30k; Toy / Hobby Store $50k–$200k; Video Production $5k–$40k. Ranges are Neur planning ranges per business type; the report localizes rent and wages.