Starting a Business in Ohio? Here are the 15 Best Businesses to Start in Ohio

Are you thinking of diving into entrepreneurship and looking for the best business to start in Ohio? You’ve landed at the right place! Ohio’s diverse economy, strategic location, and supportive business environment make it an ideal place to start a business. 

But, with so many opportunities, choosing the right one for you can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of promising business ideas tailored specifically for the Buckeye State. These ideas take into account the unique culture, economic trends, and market demand in Ohio.

1. Manufacturing Business

Ohio’s rich industrial history has laid a robust foundation for manufacturing businesses. The state is one of the top manufacturing sectors in the U.S, with a significant focus on automotive, aerospace, and steel industries.

Steps to Start a Manufacturing Business in Ohio:

• Identify Your Product: Pinpoint what you wish to manufacture. Ohio’s manufacturing sector is diverse, so there are many options.

• Create a Business Plan: Your business plan should clearly outline your product, market analysis, marketing strategy, and financial projections.

• Find a Suitable Location: You’ll need a location that is zoned for manufacturing and has the necessary infrastructure for your operation.

• Secure Funding: Manufacturing can require substantial upfront investment for equipment and facilities. You might need loans or investors to help cover these costs.

• Register Your Business: Register your business with the Ohio Secretary of State and get your Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.

• Comply with Regulations: Manufacturing businesses face various regulations, including environmental, health, and safety regulations. Ensure your business is in compliance to avoid fines or shutdowns.

• Hire Staff and Start Production: Once everything is in place, you can hire your team and start production.

A manufacturing business typically operates offline due to the nature of the production process. However, an online presence is important for marketing your products, connecting with customers, and potentially even selling directly to consumers.

2. Tech Startup

Ohio, particularly cities like Columbus, is quickly becoming a hub for tech startups. The state offers supportive infrastructure, grants, and a growing talent pool for tech-oriented businesses.

Steps to Start a Tech Startup in Ohio:

• Identify Your Niche: Pinpoint the tech field you wish to venture into. This could be anything from software development, fintech, health tech, to AI and machine learning.

• Develop a Business Plan: A business plan should outline your product or service, market analysis, funding sources, marketing strategy, and financial projections.

• Build Your Product or Service: Depending on your tech field, this could mean developing software, building an app, or creating a technology product.

• Secure Funding: Tech startups often require significant capital. Look into venture capitalists, angel investors, or government grants that specifically support tech startups in Ohio.

• Register Your Business: Register your business with the Ohio Secretary of State. You’ll also need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.

• Assemble Your Team: Hire a team with the necessary skills to help your startup succeed. This may include developers, marketers, salespeople, and more.

• Market Your Product/Service: Use digital marketing strategies to reach your target audience and gain customers or users.

Tech startups primarily operate online due to the nature of their products or services. A strong online presence is crucial for reaching customers, gathering user feedback, and continually improving your offerings.

3. Agriculture Business

Ohio’s rich farmland and favorable climate make it a prime location for an agricultural business. The state is among the top agricultural producers in the country, known for corn, soybeans, and dairy products.

Steps to Start an Agriculture Business in Ohio:

• Choose Your Specialty: Identify what kind of farming or agricultural business you wish to start. This could range from crop farming, dairy farming, poultry farming, to organic farming.

• Draft a Business Plan: Your business plan should outline your chosen agricultural venture, market analysis, funding, and a detailed marketing strategy.

• Secure Land and Resources: Acquire suitable farmland for your chosen venture. You will also need farming equipment and potentially livestock.

• Secure Funding: Starting an agricultural business can be capital intensive. Consider various financing options such as loans, grants, or investors.

• Register Your Business: Register your business with the Ohio Secretary of State and get your EIN from the IRS.

• Get Licensed: Depending on your agricultural venture, you might need specific licenses. For instance, dairy farming would require a Dairy Farm License from the Ohio Department of Agriculture.

• Start Farming: Once all is set, you can start your farming activities.

While an agricultural business operates mainly offline, an online presence can help you market your products to a broader audience, connect with customers, and stay informed about agricultural trends and innovations.

4. Craft Brewery or Winery

With a growing craft beer and wine scene, Ohio is a fantastic place to start a craft brewery or winery. The state even ranks among the top five in the U.S. for craft beer production, making it a promising industry to tap into.

Steps to Start a Craft Brewery or Winery in Ohio:

• Identify Your Unique Selling Proposition: Decide on the type of beer or wine you want to create. What will set your brewery or winery apart from the rest?

• Create a Business Plan: This should detail your product, market analysis, funding sources, marketing strategy, and financial projections.

• Find a Suitable Location: Look for a location that is zoned for your kind of business and has the space for brewing or winemaking equipment, storage, and possibly a taproom or tasting room.

• Purchase Necessary Equipment: Secure the equipment required for brewing or winemaking.

• Register Your Business: Register your business with the Ohio Secretary of State and obtain an EIN from the IRS.

• Obtain Required Licenses: You will need a permit from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control and likely federal permits from the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.

• Hire Staff: Hire experienced brewers or winemakers, as well as any necessary staff for a taproom or tasting room.

• Market Your Brewery or Winery: Create a strong brand identity, build an online presence, and engage with your local community to attract customers.

While a craft brewery or winery operates primarily offline, an online presence is crucial for marketing your products, sharing news and events, and potentially selling your products directly to consumers.

5. Restaurant Focusing on Local Ohio Cuisine

Ohio is known for its diverse and unique local cuisine, from Cincinnati chili to buckeye candies. Starting a restaurant that specializes in such local delicacies can be a fantastic way to appeal to both locals and tourists.

Steps to Start a Restaurant Focusing on Local Ohio Cuisine:

• Choose Your Restaurant Concept: Decide on the style of your restaurant and the specific Ohio dishes you’ll offer.

• Create a Business Plan: Your business plan should detail your restaurant concept, market analysis, funding sources, marketing strategy, and financial projections.

• Find a Suitable Location: The location of your restaurant can greatly impact its success. Look for a location that is accessible, visible, and in an area frequented by your target demographic.

• Design Your Restaurant: Design a welcoming and comfortable space that complements your restaurant concept.

• Register Your Business: Register your business with the Ohio Secretary of State and get your EIN from the IRS.

• Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits: In addition to a business license, you’ll need a food service operation license from the Ohio Department of Health and a liquor license if you plan to serve alcohol.

• Hire Staff and Open Your Restaurant: Once everything is in place, hire your staff, start cooking, and open your doors to the public.

While the restaurant will primarily operate offline, an online presence is crucial for sharing your menu, location, hours, and enticing photos of your food. Online platforms can also facilitate reservations and possibly even orders for pickup or delivery.

6. Healthcare Services

Ohio’s aging population and the increasing focus on health and wellness present numerous opportunities for healthcare services. From home healthcare to specialized clinics, the healthcare sector in Ohio is ripe with possibilities.

Steps to Start a Healthcare Business in Ohio:

• Identify Your Niche: Decide on the type of healthcare service you want to offer. This could be home healthcare, a specialized clinic, a mental health practice, or a wellness center, among other options.

• Create a Business Plan: Outline your services, market analysis, funding sources, marketing strategy, and financial projections in your business plan.

• Secure a Suitable Location: If your business requires a physical location, find a place that’s accessible and welcoming for patients.

• Obtain Necessary Licensing: You’ll need to comply with state and federal regulations, which may require specific licenses or certifications depending on the type of healthcare service.

• Register Your Business: Register your business with the Ohio Secretary of State and get your EIN from the IRS.

• Hire Qualified Staff: Depending on your services, you may need to hire medical professionals, administrative staff, or caregivers.

• Promote Your Services: Use online and offline marketing strategies to reach potential patients and establish your healthcare business’s reputation.

Healthcare services often operate offline due to the hands-on nature of healthcare. However, an online presence can help you market your services, provide information, and maybe even offer online appointment booking.

7. Retail Business Focusing on Ohio Products

Ohio is home to a variety of unique products, from Buckeye chocolates to artisanal crafts. A retail business that curates and sells these local products can capitalize on local pride and the trend toward supporting local businesses.

Steps to Start a Retail Business Focusing on Ohio Products:

• Select Your Products: Decide on the Ohio-based products you want to sell. Try to offer a diverse range that appeals to various tastes and interests.

• Create a Business Plan: Your business plan should include a description of your product selection, market analysis, funding sources, marketing strategy, and financial projections.

• Find a Suitable Location: Choose a location that is easily accessible, has good foot traffic, and is in a neighborhood that appreciates local products.

• Source Your Products: Build relationships with Ohio-based producers, artisans, and manufacturers to stock your store.

• Register Your Business: Register your business with the Ohio Secretary of State and obtain an EIN from the IRS.

• Set Up Your Store and Start Selling: Once everything is in place, arrange your store, open your doors, and start selling.

A retail business focusing on Ohio products operates primarily offline. However, having an online presence is a powerful tool for reaching a broader audience, sharing updates, promoting products, and potentially selling online.

8. Fitness Center

Health and wellness are significant trends, and Ohio is no exception. Whether it’s a traditional gym, a yoga studio, or a specialized training center, starting a fitness center in Ohio can cater to the state’s health-conscious residents.

Steps to Start a Fitness Center in Ohio:

• Choose Your Fitness Niche: Decide on the type of fitness center you want to establish. This could be a gym, yoga studio, pilates studio, crossfit box, or a specialized fitness center.

• Draft a Business Plan: Your business plan should detail your fitness concept, market analysis, funding, marketing strategy, and financial projections.

• Find a Suitable Location: A location that is easily accessible and has sufficient space for equipment and workout areas is crucial.

• Purchase Equipment and Set Up Your Center: Depending on your fitness niche, you will need to purchase suitable equipment and set up your center accordingly.

• Register Your Business: Register your business with the Ohio Secretary of State and get your EIN from the IRS.

• Hire Certified Trainers: Depending on your fitness center, you may need certified fitness trainers to guide your clients.

• Promote Your Fitness Center: Market your fitness center both online and offline to attract clients and establish your brand.

While the fitness center operates mostly offline, an online presence is beneficial for marketing, sharing class schedules, providing health tips, and potentially offering online booking.

9. Pet Services Business

Ohioans love their pets, and this love translates into a robust market for pet services. From dog walking to pet grooming to pet sitting, there’s a wide array of services you can offer to pet owners in the state.

Steps to Start a Pet Services Business in Ohio:

• Identify Your Services: Decide on the type of pet services you want to offer. This could be pet grooming, dog walking, pet sitting, pet training, or a combination of these.

• Create a Business Plan: Your business plan should outline your services, market analysis, funding sources, marketing strategy, and financial projections.

• Obtain Necessary Training or Certifications: Depending on the services you offer, you might need specific training or certifications. For instance, pet grooming often requires a professional certification.

• Register Your Business: Register your business with the Ohio Secretary of State and get your EIN from the IRS.

• Market Your Services: Start promoting your services. This could be through social media, a website, local pet stores, veterinary clinics, and word of mouth.

Most pet services operate offline as they are hands-on and personal. However, an online presence can help you reach more potential clients, allow clients to book services, and showcase reviews and testimonials.

10. Cleaning Services Business

The demand for reliable and high-quality cleaning services is robust in Ohio. Whether it’s commercial office cleaning or residential cleaning, this type of business can offer steady income and scalability.

Steps to Start a Cleaning Services Business in Ohio:

• Define Your Market: Decide whether you want to focus on residential or commercial cleaning, or a combination of both.

• Create a Business Plan: Your business plan should detail your services, market analysis, funding sources, marketing strategy, and financial projections.

• Purchase Equipment and Supplies: You will need to acquire the necessary cleaning equipment and supplies to provide your services.

• Register Your Business: Register your business with the Ohio Secretary of State and get your EIN from the IRS.

• Hire Staff: Depending on the size of your operation, you may need to hire employees. Make sure they are trained to maintain the quality of service you wish to provide.

• Promote Your Services: Market your cleaning services through local businesses, online, and through word of mouth to gain clients.

While the cleaning services operate offline due to their hands-on nature, having an online presence is beneficial for showcasing your services, receiving bookings, and gathering customer reviews.

11. Organic Farm

Ohio, with its fertile soil and agricultural history, provides a great environment for starting an organic farm. This can cater to the increasing demand for organic and locally grown produce.

Steps to Start an Organic Farm in Ohio:

• Choose Your Crops: Decide on the type of crops you want to grow based on market demand, soil suitability, and your farming skills.

• Create a Business Plan: Your business plan should detail your farm concept, market analysis, funding sources, marketing strategy, and financial projections.

• Find Suitable Land: Secure land that is suitable for organic farming. This might involve leasing or purchasing farmland in Ohio.

• Prepare Your Land and Start Farming: Once the land is ready, plant your chosen crops and start farming.

• Register Your Business: Register your business with the Ohio Secretary of State and get your EIN from the IRS.

• Get Certified: Apply for organic certification through the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association or another accredited certifying agent.

• Sell Your Produce: This can be done directly to consumers at farmer’s markets, to local restaurants, or through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs.

An organic farm primarily operates offline, but an online presence can help you share updates, promote your farm and produce, and potentially facilitate direct sales or CSA subscriptions.

12. Personal Chef Service

The busy lifestyle of many Ohio residents creates a demand for personal chef services. Whether it’s preparing healthy family meals or catering for small events, a personal chef service can be a rewarding business venture.

Steps to Start a Personal Chef Service in Ohio:

• Identify Your Specialty: Decide on your cooking style or specialty. This could range from healthy, organic meals to gourmet fine dining or ethnic cuisines.

• Create a Business Plan: Your business plan should outline your services, market analysis, funding sources, marketing strategy, and financial projections.

• Acquire Necessary Licensing: You may need a food handler’s permit and other relevant licensing from local health departments.

• Register Your Business: Register your business with the Ohio Secretary of State and get your EIN from the IRS.

• Build a Client Base: Start promoting your services. This could be through word of mouth, social media, local advertising, or partnering with event planners.

A personal chef service primarily operates offline, visiting clients’ homes or event locations to prepare meals. However, an online presence can assist in marketing your services, showcasing your culinary creations, and allowing clients to book your services.

13. Child Care Service

With many families having both parents working full-time, child care services are in high demand in Ohio. Opening a child care center can provide a valuable service to your community while offering a stable income.

Steps to Start a Child Care Service in Ohio:

• Plan Your Services: Decide on the age group of children you want to cater to and the types of services you will offer. This can range from daycare services, after-school care, to specialized early education programs.

• Create a Business Plan: Your business plan should detail your services, market analysis, funding sources, marketing strategy, and financial projections.

• Find a Suitable Location: You will need a location that is safe, accessible, and has adequate space for children to play and rest.

• Obtain Necessary Licensing and Certifications: Child care services require licensing from the state of Ohio. You might also need to obtain specific training or certifications in child care.

• Register Your Business: Register your business with the Ohio Secretary of State and get your EIN from the IRS.

• Hire Staff: You may need to hire additional staff to care for the children. Ensure they have the necessary qualifications and pass background checks.

• Promote Your Services: Market your child care services to local families, businesses, schools, and through online platforms.

While a child care service operates predominantly offline, having an online presence can be beneficial for showcasing your facilities, sharing updates, and allowing parents to book and pay for your services.

14. Green Energy Solutions Business

Ohio is progressively adopting renewable energy sources, creating an excellent opportunity for green energy solutions businesses. Providing services such as solar panel installation, energy audits, or consultation can make a positive environmental impact while profiting from this emerging market.

Steps to Start a Green Energy Solutions Business in Ohio:

• Identify Your Niche: Choose the type of green energy solutions you want to provide. This could range from solar installations, wind energy solutions, energy-efficient audits, or a combination of these services.

• Create a Business Plan: Your business plan should detail your services, market analysis, funding sources, marketing strategy, and financial projections.

• Obtain Necessary Licensing and Certifications: Depending on your services, you may require specific licenses or certifications. For example, solar panel installation typically requires an electrical contractor’s license.

• Register Your Business: Register your business with the Ohio Secretary of State and get your EIN from the IRS.

• Build Relationships with Suppliers: Establish relationships with suppliers of the equipment you need, such as solar panels or energy-efficient appliances.

• Promote Your Services: Market your business to homeowners, businesses, and government entities who might be interested in green energy solutions.

A green energy solutions business operates both offline and online. Offline operations include installations and consultations, while an online presence helps in marketing your services, sharing information about green energy, and scheduling appointments.

15. eCommerce Business

Ohio’s growing digital economy and its strategic location for shipping make it a promising location for an eCommerce business. Selling products online gives you access to a global market, maximizing your business’s potential reach.

Steps to Start an eCommerce Business in Ohio:

• Choose Your Products: Decide on the products you want to sell. This could be anything from handmade crafts, vintage items, clothes, tech gadgets, or more.

• Create a Business Plan: Your business plan should detail your products, market analysis, funding sources, marketing strategy, and financial projections.

• Register Your Business: Register your business with the Ohio Secretary of State and get your EIN from the IRS.

• Build Your eCommerce Website: You can build your eCommerce site using platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Magento. Make sure it’s user-friendly and secure for online transactions.

• Source Your Products: Depending on what you’re selling, you may need to manufacture your products, work with local artisans, or find suppliers who can provide what you need.

• Promote Your Products: Market your business using social media, SEO, email marketing, and other online advertising techniques to attract customers.

An eCommerce business operates primarily online, providing you the flexibility to manage your business from anywhere. The key is to ensure a smooth customer experience, from browsing products to checkout to delivery.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Ohio offers a wealth of opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. From food trucks to eCommerce, there’s a diverse range of businesses you can start here. Consider your passions, skills, and the market needs, and you’re well on your way to choosing the best business for you in Ohio. So, which business idea has piqued your interest? Let’s get the conversation started. Share your thoughts in the comments section below!