When a town or city decides to revitalize a downtown area, there can be tremendous benefits for new small business owners. State and local tax breaks, incentives such as low financing and heavy publicity all make revitalized areas attractive to small business owners. However, sometimes people know they want to take advantage of the renewed interest in an area without knowing what type of business they want to have. This list of small business ideas for downtown areas includes plenty of inspiration.
Artistic Small Business Ideas
Often, a town will ask to be designated as an arts and entertainment district. These areas make helping an arts-related business establish itself a priority. There are many ideas for an artistic small business.
- Art gallery - Galleries traditionally sell art for many different artists. They may specialize in one type of art, such as pottery, or offer anything from photography to sculptures.
- Art studio - A studio often sells art, too. However, the art is usually created by the artist who owns the studio.
- Art classes - a formal art school is rare, but a shop that offers non-credit classes is often popular in these areas. Frequently, an artist will also offer classes from the studio to gain an additional source of income.
- Dance studio - Dance classes are not just for children. Many studios also offer classes in yoga and meditation.
- Framing store - Mat and frame prints for customers.
- Art supply shop - Sell supplies to artists. This usually works well as an addition to a studio or gallery's business.
- Yarn or textile shop - Offering yarns, embroidery kits, rug hooking, or quilting supplies will draw artists and people who do not consider themselves artistic, but like to make items for family members. Classes for beginners and advanced crafters are often a major source of income for these shops.
Before starting any of these art-related businesses, prospective entrepreneurs should make sure they are eligible for the different incentives, since some programs require an actual piece of art or performance to be created.
Small Business Ideas for High Foot Traffic Areas
An area that allows visitors to park in a central location and stroll from shop to shop is a great place for many types of small businesses. A few ideas include:
- Coffee shop - A shop with a welcoming ambience often becomes the hub of a community. Some coffee shops also have an internet cafe or a small specialty book shop.
- Tea shop - A tea shop is very different from a coffee shop, catering to people who would like to relax and have a light lunch over people looking for a jolt of caffeine.
- Antique store - Antique stores with a cozy ambience often do well in these revitalized areas.
- Craft shop - Local crafts are especially popular if the area is a major tourist attraction.
- Niche business - A year-round Christmas shop, a pet boutique, or a similar business fits into this type of area quite nicely.
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