27 Best Business Ideas in Tennessee (and Key Whys)

Tennessee, known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and vibrant communities, offers a promising environment for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to establish successful businesses.

With its strategic location in the southeastern United States and a combination of urban centers, scenic countryside, and a business-friendly climate, the state presents a multitude of opportunities across various industries. 

From the bustling streets of Nashville to the historical charm of Memphis, Tennessee’s cities and towns create a dynamic market for innovative ventures.

The state’s thriving entertainment industry, encompassing music, film, and arts, sets the stage for creative startups seeking to tap into the region’s cultural significance. 

When exploring the best business ideas in Tennessee, the unique blend of tradition and progress the state offers serves as a fertile ground to carve out your niche and thrive in the world of business.

Whether your passion lies in technology, hospitality, healthcare, or the culinary arts, the opportunities that arise from Tennessee’s vibrant landscape present an ideal chance to turn your entrepreneurial vision into reality.

Best Business Ideas in Tennessee

We have shortlisted the best small business ideas in Tennessee with high-growth potential for entrepreneurs:

Best Business Ideas in Tennessee_1

1. Elder Care

Starting an elder care business in Tennessee offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of seniors in the state.

With its rapidly growing aging population, Tennessee provides a significant demand for high-quality and compassionate elder care services.

Key Whys

  • Aging population demands care.
  • Close-knit communities foster connections.
  • Fulfilling service in growing market.

2. Computer/Laptop Repair

Embarking on a computer/laptop repair business in Tennessee comes with the advantage of tapping into a tech-savvy market that spans urban and rural areas.

Tennessee’s business-friendly policies and diverse economy provide a strong foundation for a computer repair venture.

Key Whys

  • Tech-savvy market seeks solutions.
  • Business-friendly policies encourage growth.
  • Accessible in urban and rural areas.

3. Dry Cleaning and Laundry

Starting a dry cleaning and laundry business in Tennessee means entering a market where convenience and quality are highly valued.

With its vibrant cities and active lifestyles, there’s a constant need for efficient garment care.

Tennessee’s central location and transportation networks facilitate easy access for customers seeking professional dry cleaning and laundry services.

Key Whys

  • Busy lifestyle values convenience.
  • Central location aids accessibility.
  • Quality care meets demand.

4. Barber and Grooming Store

Launching a barber and grooming store in Tennessee allows you to cater to a diverse clientele seeking both traditional and modern grooming experiences.

The state’s vibrant culture and emphasis on personal style create a thriving market for barber services.

Key Whys

  • Cultural diversity fuels demand.
  • Personal style embraced by residents.
  • Community connections enrich experience.

5. Car Wash Business

Establishing a car wash business in Tennessee presents a lucrative opportunity fueled by the state’s love for automobiles and outdoor activities.

With its scenic highways and busy urban centers, Tennessee offers a steady flow of potential customers looking to keep their vehicles clean.

Key Whys

  • Car culture thrives, demanding care.
  • Varied weather sustains need.
  • Profitable business in demand.

6. Arts School

Among the best business ideas in Tennessee, establishing an arts school holds immense promise.

The state’s vibrant cultural heritage and the burgeoning enthusiasm for creative expression offer a captivating backdrop for such a venture.

With iconic music scenes in Nashville and thriving visual arts communities in Knoxville and beyond, there exists a diverse and enthusiastic audience eager to engage in artistic education.

Key Whys

  • Cultural richness fosters creativity.
  • Affordable living nurtures growth.
  • Diverse opportunities in state.

7. Fitness/Yoga Center

Embarking on a fitness or yoga center business in Tennessee aligns with the state’s focus on wellness and healthy living.

With a population that values active lifestyles, Tennessee offers a receptive market for fitness and yoga services.

From urban professionals to rural residents, there’s a broad spectrum of individuals seeking opportunities to stay fit and achieve mental well-being.

Key Whys

  • Wellness trend embraced by population.
  • Mental and physical health focus.
  • Diverse demand across areas.
Best Business Ideas in Tennessee_2

Related Posts:

8. Catering Service

Launching a catering service in Tennessee means becoming part of a vibrant culinary scene that celebrates local flavors and diverse cuisines.

From weddings and events in Memphis to corporate gatherings in Chattanooga, there’s a constant demand for exceptional catering experiences.

Key Whys

  • Culinary diversity drives demand.
  • Exceptional experiences valued.
  • Central location eases logistics.

9. Refurbishing Homes/Houses

Starting a home refurbishing business in Tennessee enables you to contribute to the state’s growing real estate market while offering residents the chance to revitalize their living spaces.

With a mix of historic homes and modern developments, there’s a continuous need for home improvement and renovation services.

Key Whys

  • Historic and modern properties await.
  • Real estate growth opportunities.
  • Revitalizing spaces enhances value.

10. Real Estate Business

Embarking on a real estate business in Tennessee comes with the advantage of entering a market that’s experiencing steady growth and development.

The state’s diverse urban and rural landscapes offer a range of properties for potential buyers and investors.

Key Whys

  • Growing market with potential.
  • Business-friendly environment attracts investors.
  • Diverse housing needs present.

11. Law Firm

In Tennessee, establishing a law firm opens doors to a state with a strong legal community and diverse legal needs, ranging from business to personal matters, making it an ideal place to provide comprehensive legal services.

Key Whys

  • Thriving legal community.
  • Diverse legal needs.
  • Business-friendly environment.

12. Beauty Salon

Tennessee’s vibrant culture and emphasis on personal style create a thriving market for beauty salons, offering a chance to cater to a diverse clientele seeking grooming and self-care services.

Key Whys

  • Emphasis on personal style.
  • Growing beauty market.
  • Diverse clientele.

13. IT Firm

Among the best business ideas in Tennessee, launching an IT firm stands out prominently.

Tennessee’s flourishing technology landscape, coupled with its business-friendly climate, offers a conducive environment to initiate such a venture.

As the demand for advanced technological solutions surges, local businesses, ranging from startups to established enterprises, seek expertise in the IT realm.

Key Whys

  • Tech growth opportunities.
  • Business-friendly policies.
  • Servicing diverse industries.

14. Landscaping Business

Tapping into Tennessee’s appreciation for outdoor spaces and natural beauty, a landscaping business can flourish by providing professional and creative landscaping services for both residential and commercial clients.

Key Whys

  • Appreciation for outdoors.
  • Residential and commercial demand.
  • Creative landscaping opportunities.

15. Delivery Man

Operating as a delivery person in Tennessee offers the chance to navigate the state’s urban and rural areas while meeting the rising demand for convenient and efficient delivery services.

Key Whys

  • Convenience demands rise.
  • Urban and rural coverage.
  • Efficient delivery services needed.

16. Meat Shop

Capitalizing on Tennessee’s culinary traditions and love for locally-sourced products, starting a meat shop can provide high-quality meat and poultry options for residents and businesses.

Key Whys

  • Culinary traditions.
  • Love for local products.
  • Quality meat offerings.

17. Pharmacy/Drug Store

Launching a pharmacy or drug store in Tennessee presents an essential service to a diverse population, combining a growing healthcare sector with a need for accessible and reliable medication options.

Key Whys

  • Growing healthcare sector.
  • Essential service demand.
  • Accessible medication options.

18. Digital Printing Service

Tennessee’s blend of industries and creative communities makes it a prime location for a digital printing service, catering to businesses and individuals seeking customized and high-quality printed materials.

Key Whys

  • Blend of industries.
  • Customized materials needed.
  • High-quality print solutions.

19. Amusement Arcade

Embracing Tennessee’s entertainment-focused culture, an amusement arcade can thrive by offering a variety of interactive and engaging games for people of all ages to enjoy.

Key Whys

  • Entertainment-focused culture.
  • Varied age appeal.
  • Interactive gaming experiences.

20. Financial Advisor

Among the best business ideas in Tennessee, the role of financial advisors shines prominently.

With a diverse array of industries and the unique financial needs of individuals, the state offers a dynamic market for these advisors to excel.

Guiding clients toward their financial goals and helping them navigate complex landscapes, such as investments and retirement planning, becomes crucial in Tennessee’s ever-evolving economy.

Key Whys

  • Industry diversity.
  • Complex financial landscapes.
  • Client guidance demand.

21. Tax Preparer

Tennessee’s business-friendly environment and diverse population create a steady demand for skilled tax preparers who can assist both individuals and businesses in managing their tax obligations.

  • Business-friendly setting.
  • Tax obligations assistance.
  • Diverse clientele needs.

22. Insurance Agent

Starting an insurance agency in Tennessee allows you to serve a range of clients seeking coverage for their assets, health, and businesses in a state that values security and protection.

Key Whys

  • Security value emphasized.
  • Asset, health coverage demand.
  • Business insurance opportunities.

23. Copywriting

Tennessee’s bustling business scene and creative communities create ample opportunities for copywriters to provide compelling content and messaging to help businesses stand out.

Key Whys

  • Vibrant business scene.
  • Creative content needs.
  • Messaging enhancement sought.

24. Photography

With its diverse landscapes and vibrant cultural events, Tennessee offers a picturesque backdrop for photographers to capture everything from scenic beauty to special moments.

Key Whys

  • Diverse landscapes.
  • Cultural event opportunities.
  • Capturing special moments.

25. Video Production

Tennessee’s booming entertainment industry and creative spirit provide a fertile ground for video production businesses to create captivating visual content for various purposes.

Key Whys

  • Booming entertainment sector.
  • Creative content demand.
  • Visual storytelling scope.

26. App Development

In Tennessee’s growing tech landscape, one of the best business ideas is for app developers to thrive by crafting innovative and useful applications.

These apps cater to businesses and individuals seeking digital solutions, capitalizing on the state’s increasing reliance on technology and the widespread adoption of mobile devices.

Key Whys

  • Growing tech landscape.
  • Innovation opportunities.
  • Digital solution needs.

27. Education

Establishing an educational institution or service in Tennessee allows you to tap into a population that values learning, providing opportunities to offer a wide range of classes, workshops, and training programs.

Key Whys

  • Learning-valuing population.
  • Wide class offerings.
  • Training program demand.
About Market Watch

The Market Watch team is a group of financial analysts delivering timely and actionable insights on global markets, business ideas, investment opportunities, and economic trends.