Best Businesses to Start in Alabama

Ready to start a business in Alabama? We can help you form your dream business in just minutes. 

Check the availability of your new company name to get started.

Excellent 4.7 out of 5 stars 14,739 reviews
Alabama Best Businesses

The vast majority of businesses in Alabama are small businesses. With Alabama’s low tax rates and low cost of living, it’s a desirable location for starting a new venture. So maybe it’s time to strike out on your own and make a name for yourself in the Alabama business world.

Starting your own business is an exciting step to take if you have an idea about what kind of business you want to start. But what if you’re still trying to figure out what your new business should be? What is the best business to start in Alabama? The answer to this question depends on your personal strengths as much as it depends on general business trends. We can help you brainstorm good business ideas. And once you’re ready to start your own business, our Alabama startup business resources and services can get help you get started quickly!

The Most Profitable Small Business Ideas in Alabama

When you’re running your own business, you want it to be a lucrative business. The profitability of your business can have a lot to do with the type of business you choose. Below are 7 types of businesses that can be profitable in the State of Alabama. 

Idea #1: Food Preparation

People need to eat, and the food service industry is large in Alabama. If you have the ability to serve food to the public, you could have a booming business on your hands! And you don’t have to open a restaurant to have a piece of the pie. In fact, the Alabama Cottage Food Law allows you to sell certain foods that you prepare at your home. You can also rent commercial kitchen space from many different vendors. If you have a delicious cookie or jelly recipe that has been in your family for generations, you can put that recipe to work and build your own enterprise!

Idea #2: Retail Apparel

Clothing is also a regular need for many, and selling clothing at retail can be a great way to break into the marketplace as a business owner. Not only do you have the option of selling your wares to locals in a brick-and-mortar space, but you can also start an online business to sell apparel to people across the country and around the world. 

Idea #3: Tourist Attractions

Alabama brings in millions of tourists on a yearly basis. If you have a property or skill that can educate and/or entertain multiple visitors in your area, you could bring in a lot of tourist revenue. Making tours, arts, and activities available to locals and out-of-towners alike can be a great way to make your mark in the Alabama economy. 

Idea #4: Lodging 

This business idea is related to Alabama’s status as a healthy tourism draw. Visitors from out of town will likely need to pay someone for a place to stay during their visit. If you have a residential property that you can rent to others, you could have a successful business in Alabama. To protect yourself legally and financially while renting your property, you can make your rental business a limited liability company.

Idea #5: Agriculture

Residents of Alabama build a substantial amount of revenue from farming each year. Even if you don’t have traditional farmland, you might still be able to participate in this large economy through urban farming. Not only can your farming activities earn you revenue through the products you sell, but your farming business can also be a tourist attraction. 

Idea #6: Information Technology

The high-tech industry in Alabama is strong. If you’re good with computers and internet applications, you could build a lucrative business reputation as someone who can come in and fix internet- and technology-based business issues. 

Idea #7: Professional Services

Do you have specialized training and/or licensing? Maybe you’re a Certified Public Accountant, an occupational therapist, a landscaper, etc. You can easily use your special skills to go into business for yourself, helping individuals or other businesses stay financially fit, physically safe, or beautifully maintained. You can protect yourself as a professional business owner by starting your business as a professional LLC.

Why These Are the Best Small Businesses to Start in Alabama

Any one of the businesses listed above can be a good business to start in Alabama because:

Don’t let these be the only factors you consider when you decide what kind of business to start. Think about what you bring to the table and your passions. Even if your vision isn’t the most popular business choice, you could still make it a successful business through hard work and good strategizing. 

Best Cities in Alabama for Starting a Business

If you’re looking for a new location in Alabama where you can plant your business roots, three cities that could be successful options are:

These cities are at the top for large industries such as technology, and some are internationally recognized as cities to watch.

We can help!

Whether you want to start a limited liability company (LLC) or corporation with your new business idea, we can make it easy with our Alabama LLC Formation Service, or our Alabama Corporation Formation Service. We can even help guide you through filing an Alabama Certificate of Incorporation. And if you don’t know which business entity type to start, we can help you Compare Different Business Structures

Now, let’s take a look at some of the most profitable business ideas in Alabama. 

Why Form Your Business with Us?

We have the tools to support your business ideas from start to finish, so you can focus on expanding your enterprise. Our Alabama Business Formation Service can file important paperwork for you and help you get set up in minutes. We can also educate you on how to form a corporation or organize an LLC. Once your business is off the ground, we can help you keep it legally compliant with our Worry-Free Compliance Service. And we’re not just here for the big business events that come up a handful of times in the year. Our extensive catalog of business support services can help you manage your invoices, find business inspiration, and organize your important documents. We focus on many of the administrative details of your business, so you don’t have to.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.

Get Started Today

FAQs

  1. Why are Alabama industries booming?

    Among the many reasons for booming industry in Alabama are the low costs, the rich land, and the impressive technological infrastructure. 

  2. How do Alabama business owners grow their business?

    Many Alabama business owners can grow their businesses by researching their markets and taking advantage of the many business resources and business opportunities available in the state.

  3. What franchise opportunities are there in Alabama? 

    There are many franchise opportunities available in Alabama. It’s important to research what retailers and services providers in the state are open to franchising. 

  4. What is the best eCommerce business to start? 

    The best online business to start in Alabama depends largely on your business skills and business resources. However, a business owner can find a lot of success with online sales.

  5. What’s the best business to start at home? 

    There are many choices for the best business to start in Alabama when you want to work from home. Online sales and certain food services can be great options for a home-based business. You can start these businesses with little overhead and easily build a steady customer base.

Best Businesses to start in each state

Ready to start a business? More leading business idea's listed by state.

Start New Company Today

Looking for a sign?

This is it.

Create Your LLC in Minutes

Start Your LLC Today