Home to Lake of the Ozarks, Anheuser Busch, and the St. Louis Arch, Missouri ranks in the top 25 best states to start a small business. Missouri also tops the list for millennial business owners. Moreover, multiple Missouri cities recently made a list of the best Mid-West cities for startups.

Missouri’s St. Louis region boasts especially plentiful business resources, having been recognized globally for its leadership in defense, advanced manufacturing, agtech, financial services, and health innovation. The Show-Me state offers low living costs, ample land, and midwestern hospitality. Opportunity awaits across the board, making Missouri an attractive state to consider starting a business.

The Most Profitable Small Businesses Ideas in Missouri 

Missouri is called the Show-Me state for a reason. If you have a business idea, Missouri is a great place to bring it to fruition. Need help turning a lucrative idea into a business that fuels your passions? Our Missouri startup business resources and services can help you hone in on the best business to start in Missouri that suits your needs. Are you wondering about the most profitable business ideas in Missouri? Or about the best online business? Below are ten good businesses to start in Missouri right now to set your mind in motion.

Idea #1: Hog Raising Business

Hog farming is a messy business. But in Missouri, it’s also big business. If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, Missouri’s longstanding agricultural industry is growing. Missouri also ranks 6th in the United States for Hog production, and pork is the most exported product.

Idea #2: Farming Business

Soybeans and corn are Missouri’s top farmed products and two of Missouri’s most exported products. Farming overall is a booming industry in Missouri, and the average farmer makes between $36,000 and $55,000 a year. Small farm start-up costs begin at about $11,000. If you like being outdoors and working the land, a small farm may be the best business in Missouri to start.

Idea #3: Photo Editing Business

With the rise of social media and online advertising, photo-editing is huge right now. It’s also a good start-up idea for an online business or home-based business for people desiring part-time or less physical labor. All you need is a computer, a good eye, and a professional editing software program. After identifying your ideal client and setting up a business plan, you can open a business bank account and business credit card and get started.  

Idea #4: Online Course Business

Online education is having its heyday. Enrollment numbers for online courses more than doubled in 2020 and increased by 32% in 2021. If you have a background in education and are looking for a startup that makes an excellent part-time or home-based business, an online education course platform may be the best small business to start in Missouri.

Idea #5: Podcasting Business

Are you an authority on a specific subject? Or full of interesting facts and knowledge? Consider cementing yourself as a reliable voice in your field by building a podcast. Podcasts are one of the most accessible and discoverable mediums. They’re easy to set up. And some podcasters make upwards of $10,000 an episode by charging subscription fees and pulling in advertising dollars.

Idea #6: T-Shirt Printing Business

Do you like to design things or love puns? Everyone loves T-shirts, especially shirts with unique designs and snarky quotes printed on them. If you’re creative or industrially minded, a T-shirt printing business may be the best business to start in Missouri. You can even start a customizable T-shirt printing business for people who will pay you to print their ideas. A T-shirt printing business is an excellent business to start in Missouri that offers a lot of lucrative business potential.

Idea #7: Bakery Business

If you like to bake, a bakery business may be for you. You can even start your bakery out of your home on a non-profit basis to see if it’s the right business for you as you get up and running. Establishing your baking business from home makes start-up costs nominal and an excellent business to start in Missouri.

Idea #8: Packaging Design Business

Companies that sell anything need packaging. And 72% of all American consumers say that packaging design influences their purchasing habits. If you’re graphically oriented or have a good marketing eye, a packaging design business can be one of Missouri’s most profitable business ideas. And because you can offer your services in virtually every corner of every market, you’ll never run out of potential clients or business opportunities. 

Idea #9: Microbrewery

Microbreweries range from small start-ups to large operations and encompass brewing everything from beer to Kombucha. Microbreweries of all kinds are hot right now, and Missourians support the microbrew culture. Missouri statute § 311.055 also allows citizens to brew at home for friends and family and enter homebrew into local contests. This microbrewery-friendly statute gives you the freedom to build your business slowly while you test-drive your recipes before you start brewing professionally.

Idea #10: Resume Business

A good resume can make or break your job prospects. And people will pay good money for help creating one. A Resume-writing business is also one of many good business ideas in Missouri allowing you the freedom to work as much or little as you like. Once you get off the ground, you can even expand and offer job search coaching, cover letter writing, and phone interview forms.

Why These Are the Best Small Businesses to Start in Missouri

The businesses listed above are all good business to start in Missouri because:

• Many involve popular and in-demand products and services that are likely to remain on-trend
• Most have minimal start-up fees and low overhead costs overall
• Many rely on internet connectivity, and Missouri is home to some of the fastest internet speeds in the world
• Many of them cater to the unique tastes of Missouri’s local communities and customs
• Most businesses may be set up as either small or large entities depending on your financial investments and needs

When thinking about the best small business to start in Missouri, there are many factors to consider. These are just a few of them. Your small business success will also depend on your business plan and business resources and the hard work and passion you put into it. If you think you’re ready, with our help and some solid business skills, you can succeed at any small business you decide to dive into. 

Best Cities in Missouri for Starting a Business

A good location can contribute to a successful business. While there are many good cities in Missouri to start your business, each city on this list can be considered the best place to start a business in Missouri:

• Kansas City
• St. Louis
• Springfield
• Columbia
• Lee’s Summit
• Charles
• Joplin

Missouri is loyal to its new and small businesses. And workforce development is a significant focus for many of Missouri’s community leaders. Missouri’s favorable business environment and rich history of entrepreneurial investments place it high on the list of states to start a successful business with minimal investments. And all these cities are good starting places.

We Can Help

Some people are destined to own small businesses. Are you thinking about the best business ideas in Missouri? If you’ve dreamt of being a small business owner in Missouri and are thinking about making your small business idea a reality, you’ve probably wondered where to begin.

The best businesses to start in Missouri begin with a business plan. Our Missouri LLC or our Missouri Corporate Formation Service can help you get started. We’ll even assist you in reserving your business name and filing a Missouri Certificate of Incorporation. Thinking about which kind of business entity to create? We’ll help you Compare Different Business Structures. Whatever your needs, we’re here to help you build your dream business in Missouri from the bottom up.

Form Your Business with Us

We offer everything you need to support and grow your business. Whether you’re forming a small home-based business or a significant start-up, we can help you manage it. Let us register a domain name and make sure your business is legally compliant using our Worry-Free Compliance Service. Then you can focus on the nuts and bolts of getting your new business off the ground. Once you’re on your way, our extensive catalog of business support services can help you manage everyday operations. We even offer a business email address service. From managing employees to handling invoices to annual reports, we’re here to walk you through the basics and take you to the next level.  

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.