Pennsylvania is home to over 1 million small businesses, which make up 99.6% of all businesses in the state. Small businesses flock to the Keystone State because of its convenient location, highly educated workforce, support for small businesses, and low cost of living. If you’re thinking of opening a business in Pennsylvania, now may be the time! 

Not sure what is the best business to start in Pennsylvania? We’ve got some ideas for you. The key industries in Pennsylvania are natural gas, manufacturing, agribusiness, tourism, and life science. That being said, the best business to start in Pennsylvania is the one that drives and excites you. Use your skills, talents, and experience to create the business of your dreams. 

But first, let’s take a look at some small business ideas for Pennsylvanians. 

The Most Profitable Small Business Ideas in Pennsylvania

If you want a lucrative business, it’s important to start a company that can benefit from what Pennsylvania has to offer. Below we’ve listed six good businesses to start in Pennsylvania. 

Idea #1: Tourism 

Visitors travel to Pennsylvania for its rich history, charming towns, and natural landscapes. Each year, millions of travelers spend around $41 billion in Pennsylvania, so why not capitalize on that? If you have property, you could create your own tourist attraction or provide accommodations for visitors. Take advantage of what you know about where you live and provide tours or itineraries for travelers. 

Idea #2: Agriculture

Pennsylvania is rich in natural resources. It’s the perfect place for you to try your hand at an agribusiness. If you have a property in Pennsylvania, you could raise or grow your own products. For those in an urban setting, you can still run an agribusiness on a smaller scale. Think rooftop gardens or indoor farming. 

Idea #3: Child Care

Families enjoy living in Pennsylvania because the cost of living is low, the education system is world-ranked, and there are plenty of career opportunities. There’s plenty of need for child care as more and more families plant roots in Pennsylvania. Just be sure to research Pennsylvania’s child care licensing requirements. If you need help, check out our Business License Report Service. 

Idea #4: Professional Services 

With over 1 million small businesses and 21 Fortune 500 companies, Pennsylvania surely has a business climate. All these companies require professional services to assist with normal business operations. If you hold a professional license, your skills are in demand. Consider offering your services through a Professional Limited Liability Company (PLLC). 

Idea #5: Food Service

With such easy access to quality food products, a business in food service has a bright future in Pennsylvania. A food service company can be anything from running a food truck to making sauces in your kitchen. If you choose to import foods from other places, Pennsylvania has the infrastructure to get you what you need. 

Idea #6: Digital Marketing 

Businesses want and need a strong online presence. Capitalize on this and start a business in digital marketing. This includes social media management, website creation, and data analysis. A digital marketing company is a great option if you’re looking for a home-based business. 

Why These Are the Best Small Businesses to Start in Pennsylvania

We listed the above business ideas in Pennsylvania because: 

• The state strongly supports small businesses
• Most of them can be started out of your home
• The customer and client base is there for those types of businesses

Of course, there are many other reasons why certain businesses thrive in Pennsylvania. Don’t be discouraged if what you envision for your business isn’t listed as the best business to start in Pennsylvania. Do your research, test the market, create a business plan, and chase your dream. 

Best Cities in Pennsylvania for Starting a Business

Where you run your business can have an impact on its success. Any one of these cities could be the best place to start a business in Pennsylvania, depending on your business type:

• Philadelphia
• Pittsburg
• Allentown

Each city offers its own benefits and incentives for businesses, so check the local resources. 

Why Form Your Business with Us?

When you’re ready to start your business, let us help! Use our resources to Compare Different Business Structures so you can choose the one that’s right for you. With our Pennsylvania Limited Liability Company (LLC) Formation Service and Corporation Formation Service, we can file the paperwork with the state to formalize your business. Once you establish your company, we make it easy to keep everything running smoothly with our Worry-Free Compliance Service. 

Starting a business in Pennsylvania with us is easy and quick. We provide expert support as you navigate the world of business ownership and offer products and services that will help your business grow. From filing formation paperwork with the state to creating a business plan to managing finances, we’re here to help. Let us handle the administrative tasks while you focus on running your business. 

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.