TOP 30 Ideas for The Most Profitable Business in Ohio

Starting a business in Ohio can be an exciting and rewarding journey. With its growing economy, strategic location, and supportive business environment, the state offers plenty of opportunities for entrepreneurs. Whether you’re a local looking to start your own venture or someone planning to expand into Ohio, there’s a business idea for everyone.

This list covers a variety of industries and opportunities to help you find the most profitable business idea that suits you. From small, home-based businesses to larger, more established industries, there’s no shortage of potential in Ohio.

BEST BUSINESS IDEAS TO START IN OHIO

1. OLD & ABANDONED BUILDINGS RENOVATION FOR RENTAL OR SALE
There are many old and abandoned buildings in Ohio, often old factories or abandoned houses. This is great investment material for people with sufficient capital. These old buildings can often be renovated inexpensively, and sold or rented for flats, shops or office space. Old abandoned factories are also great places to make there a shopping arcade, restaurant or hotel.

2. 3D PRINTING, MANUFACTURING & SERVICES
The 3D printing industry is growing fast, especially in urban areas like Columbus and Cleveland. This technology is not only used for small-scale printing but also for industrial purposes. You can start a business offering on-demand 3D printing services, where customers can print custom products, prototypes, or models. Universities, tech companies, and engineering firms are always looking for these services.
Read also: Is 3D Printing Business Profitable? – Market Analysis

3. ELDERLY CARE
With Ohio’s aging population, there’s a significant need for elderly care services. This can range from providing in-home care for seniors to running assisted living facilities. As baby boomers continue to retire, the demand for these services will only grow. Many elderly people prefer to stay in their homes but need help with daily activities such as cleaning, cooking, or transportation. If you have a compassionate nature and want to help others, starting a business that provides caregivers or personal care aides can be a very fulfilling and profitable venture. Ohio also offers various state programs that can help subsidize these services, which can further boost your business.

4. CCTV SALE AND INSTALLATION
Crime is a serious problem in many cities in Ohio. It is more than likely that many residents (especially ones in dangerous places) may be interested in having cameras and a system that ensures the security of their homes and stores.

5. TECH STARTUPS
Ohio is a good place to start tech startups. A large number of factories and technical companies will allow startups to easily and quickly acquire supplies and necessary raw materials such as plastic, metal or necessary chemical components.

6. HOUSE AND OFFICE CLEANING BUSINESS
A cleaning business is a straightforward and low-cost startup idea that can become profitable quickly. There’s constant demand for reliable cleaning services in both residential and commercial areas. You can start small, cleaning houses yourself, and then expand by hiring more employees to take on bigger projects like office cleaning contracts. Marketing your services through local advertising, social media, and word-of-mouth can help you grow fast. In Ohio’s urban areas, cleaning companies are always in demand, especially with businesses needing regular cleaning for offices, retail stores, and warehouses.

7. HANDYPERSON SERVICES
The demand for handyman will always be. A good idea for such a business can be to set up a company employing many handymen so that you can cooperate with many clients at once and always have a lot of orders.

8. MICROGREENS OR VERTICAL FARMING
This is a very interesting business idea that you can start almost immediately even in your home.
Microgreens grown this way can be sold to neighbors, local restaurants stores and over the internet. If you want to learn more, you might be interested in this YouTube video about a couple who earn $10,000 a month growing microgreens in their basement.

9. FOOD TRUCK
A well-run food truck business can generate up to thousands of dollars a day, especially during concerts and festivals. To find out more about the foodtruck license in Ohio, check out this site.

10. MANUFACTURING BUSINESS
Manufacturing in Ohio has deep roots and is evolving with new opportunities. If you have a passion for creating products, this is a great space to explore. There’s always demand for a range of goods—from consumer products to industrial parts. Ohio’s central location gives manufacturers easy access to raw materials and distribution channels. You can focus on producing items that are in high demand but not widely available or even innovate with products that are still emerging. With the right marketing strategy, a manufacturing business can quickly turn profitable. Plus, the state offers various tax incentives for manufacturers, which can help you get started.

Read also: 200 Most Profitable Product Ideas to Make and Sell Easily

11. FAST FOOD AND SNACKS
Opening a small food stand or snack shop is a smart move, especially in busy cities like Cleveland, Columbus, or Cincinnati. These places have a steady stream of foot traffic, particularly in areas near universities, office buildings, or tourist attractions. You don’t need a huge investment to get started. A food cart or kiosk offering local favorites or unique snacks can draw in customers. During festivals, sporting events, or busy tourist seasons, these types of businesses can see a big surge in sales. Offering refreshing drinks, snacks, or fast food that cater to local tastes could make your business a hit.

12. INTERNET RESEARCH SERVICE
With so many businesses needing specific information, starting an internet research service could be highly profitable. You can offer research services for companies looking for market analysis, competitive insights, or product trends. Individuals, students, or institutions may also need help gathering data for reports or projects. If you’re good at digging into online sources and organizing information, this could be a low-cost business to launch.

13. CAR ACCESSORIES MANUFACTURING AND RETAILING
Ohio is home to a significant number of automotive manufacturers, making it a prime location for starting a car accessories business. You can focus on producing parts like seat covers, floor mats, or tech gadgets for cars. These products are in high demand not just in Ohio, but across the U.S. and Canada. Given the state’s proximity to Canada, exporting car accessories across the border can provide an additional revenue stream. Whether you choose to manufacture the parts yourself or focus on retailing, Ohio’s strong automotive industry can give you a solid customer base.

14. LAWN, LANDSCAPING AND GARDENING SERVICES
If you like being in touch with nature and enjoy working in the garden then this Ohio business idea may appeal to you. Although there is already a lot of competition in the market, you can still find a niche for you to make a name for yourself (such as paving walkways, planting large trees, leveling land, creating hills or ponds, and more). Such services are especially in demand near large cities.

15. MICROBREWERY OR CRAFT BEER PUB
Ohio’s love for craft beer is no secret. The state has a growing number of craft breweries and the market still has room to grow. If you’re passionate about beer and want to bring something unique to the table, starting a microbrewery or craft beer pub can be a lucrative venture. You can start small by brewing specialty beers and offering tasting events. Partnering with local restaurants or farmers’ markets to sell your brews is another way to gain visibility.

16. BOAT TOURS OR ANY WATER RELATED BUSINESS
Ohio’s location between Lake Erie and the Ohio River makes it ideal for water-related businesses. In addition, the state of Ohio has many large lakes where you can go boating and offer a variety of tourist and recreational attractions. An example of such attractions can be kayak or pedal boat rental.

 17. EVENT ORGANIZING AND PLANNING
Definitely events are one of the most profitable business in Ohio because it’s residents love festivals, events and interesting attractions. Good ideas for such attractions are primarily amusement parks, music festivals, foodtruck festivals, as well as craft fairs, flee markets and various other markets. Start small, maybe with local community events, and build up to larger festivals or corporate events as your reputation grows.

18. REHABILITATION AND HEALTH CARE
With Ohio’s aging population, healthcare services focused on rehabilitation are in high demand. More seniors need physical therapy, at-home care, and assistance with daily activities. As people continue to live longer, the need for rehabilitative care and elderly support services will only increase. If you have a background in healthcare, starting a rehab center or a mobile healthcare service could be a smart move. Helping seniors with tasks like fixing TV, grocery shopping, or light home repairs can also be part of this business model.

19. RECYCLING BUSINESS
Ohio, like the rest of the world, produces a lot of rubbish, a large part of which can be recycled and generate profits. The most profitable is to recycle metals, cartridges, computer parts, glass, books and some plastics. You could focus on niche recycling, like electronics, or even expand into larger-scale operations like recycling for manufacturing companies.

20. HEALTHCARE RELATED SERVICES
Ohio has some of the best hospitals in the United States. Many of the ideas for the most profitable business in Ohio may be related to healhcare, patients and hospitals. Examples of such businesses may be childbirth services, medical transcription services or ambulance services.

21. MEDICAL EQUIPMENT SALE
Profitable ideas for business is also the production and sale of various types of medical products as well as products for rehabilitation and accessories for the disabled. Examples of such products may be uniforms for medical professionals and various medical supplies.

22. CARPET, CLOTHES AND UPHOLSTERY CLEANING
This is another idea for a fairly simple business that can generate very attractive profits. The plus side of this type of business is that it is scalable and easy to grow from a small business to a large company.

23. INTERIOR ROOM PAINTING AND WALLPAPERING
If you are looking for a simple idea for a profitable business in Ohio then this idea should catch your attention. Many residents (especially in large cities) need someone to paint their walls, put up wallpaper, or renovate or putty and freshen up parts of their building. If you advertise such a business well, you will certainly gain many customers quickly.

24. RESTAURANT, BAR OR FOOD DELIVERY
Almost every crowded and populated place is a good idea for such a business. To be successful, it’s a good idea to offer customers some popular and tasty food that they can’t get anywhere else in the area.

25. WAREHOUSE BUSINESS
Warehousing is a highly profitable business in Ohio, especially because of the state’s central location, which makes it a logistics hub. Starting a warehouse business involves either renting out storage space to companies or building your own facility to lease. Warehouses are crucial for businesses involved in wholesale, e-commerce, or manufacturing. With the rise of online shopping and the need for efficient supply chain management, the demand for warehouse space is increasing. Whether you start small with storage units or invest in a larger facility, this business offers significant growth potential.

Read also: TOP 30 Things to Sell Wholesale in 2024

26. ECO FRIENDLY PRODUCT RETAILING
Organic food stores, organic cosmetics, organic body care products, and ecological products such as solar panels or recycled products. It could be soon most profitable business in Ohio. People are more and more concerned about their health and more and more people are buying natural and organic items.

27. DATA TRADING
Data is already very valuable and will be one of the most valuable products that you can trade in the future.  This business idea is primarily about selling and creating databases, source codes and research information about technologies.

28. TECH GADGETS OR MACHINES RENTAL
Renting machines and gadgets (such as coffee machines, vending machines, cleaning machines, photocopiers and many others) can also be an interesting idea for a business in Ohio.

29. CARS, METAL OR ELECTRIC RELATED BUSINESS
There are many car factories, iron factories, and many manufacturing companies in Ohio. This is a great opportunity, for example, to acquire valuable components, substances and raw materials nearby  your location which may be necessary to start a new business (for example, for the production of bicycles or drones).

30. SKINCARE SPA AND CLINIC
Because people are living longer (due to the development of science and medicine), skincare and skin rejuvenation services are becoming more and more popular. It will undoubtedly be one of the most profitable business in Ohio and around the world, especially in the future.

Read also: TOP 50 Most Profitable Lake Business Ideas

Other Profitable Business Ideas for Ohio

31. Mobile Car Wash
Busy urban areas and suburbs make mobile car washing a popular service. Customers appreciate the convenience of having their car cleaned at home or work, and it’s a low-cost business to start.

32. Tutoring Services
With Ohio’s numerous schools and universities, tutoring is always in demand. You can offer help in subjects like math, science, or standardized test prep. Starting with one-on-one sessions, you can eventually expand to group classes.

33. Real Estate Photography
As Ohio’s real estate market grows, agents need high-quality photos to sell homes. Offering professional real estate photography services can be a profitable niche. You could even specialize in drone photography for a competitive edge.

34. Pet Grooming and Boarding
Pet owners always need reliable grooming and boarding services. Ohio’s suburban areas are full of pet owners who will pay for convenience and care, especially during travel seasons. You can start small with grooming and expand to a full pet care business.

35. Home Staging
As the housing market remains strong, home staging is a growing industry. Realtors in cities like Columbus or Cleveland need help making homes look appealing to potential buyers. You can work closely with real estate agents to provide these services.

36. Coffee Cart Business
Coffee is always in demand, and setting up a mobile coffee cart at busy locations like office parks, events, or farmer’s markets is an easy way to start a small business. You don’t need a lot of space or investment to get started.

37. Language Translation Services
With Ohio’s diverse population, especially in cities like Cincinnati and Cleveland, language translation services are needed. Businesses, hospitals, and legal firms often require translations for important documents, making it a great niche business.

38. Childcare Services
With many families juggling work and home life, childcare services are always in high demand. Whether you offer babysitting, daycare, or after-school programs, there’s a consistent need, especially in suburban neighborhoods.

39. Personal Training
Fitness is a priority for many, and personal training is a great way to tap into that market. You can offer private or group training sessions at local gyms or even set up an outdoor boot camp in Ohio’s parks.

40. Social Media Management
Many small businesses in Ohio don’t have the time or skills to manage their social media presence. If you know how to grow online audiences, you can offer social media management services to local businesses looking to boost their online visibility.

41. Wedding Planning
Ohio has many beautiful venues, and weddings are big business. Offering wedding planning services can be highly profitable, especially if you have good organizational skills and can build a network of local vendors.

42. Auto Repair Shop
Cars are a necessity in most of Ohio, and auto repair services are always in demand. Whether it’s fixing cars, providing oil changes, or offering quick repairs, an auto repair shop is a steady business with repeat customers.

43. Bakery or Specialty Cake Business
If you love baking, starting a bakery or specialty cake business can be a profitable idea. Ohioans love unique treats for events like birthdays, weddings, and corporate functions. You can operate from home or open a small bakery shop.

Read more: TOP 20 Best Bakery Types

44. Photography Studio
Starting a photography studio in Ohio can be a great idea, especially for family portraits, weddings, or corporate headshots. You can also offer services for local businesses looking for professional product photography.

45. Barbershop or Hair Salon
Barbershops and hair salons are essential services in any community. With Ohio’s growing population, opening a salon or barbershop can be a profitable, steady business with loyal customers, especially if you offer unique styles or services.

46. Fitness Studio
With the fitness industry booming, opening a boutique fitness studio focusing on yoga, pilates, or HIIT can be a great business. Ohio’s cities and towns have a large base of fitness enthusiasts looking for new ways to stay active.

47. IT Support Services
Businesses always need tech support, and starting an IT support business in Ohio can be lucrative. Whether it’s troubleshooting, networking, or system setup, companies will pay for reliable and quick IT solutions.

48. Moving and Storage Services
People are always moving in and out of Ohio’s cities, and offering moving or storage services can be a great business. You can start small with a few trucks and expand as demand grows, especially during peak moving seasons.

49. Party Rental Services
From weddings to corporate events, Ohio residents and businesses often need party rentals. Offering items like tents, chairs, tables, and even décor can be a great way to tap into the event industry without hosting events yourself.

50. E-commerce Fulfillment Services
With the rise of online shopping, offering fulfillment services for small e-commerce businesses can be a profitable venture. You can provide storage, packing, and shipping services, allowing small online retailers to scale without managing logistics themselves.

Top Growing Industries in Ohio

Ohio is a great place to start a business, with a strong economy and diverse industries. According to Forbes, Ohio consistently ranks among the top states for business due to its affordable cost of living, business-friendly environment, and access to a large, skilled workforce. If you’re looking to launch a business here, it helps to know which industries are thriving.

Advanced Manufacturing
Ohio has long been known for its manufacturing strength, and today, advanced manufacturing is one of the fastest-growing sectors. From automotive parts to aerospace, companies are leveraging new technologies like automation and robotics. Ohio’s central location and access to raw materials make it ideal for manufacturing businesses, particularly those involved in smart manufacturing and electric vehicle components. This sector offers excellent opportunities for those with technical expertise or innovative ideas.

Healthcare and Biosciences
The healthcare industry in Ohio is booming. Home to some of the nation’s top hospitals like the Cleveland Clinic and OhioHealth, the state has become a hub for healthcare services and bioscience innovation. Businesses related to elder care, medical technology, and pharmaceutical development are in high demand. As the population continues to age, healthcare services, home care, and medical supply businesses are expected to see even more growth.

Information Technology (IT)
The tech scene in Ohio has been expanding rapidly. Cities like Columbus and Cincinnati are seeing an influx of tech startups, thanks in part to support from incubators and venture capital firms. Fields like software development, cybersecurity, and data analytics are thriving. If you’re interested in the tech industry, Ohio offers a growing network of tech professionals and resources, making it an ideal location to start or expand a tech business.

Logistics and Distribution
Ohio’s geographic location gives businesses easy access to a huge part of the U.S. market. Companies in the logistics and distribution sector are capitalizing on this. Major corporations like Amazon and Walmart have set up large distribution centers in the state. This makes Ohio a key player in the supply chain and logistics industry. Whether it’s warehousing, transportation, or e-commerce fulfillment, this is a field ripe with opportunity.

Renewable Energy
As interest in clean energy grows, Ohio is stepping up its role in the renewable energy sector. Investments in solar power, wind energy, and electric vehicles are increasing. For entrepreneurs, this opens doors to businesses that focus on green technologies, energy consulting, and renewable energy installations. With more companies and individuals seeking sustainable solutions, the renewable energy sector is positioned for long-term growth in Ohio.

Ohio’s economy is not just stable but evolving. By starting a business in one of these fast-growing industries, you can take advantage of the state’s resources, talent pool, and strategic location.