Many of the best business opportunities of 2010 are green as green is where the money is this year. From green technologies to food produced in more environmentally friendly ways, consumers are translating their environmental concerns into action with their wallets. Seniors are another increasing market rife with business opportunities; you'll find several suggestions for meeting their needs on this list.
What else? Read on. (Note that these business opportunities are presented in no particular order.)
(Read my predictions for the Best Business Opportunities of 2013 here.)
The Best Business Opportunities of 2010
1) Green Construction
Consumers, increasingly concerned about environmental impacts, are demanding greener construction practices. Whether they're purchasing a new home or upgrading an old one, they want a building that not only looks good but meets current environmental standards. Homes that meet ratings standards such as LEED, BuiltGreen, and R-2000 are going to be in ever increasing demand. Green materials, green techniques, and green certifications are going to be the keys to success in construction this year.
2) Green Technologies
Business opportunities abound for green ideas. Whether you believe in the seriousness of climate change or not, one thing is certain; the furore has released the government purse strings for green technology projects. Both loans and grants are available to fund projects that attempt to solve environmental challenges. In Canada, the Government of Canada's Funding Technologies for the Environment website is a searchable "inventory of funding and incentive programs to help develop, demonstrate and deploy environmental technologies".
3) Dollar/Discount Stores
In 2010, everyone will continue to say that the economy is getting better. Consumers generally, however, will continue to be more frugal than they used to be and look for bargains, making dollar store and discount store franchises solid business opportunities. Buck or Two and the Great Canadian Dollar Store are just two discount store franchises you may want to investigate. Wondering whether or not buying a franchise is the right business opportunity for you? Should You Buy a Franchise? lays out the advantages and disadvantages to help you decide.
4) Senior Care
Senior care makes my best business opportunities list once again because of ever-growing demand. Business opportunities in senior care range from opening your own senior care home through providing in-home care or home services such as preparing meals, housekeeping or running errands. Senior care franchises are another option for getting in on this business opportunity.
5) Senior Renovations
Home renovations have long been a booming business opportunity to the extent that anyone who can pick up a hammer has tried to muscle their way into the market. How do you distinguish yourself from all the renovation wannabes? Focus on a niche market. Seniors needing renovations to make their lives easier and stay in their own homes longer is a niche waiting to be colonized. Ramps and specialized bath fittings are just the beginning.
Continue on to the next page to read about five more of the best business opportunities for 2010.
