Starting a Small Business in Nebraska

Welcome to the Small Business Startup Nebraska Franchise Directory! Here, you’ll find everything you need to begin your journey to business ownership in The Cornhusker State. If you’re considering starting a small business in Nebraska, read on for an overview of the state economy. Afterward, explore business opportunities and franchises for sale with our Nebraska Franchise Search Tool.

Nebraska Industry Trends

If an industry is performing well, business opportunities within it are often worth exploring. Begin your market research with this list of the Nebraska economy’s most significant industries in 2022. Afterward, take your research one step further by investigating niche markets and B2B opportunities within one of these top revenue-generating industries.

1. Corn, Wheat & Soybean Wholesaling (Revenue: $18.8 billion)
2. Meat, Beef & Poultry Processing (Revenue: $17.0 billion)
3. Health & Medical Insurance (Revenue $12.6 billion)
4. Life Insurance & Annuities (Revenue $12.4 billion)
5. Property, Casualty & Direct Insurance (Revenue $9.1 billion)
6. Hospitals (Revenue $8.0 billion)
7. New Car Dealers (Revenue $7.5 billion)
8. Commercial Banking (Revenue $7.0 billion)
9. Gas Stations with Convenience Stores (Revenue $6.8 billion)
10. Gasoline & Petroleum Bulk Stations (Revenue $6.0 billion)

Nebraska Sector Statistics

When starting a small business in Nebraska, gross domestic product (GDP) is another tool entrepreneurs can use to make investment decisions. Generally, a steadily rising GDP means people are spending more money and creating more jobs.

The three sectors contributing most to Nebraska’s GDP in 2022 were Manufacturing; Finance & Insurance; and Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting. Combined, these three sectors represented 37.6% of the state’s GDP. In 2022, the sectors that contributed most to Nebraska’s GDP included:

1. Manufacturing (Value: $15.1 billion* | Annual growth: 5.8%)
2. Finance & Insurance (Value: $14.6 billion* | Annual growth: 4.1%)
3. Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting (Value: $12.1 billion* | Annual growth: -20.1%)
4. Real Estate and Rental & Leasing (Value: $11.1 billion* | Annual growth: 0.4%)
5. Healthcare & Social Assistance (Value: $9.2 billion* | Annual growth: 2.6%)
6. Wholesale Trade (Value: $7.0 billion* | Annual growth: -0.8%)
7. Transportation & Warehousing (Value: $6.1 billion* | Annual growth: -5.0%)
8. Retail Trade (Value: $6.0 billion* | Annual growth: -1.4%)
9. Professional, Scientific & Technical Services (Value: $5.6 billion* | Annual growth: 2.3%)
10. Information (Value: $5.1 billion* | Annual growth: 4.2%)
11. Construction (Value: $4.3 billion* | Annual growth: 1.1%)
12. Administration, Business Support & Waste Management Services (Value: $3.5 billion* | Annual growth: 5.4%)
13. Management of Companies and Enterprises (Value: $3.2 billion* | Annual growth: 2.4%)
14. Utilities (Value: $2.5 billion* | Annual growth: -0.5%)
15. Accommodation and Food Services (Value: $2.3 billion* | Annual growth: 3.5%)

*Approximately

Nebraska Population Statistics

A growing population often means greater demand and a steady flow of new customers. If you are undecided about the location of your new business, start by investigating population statistics. Afterward, take your research a step further by exploring population demographics. Doing so lets you decide whether a location is a good match for your target market.

In 2022, counties with the highest populations in Nebraska included:

1. Douglas (Population: 582,700 | Annual growth rate*: 0.7%)
2. Lancaster (Population: 325,400 | Annual growth rate*: 0.7%)
3. Sarpy (Population: 193,700 | Annual growth rate*: 1.3%)
4. Hall (Population: 60,600 | Annual growth rate*: -0.3%)
5. Buffalo (Population: 50,700 | Annual growth rate*: 0.6%)
6. Dodge (Population: 35,900 | Annual growth rate*: -0.5%)
7. Scotts Bluff (Population: 34,800 | Annual growth rate*: -0.8%)
8. Madison (Population: 34,500 | Annual growth rate*: -0.4%)
9. Lincoln (Population: 33,600 | Annual growth rate*: -1.0%)
10. Platte (Population: 33,400 | Annual growth rate*: 0.1%)
11. Adams (Population: 31,200 | Annual growth rate*: -0.2%)
12. Cass (Population: 26,400 | Annual growth rate*: 0.3%)
13. Dawson (Population: 23,400 | Annual growth rate*: -0.3%)
14. Saunders (Population: 22,500 | Annual growth rate*: 1.3%)
15. Gage (Population: 21,300 | Annual growth rate*: -0.3%)

*From 2017 to 2022.

Nebraska Business Opportunities

We hope this snapshot of the Nebraska economy helps as you investigate business opportunities in The Cornhusker State! Starting a small business in Nebraska is an exciting journey, and we know you’re probably eager to start. But remember, take your time to explore all your options. While you’ll always have the “opportunity” to start your own business, sometimes, it makes more sense to invest in an opportunity that already exists. These are called “Franchise Opportunities,” and they offer several benefits, including the recognition of a well-established brand and a proven track record of success.

To learn more, start by exploring franchise opportunities in Nebraska below!