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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.

Corn, Wheat & Soybean Wholesaling (Revenue: $18.8 billion)
Meat, Beef & Poultry Processing (Revenue: $17.0 billion)
Health & Medical Insurance (Revenue $12.6 billion)
Life Insurance & Annuities (Revenue $12.4 billion)
Property, Casualty & Direct Insurance (Revenue $9.1 billion)
Hospitals (Revenue $8.0 billion)
New Car Dealers (Revenue $7.5 billion)
Commercial Banking (Revenue $7.0 billion)
Gas Stations with Convenience Stores (Revenue $6.8 billion)
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:

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

Douglas (Population: 582,700 | Annual growth rate*: 0.7%)
Lancaster (Population: 325,400 | Annual growth rate*: 0.7%)
Sarpy (Population: 193,700 | Annual growth rate*: 1.3%)
Hall (Population: 60,600 | Annual growth rate*: -0.3%)
Buffalo (Population: 50,700 | Annual growth rate*: 0.6%)
Dodge (Population: 35,900 | Annual growth rate*: -0.5%)
Scotts Bluff (Population: 34,800 | Annual growth rate*: -0.8%)
Madison (Population: 34,500 | Annual growth rate*: -0.4%)
Lincoln (Population: 33,600 | Annual growth rate*: -1.0%)
Platte (Population: 33,400 | Annual growth rate*: 0.1%)
Adams (Population: 31,200 | Annual growth rate*: -0.2%)
Cass (Population: 26,400 | Annual growth rate*: 0.3%)
Dawson (Population: 23,400 | Annual growth rate*: -0.3%)
Saunders (Population: 22,500 | Annual growth rate*: 1.3%)
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!

Explore Opportunities and Insights

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iSMASH

iSmash is the 1 Rage Room Franchise. Low Investment, Average 198k Net Profit in a Thriving Entertainment Market.

$150,000 Min Cash Required

CartCapital - Subscription Based E-Commerce Store

Did you know you could partner with a company to build out your entire e-commerce store, from product research to inventory acquisition to marketing? Yep You can easily make 6-7 figures in passive income when we build your e-commerce empire and money-making machine from the ground up All it takes is an upfront investment, and our team will do the rest. By this time next year, you could be sitting on a 7 figure empire. Request more information now

$30,000 Min Cash Required

ClaimTek Systems

Why Medical/Dental Billing is the business for you... No Experience Needed Great Income Potential Flexibility to work at home, on the road, basically anywhere you have Internet access. ClaimTek is the most trusted Medical/Dental Billing business opportunity in the industry. We are the only company with expertise in billing, software development, and business development over the last 25 years and the services we offer are IN DEMAND The Need: As hiring, managing, and compensating employees has become increasingly challenging for small businesses, outsourced healthcare billing and revenue cycle management services is the future for small to mid-size medical and dental practices. And that is where Claimtek comes in. Healthcare services is virtually recession-proof and the 1 sector for growth according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor

$20,000 Min Cash Required

Batteries Plus

Over 30 years of consistent growth. Ongoing support. Multiple revenue streams. Whether youre looking into owning your very first store, or youre interested in adding to your existing franchise portfolio, Batteries Plus is here to help. Learn more about the costs, benefits, and available locations today

$100,000 Min Cash Required

Salty Dawg Pet Salon + Bakery

Rethinking Pet Grooming Join the Pack with Salty Dawg Pet Salon + Bakerys Amazing Opportunity Pet grooming has nearly doubled over the past decade. Rising pet ownership has driven the demand for pet grooming, boarding, training, and walking to an all-time high. Salty Dawg is seeking owners with an entrepreneurial spirit as well as sales, marketing, and/or retail experience. Inquire now to learn more and become an owner yourself

$100,000 Min Cash Required

Blue Coast Savings Consultants

Blue Coast Savings Consultants is a leading consultancy in cost savings and expense reduction. For over 30 years, our advisors have helped businesses enhance their profits and achieve greater financial flexibility by cutting unnecessary costs. If we dont deliver savings, theres simply no fee.

Starting a Small Business in Nebraska