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Starting a Small Business in New Hampshire

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

New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire 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.

Property, Casualty & Direct Insurance (Revenue: $8.6 billion)
New Car Dealers (Revenue: $8.1 billion)
Public Schools (Revenue: $6.3 billion)
Hospitals (Revenue: $6.1 billion)
Health & Medical Insurance (Revenue: $5.8 billion)
Supermarkets & Grocery Stores (Revenue: $5.1 billion)
Colleges & Universities (Revenue: $4.7 billion)
E-Commerce & Online Auctions (Revenue: $3.7 billion)
Grocery Wholesaling (Revenue: $3.6 billion)
Gas Stations with Convenience Stores (Revenue: $3.5 billion)

New Hampshire Sector Statistics

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

The three sectors that contributed most to New Hampshire's GDP in 2022 were Real Estate, Rentals & Leasing; Manufacturing; and Professional, Scientific & Technical Services. Combined, these three sectors represented 39.2% of the state's GDP. In 2022, the sectors that contributed most to New Hampshire's GDP included:

Real Estate, Rentals & Leasing (Value: $12.1 billion* | Annual growth: 4.5%)
Manufacturing (Value: $9.1 billion* | Annual growth: 1.7%)
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services (Value: $8.2 billion* | Annual growth: 8.1%)
Healthcare & Social Assistance (Value: $7.5 billion* | Annual growth: 1.5%)
Wholesale Trade (Value: $6.3 billion* | Annual growth: 6.9%)
Finance & Insurance (Value: $6.2 billion* | Annual growth: 2.4%)
Retail Trade (Value: $5.6 billion* | Annual growth: 1.1%)
Information (Value: $4.9 billion* | Annual growth: 7.8%)
Administration, Business Support & Waste Management Services (Value: $3.1 billion* | Annual growth: 6.2%)
Construction (Value: $2.2 billion* | Annual growth: 2.4%)
Accommodation & Food Services (Value: $2.0 billion* | Annual growth: -18.5%)
Educational Services (Value: $1.6 billion* | Annual growth: -1.3%)
Other Services (except Public Administration) (Value: $1.4 billion* | Annual growth: -1.1%)
Management of Companies and Enterprises (Value: $1.3 billion* | Annual growth: -58.3%)
Transportation & Warehousing (Value: $1.2 billion* | Annual growth: 4.0%)

*Approximately

New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire included:

Hillsborough (Population: 422,000 | Annual growth rate*: 0.4%)
Rockingham (Population: 314,400 | Annual growth rate*: 0.5%)
Merrimack (Population: 154,300 | Annual growth rate*: 0.6%)
Strafford (Population: 133,000 | Annual growth rate*: 0.6%)
Grafton (Population: 91,100 | Annual growth rate*: 0.2%)
Cheshire (Population: 76,500 | Annual growth rate*: 0.2%)
Belknap (Population: 61,900 | Annual growth rate*: 0.3%)
Carroll (Population: 49,800 | Annual growth rate*: 0.7%)
Sullivan (Population: 43,300 | Annual growth rate*: 0.1%)
Coos (Population: 30,800 | Annual growth rate*: -0.6%)

*From 2017 to 2022.

New Hampshire Business Opportunities

We hope this snapshot of the New Hampshire economy helps as you investigate business opportunities in The Granite State! Starting a small business in New Hampshire is an exciting journey, and we know you're probably eager to get started. 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 New Hampshire below!

Explore Opportunities and Insights

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Mr. Electric

Mr. Electric, a Neighborly company, is the nation's leading residential and commercial electrical services franchise. With us, business ownership is shockingly simple

$65,000 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

Automated Investments

Automated Investments is the pillar of e-Commerce automation. Automated Investments build and operate profitable and hands off Amazon FBA (Fulfilled-By-Amazon) businesses for their clients and investors. While the clients and investors act as the capital partners, Automated Investments works tirelessly behind the scenes as the operation partners providing 20-50 monthly ROI. Automated Investments handles the Amazon store creation, product research, product purchasing, Amazon FBA product prep, shipping the inventory to your Amazon FBA store, full complete custom support and ongoing management. We lift our fingers so you dont have to.

$100,000 Min Cash Required

Brightway Insurance

Launch Big. Grow Fast. Build Legacy. At Brightway, youre in business for yourself, not by yourself. Our model is engineered for high-performing entrepreneurs and experienced insurance pros ready to scale from day onewith strong margins, top-tier support, and powerful systems that let you focus on growth.

$200,000 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.

$70,000 Min Cash Required

SmartMarket Solutions

SmartMarket Solutions is redefining unattended retail with AI-powered SmartMarkets that offer secure, grab-and-go access to todays most popular snacks and beverages. No lines, no staff, and no franchise feesjust a smarter, more scalable way to build a flexible business. Backed by advanced technology, national brand products, and full training and support, this is a future-ready opportunity designed for entrepreneurs who want real freedom and strong income potential.

Starting a Small Business in New Hampshire