5 Hot Small Business Ideas in D.C. Right Now

Washington, D.C. is the hub of our nation’s greatest thinkers and bravest change-makers. With such a diverse group of people frequenting the area every day, there seems to be a niche for every personality and preference.

To keep up with the competition, it’s essential for small businesses in Washington D.C. to continually evaluate their methods. Staying in step with the current trends and practices will ensure that your business has the best chance at success.

Since running a business can be more than a full-time job, we’ve done some of the research for you. We set out to find some of the top hot small business ideas in D.C. right now, and we are sure they won’t disappoint.

Sustainability

Businesses that can claim sustainability are all the rage right now. There is an upward trend of consumers who value environmentally friendly products and practices, and gearing an entire business practice towards this trend is what many small business owners are doing.

Sustainability within a business model focuses on how the business affects its ecological, social, and economic environment. A great way to begin in this direction is by carrying more ecological-friendly and organic or naturally made products. Avoid using plastic shopping bags, opting for paper, or reusable bags. Although these products and practices may cost more, business trends have shown that individuals who value these practices are willing to pay the added cost.

Recycled Materials

Using recycled materials for furniture, product displays, and even selling products with recycled materials has become extremely popular. Following the ecologically friendly, sustainability trend, customers value these types of products. Additionally, the decorating trend with recycled and upcycled materials is on trend, which could allow you to do a storefront makeover with a small budget.

Unique Identity

If there is one thing that Washington D.C. businesses do not lack, it is personality. Don’t be afraid to give your business a unique, distinct identity. Keep your focus small, and offer only the best products or services that fit within your mold. Customers will appreciate the integrity and quality that your business provides.

Old-fashioned Customer Service

With the rise of technology and social media, one could assume that a small business needs to offer products online. However, statistics show that this isn’t the case. According to Jeff Bullas, “80 percent of [social media] users start with online research and purchase in store.”

This means that although social media and a website are vital in bringing customers in the door, old-fashioned customer service is what still seals the deal- and what brings them back a second time. Especially with small businesses, Layne Davlin, founder and CEO of Einstein HR, says, “Customers value the personal experience of shopping local and are often willing to pay a bit more to support their fellow community members.”

Subscription Services

According to Entrepreneur, subscription growth is growing by one percent every month. These subscriptions include a variety of products, including beauty products, food, apparel, and accessories. Consumers seem to enjoy the novelty of receiving a mystery box of quality products each month.

Even unique businesses have had success in offering monthly subscriptions. A subscription stationary service has had seven years of success offering a monthly box of cards and stamps, while a subscription dog treat service sends out a whopping 2 million boxes per month.