Entrepreneur’s Hottest Industries & Ideas For 2008
Spirits – Wine – Beer – Enhanced Beverages – Special Needs Food – Gastropubs – Upscale Frozen Desserts – Biotech and Health Tech – Health-Care Staffing – Senior Services and Products – In-Home Nonmedical Care – Gyms Targeting Seniors
Boomers heading for the city: If you’re seeking an affluent, concentrated market, get ready to embrace the growing number of city slickers. According to Property & Portfolio Research Inc. and Reed Construction Data, urban high-rises and condos are sprouting up all over – this year, there were 18,586 new condos in Miami alone and 10,875 in San Diego – combining luxurious amenities with the convenience of downtown living. Career-minded boomers looking to downsize their living spaces are a natural fit. ‘The rising cost of fuel, length of commutes and desire to live more efficiently are driving baby boomers to urban centers,’ says Richard Swerdlow, CEO of Condo.com. So entrepreneurs looking to capitalize on the population shift should focus on marketing their wares and services to successful city dwellers.
Boomer staffing: As the oldest of the 77 million U.S. boomers begin retiring, their open positions will offer younger boomers new opportunities. Smart executive recruiting firms will target these seasoned workers. Allen Gutterman, founder and president of professional-level staffing firm Response Companies, expects this playing field to ripen in a few years. But Stephanie Klein, 39, has pioneered this arena. Her Denver-based staffing firm, The Boomer Group, has placed more than 1,500 boomers in positions since 2004.
Mobile content: Everything from web browsers to digital music libraries are squeezing down to cell phone size. All that content doesn’t just automatically appear – someone has to provide it in a form that fits the particular demands of the phone or PDA. Mobile content is a tricky business to dive into. Ring tones are passé and gaming has been slow to catch on, but messaging and video services are ready for growth. Market intelligence firm iSuppli sees the premium mobile content market hitting more than $44 billion in 2011, largely on the strength of video. That means it’s a good time for entrepreneurs to crank up their market savvy and get involved in mobile content.
Kids and Teens – College Planning Consultants – High School Athletes – Tech Training & Enrichment Courses – Green Apparel – Green Business Services – Solar Energy Products – Tech Consulting – Web Apps
Upscale cupcakes: What started in Los Angeles and New York City is making its way inland. Look for exotic or superindulgent flavors like passion fruit and cappuccino.
Online gaming: One in three adult internet users is a gamer, and many of them are female. Blood, guts and guns are out; smart, fun puzzles are in.
Home automation: This $3.8 billion industry is getting attention with greener systems that control lights and sprinklers. Integrated electronics and entertainment packages connect with plasmas and flat screens in each room.
Home party sales: In an industry that’s shown steady growth for 20 years, customers still want personalized shopping experiences. Personal-care and home/family-care products are the most popular, but there are plenty of other options, too.
Pets: Healthy, organic and environmentally friendly products are hot, as are diets for overweight companions. And don’t overlook baby boomers with pets.
Sarbanes-Oxley compliance: An aging work force means a shortage of experienced accountants who can help companies comply. Expect hiring frenzies for seasoned staffers.
Specialty Lingerie – Sunglasses – Handbags – Specialty Shoes – Household Management for the Rich – Executive Recruiting – Crafts and Handmade Goods
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