17 Promising Village Businesses with High Profit Potential

Many people hesitate to live in rural areas because they fear job opportunities are scarce. However, even though there may not be large companies, there are actually plenty of business opportunities available in villages.

So, don’t worry about making a living in a rural area—there are many types of businesses you can start there!

Advantages of Starting a Business in a Village

Unlike in the city, there are several benefits to opening a business in a rural area, despite its limitations:

• Promising market potential

• Less competition

• Easier to predict consumer behavior

• Guaranteed loyal customers

• Lower operational costs

  
  

Profitable Business Opportunities in Rural Areas

1. Grocery Store

In cities, grocery stores and mini-markets are everywhere, but it's a different story in villages. When villagers need to buy essential goods like rice and sugar, they often have to travel long distances by vehicle.

So, if you decide to open a grocery store in a village, there's a high chance it will be very successful and attract many customers.

Just make sure to keep the prices reasonable and not take too much profit!

2. Mobile Credit and Electricity Tokens

Even in villages, people still need mobile credit and electricity tokens.

Nowadays, almost all smartphones require internet credit that needs to be topped up regularly. Additionally, most households use prepaid electricity tokens that must be refilled periodically.

The capital needed to start a business selling mobile credit and electricity tokens is relatively small. However, if you plan to open a physical store, make sure to choose a strategic location.

3. Mini Gas Station

Many villagers own motorcycles or other vehicles, but gas stations are still scarce in rural areas.

That's why opening a mini gas station in a village can be a great business opportunity.

Since most mini gas stations operate as franchises, you only need to contact the franchise owner to request permission to collaborate with them.

As an additional idea, if you have skills in automotive repair, you can also set up a small workshop next to the mini gas station.

4. Food Stall or Coffee Shop

Everyone needs to eat every day, including people in villages. Since many villagers are farmers or gardeners, including the women, they may not always have the time to cook.

A food stall that serves breakfast or lunch with rice and various side dishes can be a promising business in a village, especially if the prices remain affordable for the locals.

However, if most villagers prefer to cook their own meals, you can opt to open a coffee shop instead. Selling coffee along with snacks like traditional cakes, fried foods, and other light bites can also be a great business idea.

Also Read: 10 Promising Business Opportunities for the Future in 2024 and Beyond

5. Seedling Business

Not many people consider the seedling business because it's often seen as a small-scale venture. However, if pursued seriously, it can be a highly profitable business in rural areas

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Especially in villages where many residents are still engaged in farming and gardening, the demand for quality seedlings is high. You can offer high-quality plant seeds to local farmers, increasing their interest in purchasing from you.

6. Ornamental Plant Cultivation

Starting an ornamental plant cultivation business usually requires a large plot of land. If you live in a village, this makes it an ideal opportunity.

Ornamental plants generally have a higher market value compared to regular plants, especially in big cities.

To maximize profits, choose trending ornamental plants that can thrive in your village's climate. Additionally, consider selling them online to reach a wider customer base.

7. Free-Range Chicken or Laying Hens

Did you know that free-range chicken sells at a higher price than commercially farmed chicken? Surprisingly, the capital needed for raising free-range chickens is not too high.

In addition to selling the chickens, you can also sell their eggs. Free-range chicken eggs are highly sought after and have a higher selling price compared to regular chicken eggs. You can sell them to local shops in the village or even to larger stores in the nearest city.

8. Catfish Farming

Why catfish and not other types of fish? Because catfish farming requires a relatively low initial investment and is easy to maintain.

The price of catfish fingerlings is also affordable, and they grow quickly, allowing you to harvest and profit in a short time. You can sell catfish to various buyers, such as street food vendors, fish traders, wholesalers, or restaurants specializing in catfish dishes.

9. Livestock Products

One of the advantages of living in a village is the ability to source commodities directly from their origin. For example, you can obtain fresh goat or cow milk, meat, and chicken eggs straight from local farmers.

However, you don’t necessarily have to be a livestock farmer yourself. Instead, you can collaborate with local farmers and purchase the commodities you wish to sell.

This way, you can get products at a much lower cost and resell them at a higher price, emphasizing their freshness and quality.

10. Processed Food

If you’re not interested in starting your own livestock or farming business, you can still profit by processing these products and marketing them to nearby cities or even across Indonesia.

Most villages have abundant agricultural and livestock resources. You can take advantage of this by turning them into unique food products.

For example, you can purchase fresh produce directly from local farmers and process them into various specialty foods such as homemade yogurt, artisanal cheese, chips, pickles, preserved fruits, and other snacks.

11. Produk Kerajinan Khas Desa

Apakah di desa tersebut ada hasil alam yang bisa dijadikan kerajinan, tetapi belum ada yang mengelolanya? Atau sudah ada kerajinan khas desa, tetapi penjualannya masih rendah karena tidak ada yang memasarkannya?

Ini merupakan salah satu usaha di desa yang sangat menjanjikan. Kamu bisa bekerja sama dengan para ibu yang berbakat membuat kerajinan. Mulailah dengan skala kecil terlebih dahulu agar usaha tidak rugi.

12. Sewing or Clothing Alterations

Do you have good sewing or tailoring skills? Make use of that talent!

Skilled tailors or clothing alteration services are often scarce or even nonexistent in many villages.

By starting this business in a rural area, you can help the local community by providing sewing and alteration services without them having to travel far to the city.

13. Salon or Barbershop

If you notice that there are no salons in the village, take advantage of this opportunity to open one. Even a simple barbershop is likely to be highly profitable in a rural area.

Just make sure your service prices remain reasonable and affordable so that many women, including mothers and young girls, are encouraged to visit your salon for treatments.

14. Party Equipment and Sound System Rental

When hosting an event, villagers usually have to rent party equipment and a sound system from the nearest city.

If you can open a rental business directly in the village, your business will likely become the top choice. Even residents from neighboring villages might prefer to rent party equipment and a sound system from you.

However, the initial investment for this rental business is quite large, and the return on investment may take time, as village events and celebrations are not held frequently.

15. Lodging and Tour Guide Services

If you live in a village frequently visited by tourists, this can be a great business opportunity.

Open a simple yet comfortable and clean lodging at an affordable price for visitors. Additionally, collaborate with local youths who are knowledgeable about the village’s history and surroundings to work as tour guides.

Also Read: Home-Based Businesses for Housewives with Lucrative Profits!

16. Reseller

One of the advantages of being a reseller is that you don’t have to go through the hassle of producing the items yourself. There are plenty of products that can be sold in villages. In fact, many national and even international brands are now targeting rural communities for their marketing.

Choose products that have high selling potential, such as household essentials, beauty products, or even snacks.

17. Dropshipper

If you don’t want the hassle of managing products yourself, becoming a dropshipper is the perfect solution.

Dropshipping allows you to sell products in villages without needing to stock inventory. This business model is easier because you don’t need capital to buy the products—you simply act as a seller.

These are some promising business ideas you can start in a village. If you’re launching a business and need help managing it, try the Labamu app.

With Labamu, you can create an online store for FREE by simply uploading your products. It also offers helpful features like POS Cashier, Inventory Management, and Order Management to streamline your business operations.

Download it now on Google Play or the App Store!