Wilmington, NC

Business Ideas & Market Opportunities

The Wilmington market is currently outpacing the national growth rate. Our analysis identifies 124 active sectors where local supply has not yet met the demand indicated by the national baseline.

Active Local Businesses

16,586

Total Competition Pool

Market Size

441K

Total Metro Population

5-Year Growth Rate

+45.5%

🔥 Outpacing US(+0.1% avg)

Underserved Sectors

120

Niches with LQ < 0.8

Analyst Tip

Viewing all opportunities. Use the View Mode toggle above to filter by business model, or search to find specific niches.

Showing 20 of 256 opportunities

Tobacco Stores

Growth
+450.0%
Scale
$59K PAY
Saturation
1.64
55 establishments

Recreational Goods Rental

Growth
+357.1%
Scale
$99K PAY
Saturation
8.20
67 establishments

Advertising Material Distribution Services

Growth
+325.0%
Scale
$153K PAY
Saturation
10.29
17 establishments

Nail Salons

Growth
+300.0%
Scale
$73K PAY
Saturation
0.42
533 establishments

All Other Miscellaneous Ambulatory Health Care Services

Growth
+266.7%
Scale
$375K PAY
Saturation
0.74
11 establishments

Process, Physical Distribution, and Logistics Consulting Services

Growth
+266.7%
Scale
$390K PAY
Saturation
0.84
11 establishments

Clothing Accessories Stores

Growth
+200.0%
Scale
$76K PAY
Saturation
1.01
12 establishments

Business Associations

Growth
+200.0%
Scale
$391K PAY
Saturation
0.55
12 establishments

Ready-Mix Concrete Manufacturing

Growth
+183.3%
Scale
$679K PAY
Saturation
2.08
17 establishments

Freestanding Ambulatory Surgical and Emergency Centers

Growth
+175.0%
Scale
$1.2M PAY
Saturation
1.37
22 establishments

Other Individual and Family Services

Growth
+152.2%
Scale
$193K PAY
Saturation
0.96
58 establishments

Siding Contractors

Growth
+150.0%
Scale
$225K PAY
Saturation
1.43
20 establishments

Residential Mental Health and Substance Abuse Facilities

Growth
+150.0%
Scale
$2.8M PAY
Saturation
0.76
10 establishments

Temporary Shelters

Growth
+150.0%
Scale
$350K PAY
Saturation
1.47
10 establishments

Fine Arts Schools

Growth
+144.4%
Scale
$66K PAY
Saturation
0.83
22 establishments

Retail Bakeries

Growth
+142.9%
Scale
$155K PAY
Saturation
1.18
17 establishments

Other Building Finishing Contractors

Growth
+142.9%
Scale
$354K PAY
Saturation
1.34
17 establishments

Motorcycle, ATV, and All Other Motor Vehicle Dealers

Growth
+142.9%
Scale
$572K PAY
Saturation
1.77
17 establishments

Lessors of Residential Buildings and Dwellings

Growth
+140.4%
Scale
$261K PAY
Saturation
1.02
125 establishments

Poured Concrete Foundation and Structure Contractors

Growth
+137.5%
Scale
$444K PAY
Saturation
0.52
19 establishments

Analyst Insights & Due Diligence

Administrative data provides the map, but not the terrain. We recommend three specific validation steps for Wilmington:

1

Demographic Fit

Does the local population age or income level explain the "Supply Gaps"? (e.g., A gap in luxury services may be due to lower local income).

2

Regulatory Check

Verify local licensing requirements. High barriers to entry often protect "High Yield" sectors from new competition.

3

Competitor Health

Investigate the "Momentum" sectors. Are existing businesses thriving, or is the growth due to high turnover and failure rates?