Arkansas Market Intelligence Report (2025)

Top Businesses to Start in Arkansas (2025)

We analyzed 106K+ verified business records to help you separate the hype from the hard numbers.

Top 5 Opportunities

#1

FASTEST GROWTH SECTOR

Beauty Salons

Growth: +225.0% • Saturation: 0.43 LQ

#2

HIGH DEMAND SIGNAL

Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers

Growth: +185.7% • Saturation: 0.29 LQ

#3

LOW COMPETITION GAP

Miscellaneous Intermediation

Growth: +183.3% • Saturation: 0.76 LQ

#4

HIGH DEMAND SIGNAL

Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services

Growth: +166.7% • Saturation: 0.42 LQ

#5

LOW COMPETITION GAP

Other Activities Related to Real Estate

Growth: +145.5% • Saturation: 0.66 LQ

Census Records

Official Source

Volume Filtered

10+ Est. Minimum

100% Objective

No Pay-to-Play

Validate Your Idea Locally

SELECT METRO AREA

Memphis

The state's largest economic engine.

Population

1.3M

Active Biz

45K

VIEW FULL REPORT

Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway

754K Residents

Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers

Population

563K

Fort Smith

Population

229K

Texarkana

Population

147K

Jonesboro

Population

135K

Hot Springs

Population

100K

More States in the South

Explore business opportunities in other South states

District of Columbia

View All States Directory

Common Questions

What is the fastest growing business in Arkansas?+

Currently, the Beauty Salons sector is leading the state with a +225.0% 5-year growth rate across multiple metro markets.

What is the most profitable solo business?+

Based on Non-Employer Statistics, solo founders in the Boat Dealers sector report the highest average annual receipts at $546k.

What does the data say about Arkansas's economy?+

The state is home to 106K active establishments across 7 major metro areas. The market shows strong growth in emerging sectors with opportunities in high-demand, low-saturation niches.