Editor’s note: This article was first published in March 2018 and is a snapshot of New Orleans start-ups as of 2018, those opened in the previous five years. Some of these businesses may have closed or changed since.
Continuing our series of business ideas gathered from other parts of the world, we return to the United States, but today it is the turn of New Orleans, where, despite the climate disasters the city has suffered in recent decades, many innovative small businesses have opened in the last five years, and their ideas could perhaps be imported to Spain.
The question is whether any of these ideas or business models could work in other cities or countries. So here we go…
9 business ideas to import to your country
1. BarNotes
BarNotes is a tech company: a platform and app for cocktail lovers and for the community of cocktail professionals and customers. Not only is it a creative and innovative app, it also makes the whole thing a social experience, where users can find new recipes, share their own ideas for making cocktails and their favourite meeting spots, and share their photos.
These entrepreneurs want BarNotes to become a brand and a lifestyle. The app is useful both for the experienced bartender and for the occasional drinker. And it is certainly ideal for bars that specialise in cocktails.
See also: 6 business ideas that started in New York
2. Be Well Nutrition
This company is trying to redefine energy drinks.
Although the company is still very young, its plans are ambitious and it is already being taken very seriously, because the idea is eye-catching: energy drinks made with natural ingredients.
After winning several local business competitions, it is without doubt a company that could get people talking in the future.
See also: 10 small business ideas to import from Canada
3. Bloom Box Farms
In a previous article we saw how shipping containers can be turned into homes. In this case, the company converts containers into soil-free farms, creating a sustainable source of local produce and using 90% less water and land than traditional agriculture. The best thing about this business is that the farms can be set up anywhere, so the potential for expansion is unlimited.
4. Bon Castor
A shop that sells only local, handmade artisan products. It is an excellent way to boost the local economy and give local suppliers the chance to earn some extra money and find an outlet for what they make, from handmade furniture to clothing. It is also a place to relax: there is even a spa at the back.
5. Construct
A fabrication company that creates custom interiors. If you are moving to a new office or want to redo your living room or your business, this company will design and build your perfect space exactly as you ask. Every piece of furniture or decoration is handmade by the company’s craftspeople, and it has earned an excellent reputation by fitting out many of the city’s landmark venues.
6. Dashing Bicycles & Accessories
A modern bicycle boutique created by women, run by women and focused on women. Whatever their age, the boutique offers a wide selection of handcrafted bicycles designed specifically for women. The company aims to make cycling safe and accessible in New Orleans. The owner says that right now she is focused on making her customers feel comfortable and isn’t worried about how much money she is making, although the business is profitable.
7. Gasa Gasa
A hybrid art gallery and concert venue that showcases local talent. The city’s artists and performers of every genre can show their work and talent. It is also a place where other kinds of artists can exhibit their artwork (paintings, sculptures…). This is certainly something that works very well, at least in the United States.
8. MobileQubes
This company’s business idea is a network of kiosks so that people can charge their electronic devices anywhere. In other words, if your smartphone battery is below 10% and you need a charger, you can rent a high-capacity battery and the problem is solved. The company is already present in most airports and hotels. If you don’t have a charger, no problem: you won’t need one anymore.
See also: 6 business ideas that started in Asia
9. PosiGen
This company provides solar energy to low-income homeowners, installing solar panels on the homes that need them most. Its mission is not only to be environmentally responsible but also to help disadvantaged families cut what they pay for energy. And even so, it manages to be profitable.
Featured image: Bradley Fortner, CC0 1.0, via Flickr.
