In today’s competitive and dynamic business environment, choosing the right industry can be the determining factor for a successful entrepreneurial journey. With rapid technological advancement and shifting consumer needs, 2019 opened doors to various booming sectors offering high returns with low to moderate investment. If you’re aspiring to start your own venture, focusing on the Top 10 Profitable Industries can help you make informed decisions and minimize risks.
Exploring the Top 10 Profitable Industries in 2019
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Top 10 Profitable Industries that presented significant potential for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners in 2019.
1. Health and Wellness Industry
The global demand for fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being solutions experienced a major surge in 2019. With rising awareness about preventive healthcare and lifestyle diseases, health and wellness became one of the Top 10 Profitable Industries. From yoga studios and fitness centers to organic food stores and wellness coaching services, this industry offered multiple niches with high growth opportunities.
What made this sector even more appealing was the relatively low investment needed to start certain businesses, such as online coaching or fitness apps. Entrepreneurs who leveraged digital platforms were able to scale rapidly and serve a global clientele.
2. E-commerce and Online Retail
With internet penetration and smartphone usage on the rise, e-commerce saw unprecedented growth. Selling products online—be it fashion, electronics, or groceries—turned out to be a goldmine for many startups. The ability to reach customers across geographies without maintaining a physical storefront made this one of the Top 10 Profitable Industries.
Dropshipping, print-on-demand, and private labeling models provided easy entry points for new players with limited capital. The trend of direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands also gained popularity, eliminating middlemen and boosting profit margins.
3. Digital Marketing Services
In 2019, businesses increasingly realized the importance of online visibility. Digital marketing agencies offering SEO, social media marketing, pay-per-click advertising, and content creation became crucial partners for growth. The scalability and low startup cost made it a favorite among freelancers and small business owners.
As one of the Top 10 Profitable Industries, digital marketing allowed professionals to work remotely and serve clients globally. Specializing in niche areas, like local SEO or influencer marketing, provided a competitive edge and recurring revenue.
4. Education and E-Learning
The education sector witnessed a massive transformation with the rise of e-learning platforms. Whether it was test preparation, professional development, or language learning, digital courses were in high demand. Entrepreneurs launching online academies, tutoring services, or skill-based training programs benefited immensely.
This made education one of the Top 10 Profitable Industries in 2019. Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and Skillshare empowered content creators to monetize their knowledge and reach a global audience. Moreover, the flexibility of working hours and passive income potential made it highly attractive.
5. Mobile App Development
With the smartphone revolution in full swing, mobile app development became a lucrative avenue for tech-savvy entrepreneurs. Businesses in almost every sector needed mobile apps to stay competitive, whether for e-commerce, health, finance, or entertainment.
This placed mobile app development firmly within the Top 10 Profitable Industries of 2019. Independent developers and small agencies found success by offering custom solutions or launching their own apps for niche markets. The recurring income through app subscriptions and ads added to the profitability.
6. Renewable Energy and Green Technology
Environmental consciousness among consumers and governments alike fueled growth in the renewable energy sector. Businesses dealing with solar panel installation, energy audits, and eco-friendly products thrived. Incentives and subsidies made it easier for startups to enter the space.
As one of the Top 10 Profitable Industries, renewable energy required higher initial investment but offered long-term returns and social impact. Green businesses also gained favor with sustainability-conscious investors and consumers.
7. Food and Beverage Industry
Innovative food concepts such as cloud kitchens, food trucks, organic cafes, and meal prep services grew rapidly. With consumers seeking convenience, quality, and healthier options, the food and beverage sector evolved to meet new expectations.
It consistently remained part of the Top 10 Profitable Industries due to its evergreen demand. Entrepreneurs succeeded by focusing on niche offerings like vegan menus, gluten-free options, or regional cuisine. Integration with food delivery apps also amplified reach and revenue.
8. Pet Services and Products
People’s love for their furry companions turned pet care into a booming industry. Businesses providing grooming, boarding, training, and pet products thrived. Subscription boxes, customized pet food, and mobile grooming services became particularly popular.
In 2019, the pet industry carved its place among the Top 10 Profitable Industries thanks to increasing pet adoption rates and higher spending on pet wellness. This sector offered both brick-and-mortar and digital business opportunities.
9. Real Estate and Property Management
Despite some fluctuations in the market, real estate remained a strong performer. In particular, rental properties, coworking spaces, and property management services saw high demand. Real estate tech, or “proptech,” also began reshaping the industry through platforms for virtual tours, tenant management, and real-time analytics.
This sector ranked high on the list of Top 10 Profitable Industries, especially in urban areas with rising housing and commercial space needs. While capital-intensive, the returns on investment in real estate could be significant over time.
10. Beauty and Personal Care
Beauty products, salons, and grooming services for people formed a flourishing industry. The rise of social media influencers, makeup tutorials, and DIY beauty content added fuel to this fire. Customized skincare, cruelty-free products, and organic cosmetics captured consumer interest.
As a consistent member of the Top 10 Profitable Industries, beauty and personal care offered flexible business models—from home-based beauty parlors to e-commerce stores selling curated products. The industry allowed creative entrepreneurs to express their flair while building a strong customer base.
Why These Industries Stood Out in 2019
The Top 10 Profitable Industries mentioned above gained traction due to a combination of market demand, digital disruption, and changing lifestyles. Entrepreneurs who successfully identified gaps and capitalized on them early were able to build sustainable and scalable businesses. Another critical factor was the use of technology to automate operations, analyze customer behavior, and optimize marketing strategies.
These industries also provided a wide range of entry points, from bootstrapped solo ventures to investment-backed startups. For many, the low barrier to entry and potential for high margins were key motivators.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right industry is the first step toward business success. The Top 10 Profitable Industries of 2019 highlighted the importance of innovation, adaptability, and customer focus. Whether you were a first-time entrepreneur or a seasoned businessperson, venturing into these sectors offered the potential for solid returns and long-term growth.
With many of these industries still growing in 2025 and beyond, they remain worth exploring if you’re planning a business launch. Keep an eye on emerging trends, invest in skill development, and stay connected with your market. The right industry, combined with the right strategy, can lead to a thriving business in any economic climate.
Visit the page Select and Choose the Right Business Startup for You for sorting out the questions arising in your mind before starting any business and know which start-up you can plan. We, at NPCS, endeavor to make business selection a simple and convenient step for any entrepreneur/startup. Our expert team, by capitalizing on its dexterity and decade’s long experience in the field, has created a list of profitable ventures for entrepreneurs who wish to diversify or venture. The list so mentioned is updated regularly to give you a regular dose of new emerging opportunities.
