How to Start a Trade Business: Top 3 Industries to Consider Right Now

Key Takeaways

• Trade businesses are in demand and built to last. Essential services like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work stay needed in every economy.
• You don’t need trade experience to own a trade business. With the right franchise model, your role is to lead the business while skilled professionals handle the technical work.
• Franchising makes getting started easier. Established brands, training, and support help reduce risk compared to starting from scratch.

Why Trades Are a Great Business Choice

If you’ve ever wondered how to start a trades business, now is the perfect time.

There are many different paths to a successful career in trade businesses. Some trade jobs require only a high school diploma, while others may recommend or require an associate's degree, bachelor's degree, or college degree, especially for advanced or management roles. Most trade jobs typically require vocational training or attendance at a trade school, which provides specialized training and is often faster and less expensive than a traditional four-year degree. Vocational education or trade school helps you gain the skills needed for skilled crafts job positions. On-the-job experience and apprenticeships, which combine classroom learning with practical work, are also important for career advancement in trades. Many trade jobs offer these opportunities, allowing you to develop expertise and move into higher responsibility roles without needing a four-year degree.

Exploring innovative business ideas and refining your business idea is a foundational step in the entrepreneurial journey. Trade industries like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services are in high demand, essential to everyday life, and provide excellent opportunities for entrepreneurship. These businesses offer not only financial rewards but also the chance to enjoy lifestyle freedom, flexible schedules, and long-term growth.

Unlike starting from scratch, entering a trade business through Neighborly® franchise opportunities provides training, marketing, and operational support — even if you have no prior technical experience. You’ll focus on running the business, managing your team, and building relationships with potential clients to secure work and grow your business, while licensed professionals handle the hands-on work. That’s why these trade businesses are consistently ranked among the best businesses to start in 2026 and beyond, and this article will guide you through the step-by-step process to start a business as part of your entrepreneurial journey.

Why Professional Trades Are in Demand

There’s never been a greater need for skilled trades. Homeowners and businesses rely on industries like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services every day. Before entering the trades industry, conducting thorough market analysis and market research is essential to understand the wide market, assess market demand, and identify the best opportunities for growth and success.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in installation, maintenance, and repair occupations is projected to grow steadily through 2033, with over 500,000 job openings each year due to retirements and increasing demand.

Population growth in many regions, combined with a persistent housing shortage, is driving increased demand for skilled trades. As more people move into older homes that often need repairs, the need for qualified professionals in construction, maintenance, and repair continues to rise. This trend is especially pronounced in states experiencing rapid demographic increases.

The U.S. HVAC market alone is expected to surpass $445 billion by 2033, driven by energy efficiency upgrades and climate control needs. In addition, the plumbing market is expected to grow by 2.3%, or almost $21 billion by 2029, with the growing demand for fixtures and fittings. Lastly, the electrical services industry already is valued at $163 billion and is expanding rapidly with renewable energy and smart home technology trends, leading to a projected growth of 6.4%, reaching a value of more than $294 billion by 2034.

For aspiring service-based entrepreneurs, this strong demand makes trade industries an ideal opportunity. Even during economic fluctuations, people continue to need HVAC repairs, plumbing services, and electrical solutions, giving these businesses a stable foundation.

1. HVAC: Comfort and Opportunity in Business Ownership

The HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) industry is a top trade business due to the essential nature of its services. As homes and businesses require climate control and air quality maintenance, the demand for HVAC professionals continues to rise.

HVAC technicians are in high demand among property owners, as plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians are needed by home and property owners in every market across the nation. The HVAC market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.4% from 2024 to 2030, making it an attractive, lucrative field for skilled tradespeople. New technology, such as smart thermostats and energy-efficient systems, is driving industry innovation and helping homeowners improve efficiency and save on utility bills.

To start an HVAC business, you’ll need to obtain the necessary licenses, invest in equipment, and manage operations, focusing on improving operational efficiency and handling inventory management. HVAC technicians install and maintain complex climate control units in homes, schools, and offices. The job outlook for HVAC technicians is projected to grow at a rate of 5% from 2022 to 2032, which is as fast as average. However, with the right brand and franchisor, their experts can help guide you along the way.

Here are a few other reasons why starting a HVAC trade business is ideal for many entrepreneurs.

Why HVAC is a Top Choice for Entrepreneurs

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) is essential to modern living. From keeping homes warm in winter to cooling spaces in summer, people rely on HVAC systems daily. The U.S. HVAC services market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7% between 2026 and 2033.

By starting an HVAC business franchise, you can tap into this essential service without needing hands-on technical experience. With the executive ownership model, you manage operations, customer relationships, and team growth while trained technicians handle installations and repairs.

Starting a Business with Aire Serv^® a Leader in HVAC Services

Starting a business with Aire Serv is a smart choice for entrepreneurs seeking a proven, viable opportunity in the essential HVAC industry. As part of the Neighborly® family of brands, Aire Serv offers franchise owners the benefit of a trusted name, a built-in support network, and access to world-class business resources—all designed to help them succeed, even without prior industry experience.

Neighborly provides comprehensive training, marketing support, technology tools, and ongoing coaching, so franchise owners can focus on building their business and serving their community with confidence. With a recession-resilient service, strong demand, and the backing of an industry leader, Aire Serv makes business ownership both attainable and rewarding.

Learn how to start your own Aire Serv franchise today.

2. Plumbing: Opportunity Awaits in this High-Demand Field

Plumbing is a trade business that continues to thrive due to the constant demand for repairs and maintenance in both residential and commercial properties. Plumbers play a crucial role in maintaining essential systems for modern life, as they design, install, and repair water, waste, and gas lines. This ongoing need means that plumbing can provide a steady income for business owners who are able to build a reliable client base.

In fact, the job outlook for plumbers is projected to grow at a rate of 5% from 2022 to 2032, which is as fast as average. The market size for plumbing services is significant, and with the right approach, starting a plumbing business venture can be an exciting and lucrative opportunity.

If you’re interested in starting your own plumbing company, you can either start from scratch or invest in a franchise. Franchising offers the advantage of established branding and support, allowing you to focus on scaling your business while also managing overhead costs as part of running a successful business venture.

Why Plumbing is Reliable for Entrepreneurs

Plumbing is a trade that never goes out of style. Leaks, water heater replacements, and home renovations create constant demand. The U.S. plumbing market for fixtures and fittings is valued at over $18 billion and is expected to grow to more than $20 billion by 2029.

The right plumbing franchise opportunity gives you the ability to step into this high-demand market, hire skilled plumbers, and focus on scaling your business.

Starting a Franchise Business with Mr. Rooter^® Plumbing

Owning a Mr. Rooter® Plumbing franchise gives entrepreneurs the chance to step into a high-demand, essential industry while building a business with real growth potential. Rather than needing hands-on plumbing experience, owners focus on running the business—managing service teams, scheduling and dispatching jobs, ensuring customer satisfaction, and keeping operations efficient with the help of Neighborly’s proven systems.

Neighborly equips franchise owners with everything they need to scale their business and serve their community. Backed by a nationally recognized brand and a strong support network, Mr. Rooter offers entrepreneurs a clear path to business ownership with the confidence that they don’t have to go it alone.

Learn how you can start and operate a Mr. Rooter Plumbing franchise on your schedule.

3. Electrical Repair Services: Powering the Future of Business Ownership

The electrical industry has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by increased demand for residential, commercial, and industrial electrical services. Electricians install and maintain electrical systems in homes, businesses, and factories, making their role essential in modern infrastructure.

As technology advances and infrastructure ages, the need for skilled electricians continues to rise. The job outlook for electricians is projected to grow at a rate of 6% from 2022 to 2032, which is as fast as average.

Starting an electrical services business requires more than just technical expertise. You need to understand the market and manage operations, including choosing the right business structure for your electrical services business. Franchising can offer a proven model, brand recognition, and ongoing support, making it an attractive option for many aspiring business owners.

Why Electrical Repair Businesses Are Booming

Electrical work is booming. Smart homes, solar installations, and electric vehicles are creating rising demand and the need for trusted experts is more in demand than ever. The U.S. electrical contracting industry is valued at over $163 billion with a growth to more than $294 billion by 2034. In addition, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an 9% increase in new electrician positions  by 2034.

Real Business Ownership Opportunities in the Electrical Repair Industry

Launching a business with Mr. Electric® opens the door to joining a fast-growing industry where electrical services are always in demand. As a franchise owner, you won’t necessarily be wiring outlets or installing panels yourself—instead, you may be focusing on leading a team of licensed professionals, managing customer relationships, and driving business growth with the help of Neighborly’s proven systems.

Each day may involve coordinating service calls, building connections in your community, and using Neighborly’s marketing and technology tools to keep operations running smoothly. With comprehensive training, ongoing guidance, and the backing of a nationally recognized brand, Mr. Electric empowers entrepreneurs to step into business ownership with confidence—even without prior electrical experience.

Are you ready to start your own Mr. Electric franchise? Get started today.

Why Franchising with Neighborly Makes It Easier

Franchising with Neighborly offers training, marketing, and operational support that allows you to succeed without prior trade experience. Neighborly provides guidance on creating an optimal business plan, including financial projections and exploring funding options to help you launch your business with confidence. You’ll focus on leadership, business growth, choosing the right legal structure, obtaining necessary licenses and permits, and building brand recognition, while professionals can handle the technical side.

Learn more about how franchising with Neighborly and get inspired by downloading the free Entrepreneur’s Guide to Personal and Professional Freedom.