50 Most Successful Small Businesses to Start in America

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35. Music Publishers
> Establishment growth, 2017 to 2021: +17.1%
> Total establishments, 2021: 815
> Total employees, 2021: 5,368
> Avg. annual pay, 2021: $109,344

The growth of the music publishers industry has been fueled by the increasing demand for music consumption across various platforms. With the rise of digital streaming services and online music platforms, there has been a surge in the consumption of recorded music, leading to a higher demand for music publishing services. The number of businesses in the industry rose 17.1% from 696 in 2017 to 815 in 2021, far greater than the national business establishment growth of 3.7%.

One other factor behind growth in the industry may be expansion of the global music market. The accessibility of music through digital platforms has expanded the reach of artists and their music, leading to a broader international audience. This increased demand for music from different regions and genres has created opportunities for music publishers to cater to a diverse range of artists and expand their operations.

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34. Appliance Repair and Maintenance
> Establishment growth, 2017 to 2021: +17.5%
> Total establishments, 2021: 5,380
> Total employees, 2021: 21,734
> Avg. annual pay, 2021: $43,744

The growth of the appliance repair and maintenance industry can be attributed to the increasing reliance of consumers on household appliances. Any breakdown or malfunction requires prompt repair, leading to a higher demand for repair and maintenance services. The number of businesses in the industry rose 17.5% from 4,579 in 2017 to 5,380 in 2021, among the fastest expansions of any industry.

With the growth in the industry, employment in the industry grew over the years. With proper training and expertise, technicians are able to diagnose and fix a wide range of appliance issues, meeting the demand for repair services.

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33. New Single-Family Housing Construction (except For-Sale Builders)
> Establishment growth, 2017 to 2021: +17.5%
> Total establishments, 2021: 58,031
> Total employees, 2021: 220,809
> Avg. annual pay, 2021: $60,124

Population growth, along with demographic changes such as urbanization, has increased the demand for new single-family housing. The number of businesses in the industry rose 17.5% from 49,387 in 2017 to 58,031 in 2021.

One other factor behind growth in the industry from 2017 to 2021 may be the low mortgage interest rates of those years, which stimulated demand for new single-family housing.

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32. Building Inspection Services
> Establishment growth, 2017 to 2021: +17.5%
> Total establishments, 2021: 7,717
> Total employees, 2021: 26,290
> Avg. annual pay, 2021: $53,765

The growth of the building inspection services industry can be attributed to the overall increase in construction activity. As construction projects have surged, there has been a greater demand for inspections to ensure compliance with building codes, safety regulations, and quality standards. The number of businesses in the industry rose 17.5% from 6,565 in 2017 to 7,717 in 2021, among the fastest expansions of any industry.

One other factor behind growth in the industry may be implementation of more stringent building regulations and safety requirements. Governments and regulatory bodies have become more vigilant in ensuring that construction projects meet the necessary standards, leading to an increased need for inspections.

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31. Flight Training
> Establishment growth, 2017 to 2021: +17.9%
> Total establishments, 2021: 1,148
> Total employees, 2021: 16,916
> Avg. annual pay, 2021: $68,450

The growth of the flight training industry can be attributed to the rising demand for pilots in the aviation sector. As the airline industry expands and older pilots retire, there is a need for new pilots to fill the vacancies. This demand has driven individuals to seek flight training services to pursue careers in aviation. The number of businesses in the industry rose 17.9% from 974 in 2017 to 1,148 in 2021.

One other factor behind growth in the industry may be growth in commercial aviation, including the expansion of airlines and the opening of new routes.