Your community is brimming with entrepreneurs who are eager to open their own small businesses. And if you are a business yourself, you will want to get in on the ground floor to take advantage of the growth potential in your area. After all, it’s no secret that the competition for customers is fierce, and the competition for new local businesses is even fiercer. And why? Well, because these new businesses can be potential clients for your existing business, whether you are a printing company or a marketing firm. Oh, and as a business, you know that the key to long-term success is repeat business.

So how do you find a list of new small businesses going to open in your area? While there is no magic formula, we’ve put together a list of the five most effective ways to find a list of new businesses going to open in your area. So, give yourself a pat on the back, and read on to find out all in opportunities to grow your clientele.

Small business owners need to stay on top of the latest trends and climate in their locality and the world at large to ensure they can attract and grow their client base. To keep up with the competition and to find new clients, you need to find out about new businesses that are about to open in your area. To help you in your endeavors, we have compiled a list of the five best ways to find a list of new businesses to open in your area.

1. Check with the Local Chamber of Commerce

As the Chamber of Commerce has a vested interest in the success of all local businesses, they will generally be aware of all impending business openings in the area. This information could include listings for any new franchises coming to town or what’s planned at any new shopping centers or retail outlets. Besides attending one of their meetings, you can also try emailing them directly to find out about what you’re looking for. Also, consider getting involved with them by becoming a member yourself! It’s a perfect opportunity to network and learn how other local businesses operate while giving you an insight into what opportunities are coming up soon.

2. Peruse Your Local Media

Radio – yes, even local radio – can be an excellent resource for business owners, especially if you live in a smaller town or city. Some stations feature a “Market Minute” where they let business owners know about all the latest openings in their area. Take this opportunity to learn all about your new potential customers and bring in a new stream of revenue!

3. Check Your Local Library

Library? Yes, you read that right. There is a wealth of information available in your local library. Not only do they have access to many of the same databases that most established organizations have, but they also have experts who can help you navigate the information you so desperately need. Begin your search by asking the librarian about the business section and check if they have the latest business magazines featuring local businesses and more. Then expand your search by looking into all accessible business directories.

Most public libraries provide free access to business directories with information on thousands of businesses in your area; others may carry more niche directories for franchises or businesses dedicated to certain services (home-based businesses are often listed here). Either way, taking advantage of their resources will help you quickly and easily locate what you’re looking for! Even better – it’s completely free!

4. Ask Your Secretary of State

The best way to find a list of new small businesses in your area, acquisitions, and closings is from an authoritative source like your Secretary of State or other regulatory agency. Just think – they are involved with everything that’s going on in your state! From every business getting started to those that have had their doors closed for good, you can bet they will know what’s happening locally.

As such, they will be able to give you details about what they know will be opening up soon, when it will open, where it will be located, how many employees it’ll have… Pretty much all you need! One caveat – though every state has a website dedicated to the Secretary of State (or similar), most of them don’t offer any publicly available searchable business database; if yours does, consider yourself lucky! But still, make sure that the database has the latest updates because some states don’t update their databases frequently enough.

5. Take Advantage of Google

The more specific you are with your search terms, the better results you’ll get! Just remember that though Google is a great resource, it’s not the only one out there. Other search engines, directories, and local business databases should also be included in your research.

Though finding a new business listing in your area can be a tedious and time-consuming process, it is important that you keep your eyes peeled for new opportunities. Consider the advice above to get you started and good luck!