Stimulating Business Ideas for 2009 (and beyond)
Jan 26th, 2009 by admin
In an earlier post, I talked about some of the steps entrepreneurs can take to successfully win government contracts. I also mentioned the host of opportunities that lie on the horizon with respect to the pending economic stimulus package proposed by President Obama. To my joy, CNNMoney.com discussed some of the things we can expect from this package in the article How Stimulus Affects You. Below are a few of the proposed expenditures and stimulating business ideas that you can take advantage of in 2009 and beyond (numbers are approximate):
Education: Proposed Spending
- $41 billion for school improvements (building repairs/additions, computer upgrades and teacher training)
- $6 billion for college building improvements
Education: Business Opportunities
- General Contracting: Check out The Associated General Contractors of America for what it takes to become a general contractor serving the public sector.
- Specialty Trade Contracting: More opportunities for specialized services in roofing, plumbing, carpentry, electrical work and painting will emerge for subcontractors as projects are awarded to general contractors.
- Elevator Installation and Maintenance: This may be tough to get into as it requires accreditation and extensive licensing in most states.
Health Care: Proposed Spending
- $1.5 billion community health center improvements
- $20 billion to computerize health care records
Health Care: Business Opportunities
- Countertop Fabrication and Installation: The improvement of community health centers will likely include a lot of countertop and sink replacement projects.
- Electronic Records Management Consulting: Of course, experience in medical and patient records will be a plus.
Housing: Proposed Spending
- $6 billion to weatherize moderate income homes, making them more energy efficient
- $16 billion in energy retrofits and improvements (public housing)
Housing: Business Opportunities
- Replacement Window Contracting: Homeowners will be encouraged to install storm windows over single-pane windows or replace them outright with modern double-pane windows. This will be a great time to get into the replacement window industry.
- Energy Sealing Specialist: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save as much as 10 percent on heating and cooling bills by reducing the air leaks in their homes. Offer your specialized services of locating and sealing air leaks to contractors and homeowners.
Transportation: Proposed Spending
- $30 billion for highway and bridge construction projects
- $10 billion for mass transit improvements and additions, including new lines, buses, trains and stations
- $3 billion in airport expansions
- $1.15 billion for land and sea port improvements
Transportation: Business Opportunities
- Cost Estimating Consultant: Put your construction cost estimating skills to work for you by providing services directly to the government or to construction or general contracting firms.
Other Infrastructure Improvements: Proposed Spending
- $31 billion to modernize public buildings (focus on energy efficiency)
- $3.1 billion for improvements on public lands, including new roads, trails and facilities at the nation’s park systems
Other Infrastructure Improvements: Business Opportunities
- Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Consulting: Includes strategic planning, portfolio design and service delivery consulting; estimates of program energy, economic and environmental impacts; establishment of program performance goals and incentives; program monitoring and evaluation, among others.
- Specialized Landscaping Services: Special projects will be available for those landscape professionals who have experience with conservation programs, revegetation for wind farm projects, habitat enhancement and site reclamation.
- Trail Development and Maintenance Services: See the Professional Trailbuilders Association for more information.
- National Resource and Trail Signage: The need for outdoor signage built for tough weather conditions will be on the upswing as new trail and park facilities are built.
- Greenways and Urban Trails Planning Consultants: We can expect to see more bicycle, pedestrian and trail corridors and systems emerging across the country.
