Somebody I know of -- and memory escapes whether I have permission to mention the specifics, so I won't -- runs a rather successful software business based on solving one "technically undemanding but financially pressing" problem for one of these industries.
I would disagree with (1). For a start, the industry, at the moment, heavily relies on government subsidies to stay in business. Those subsidies are either in the form of rebates for purchases, rebates in the form of artificially high electricity buyback prices, or more favourable tax treatment or other perks (electric cars & city parking, for example)<p>While the political winds are blowing in your favour it might be plain sailing, but any business that does not have a fundamental basis in return on investment without subsidy is highly risky. With the endless talk of reining in government spending in countries all around the world, any industry relying on government subsidies to keep it afloat has a large risk factor of cuts to those subsidies resulting from a switch in government.<p>Exceptions to this are probably in personalised, high end sales and consulting to wealthy businesses and individuals who want the technology for the wow factor. Because a self-sustaining office or house will continue to be something that people desire when cost is no longer a factor. This trend will change slowly and be well-signalled by the next 'shiny new thing' that these people want.<p>Politicians are the worst kind of business partner. Keen to take the credit and revenues, and then run like the wind when it's no longer a vote winner and leave you with the leftovers.
Most of this list is from anything research.com. This list fascinates me more:<p><a href="http://www.anythingresearch.com/Top-Industries/Market-Fragmentation.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www.anythingresearch.com/Top-Industries/Market-Fragme...</a>
1) Environmental Consulting, 2) Translation and Interpretation Services, 3) Home Health Care, <i>4) Mobile App Design</i>, 5) Ferryboats and Inland Water Transportation, 6) Tea and Healthy Beverages, 7) Fun, Games, and Hobbies, 8) Exam Preparation and Tutoring, 9) Bakeries and Baked Goods, 10) Self-Storage Leasing, 11) Handmade and Vintage Goods Online, 12) Medicinal Marijuana Retailing, 13) Self-Published Video Games, 14) Blood, Plasma, and Sperm Banks, 15) Water Supply and Irrigation Systems, 15) Safety and Quality Testing
I was surprised to see Bakeries and Baked Goods (9). I know someone selling an established commercial bakery in a major metro area. I don't think the margins or growth are all that great. (But I could be wrong.)<p>As an aside, I have it from a principal in a private equity fund that he's seeing a big up-tick in the number of businesses for sale.
One of the most interesting trends that I don't see a lot of people talking about is Mass Customization. Part of this is because people haven't fully figured out the answer, but that just means there's a lot of money to be made.
"This industry is well suited to independent contractors with the skills to install environmental gear such as wind turbines. . ."<p>This doesn't sound right. Installing wind turbines is in the domain of huge energy corporations, as far as I know.