Patrick
As a business owner in Colombia, I’m always on the lookout for the next big idea—those sparks of inspiration that can turn into something truly impactful. Colombia’s dynamic economy, strategic location, and vibrant culture make it a hotspot for entrepreneurs like me in 2025, and I’m constantly dreaming up ways to tap into its potential. Cali, with its salsa rhythms, warm climate, and entrepreneurial spirit, feels like the perfect playground for innovative ventures. Whether you’re a local entrepreneur like me, always brainstorming your next move, or an international investor ready to dive in, I’ve put together 12 business ideas that capture Colombia’s growing markets, with a special focus on Cali’s unique opportunities – though several of these ideas could work around any of the big cities. From wellness to tech, these ideas are designed to ignite your creativity and inspire your next big venture!
1. Urban Wellness and Co-Working Oasis
The Idea: Create an upscale wellness center in Cali that combines a gym, cold plunge, red light therapy, lap pool, sauna, steam bath, massages, chiropractic services, yoga, spinning, and even pickleball or paddle tennis courts. Add a kids’ club for family appeal and integrate a co-working space and healthy restaurant to create an exclusive “urban country club” vibe. The Life Time concept comes to mind.
Why It Works in Cali: Cali’s active, health-conscious population and growing professional class crave premium, all-in-one lifestyle hubs. This concept caters to young professionals, families, and expats seeking convenience and community. By blending wellness and work, you’ll tap into the city’s vibrant social scene and entrepreneurial energy.
Tip: Partner with local fitness influencers and co-working networks to build buzz and attract members.
2. Adventure Hub: Dirtbike Maintenance and Cycling Tourism in Cali
The Idea: Launch a high-end dirtbike maintenance pit for wealthy enduro enthusiasts. Offer cleaning, tuning, and lubing services so riders can drop off their bikes and enjoy more ride time. Build a community around it with a training course, gym, lockers, showers, a restaurant, and a bar, inspired by successful models like Furia in Venezuela. I’ve seen it work in Peru, Brazil and Mexico as well.
Another exciting niche to explore alongside this is tourism focused on road cycling—Colombia is literally a paradise for cyclists, much like Mallorca, with its endless climbing routes, stunning landscapes, and year-round cycling weather. Local heroes Nairo Quintana and Egan Bernal, both global cycling icons, are proof of the country’s cycling pedigree.
Why It Works in Cali: Enduro riding is gaining traction in Colombia, especially among affluent adventurers, and Cali’s proximity to rugged terrains makes it ideal for a premium dirtbike service. On the cycling front, Cali is emerging as a hub for cycling tourism, with a 20% increase in cycling tourists in 2024, thanks to its access to challenging routes in Valle del Cauca and nearby regions like Antioquia. The community aspect of both ventures fosters loyalty and recurring revenue, and combining these niches can attract a diverse range of adventure seekers. This project could also work around Bogotá and Medellín, where cycling culture is equally strong.
Tip: Host enduro events or partner with local adventure clubs to grow your dirtbike customer base, and consider organizing guided cycling tours or events—like multi-day rides through the Andes—for road cycling enthusiasts. Tap into the growing cycling tourism market by offering bike rentals, guided tours with bilingual staff, and partnerships with local hotels to create all-inclusive cycling packages, drawing inspiration from Mallorca’s successful model. Check out Casa du Veló in Quindío – they do an amazing job.
3. Branded Quick Lube and Car Wash Chains
The Idea: Establish a recognizable chain of quick lube and service shops and/or self-driving car wash and vacuum stations, inspired by brands like Pep Boys and Rocket Wash in the US, across major Colombian cities like Cali, Bogotá, and Medellín.
Why It Works in Cali: With Colombia’s car ownership rising (over 7 million vehicles in 2024), busy urbanites in Cali need fast, reliable car maintenance. A branded, consistent experience can dominate this fragmented market.
Tip: Use eco-friendly products to align with growing consumer demand for sustainability.
4. Scent-Free Cleaning Products
The Idea: Develop a line of scent-free laundry detergents and cleaning products for allergy-sensitive and eco-conscious consumers, marketed as chemical-free and safe for homes.
Why It Works in Cali: Cali’s health-conscious middle class is increasingly aware of chemical sensitivities. A locally produced, eco-friendly brand can compete with imported products while appealing to sustainability trends.
Tip: Sell through local supermarkets, health stores and online platforms like MercadoLibre to reach a wide audience.
5. Organic and Healthy Food Brands
The Idea: Launch a recognized organic food brand offering real milk and cream (not ultra-pasteurized), healthy protein snacks like Chomps, real bacon free of unhealthy additives, and organic fruits and vegetables. Emphasize grass-fed, free-range, and organic meat labeling. Applegate Farms or even more upscale White Oak Pastures come to mind.
Why It Works in Cali: Cali and Colombia’s foodie culture and growing demand for healthy, transparent food options make this a prime opportunity. Organic products are gaining traction, mirroring trends in Europe and the US.
Tip: Partner with local farmers and leverage social media to promote authenticity and quality.
6. Modernized Real Estate Services
The Idea: Streamline Colombia’s outdated real estate processes with a branded title search company offering legal assistance, property inspections, and escrow services for private transactions. Consider offering comprehensive insurance packages to secure property titles against fraud but also to include coverage for flood, fire, earthquake, etc.. Also, setting up a proper MLS would bring more transparency for buyers in the market.
Why It Works in Cali: Colombia’s real estate market is notorious for scams, and transactions are often chaotic and lack trust. I learned this the hard way, losing over $100,000 USD buying property here, so I can confirm firsthand how desperately this service is needed. A professional, transparent service can capture significant market share, especially among expats and investors.
Tip: Market to foreigners relocating to Cali and partner with local law firms for credibility. With time, the locals will adopt this approach as well.
7. E-Commerce Business Center for Micro-Entrepreneurs
The Idea: Create a business center in Cali for e-commerce entrepreneurs, offering affordable small offices, warehouse space, dedicated internet, conference rooms, a creator space, and lunch services. Ensure easy parking and truck access for logistics.
Why It Works in Cali: Colombia’s growing e-commerce scene, fueled by platforms like MercadoLibre, Shopify and Etsy, needs cost-effective infrastructure. This hub supports micro-entrepreneurs exporting artisanal products or scaling online stores.
Tip: Offer workshops on digital marketing and logistics to attract and retain clients.
8. Modern Recycling Facility
The Idea: Colombia is hopelessly far behind when it comes to recycling—even though you find people going through condominium trash cans, the reality is that the majority of garbage ends up in landfills. Build a user-friendly recycling facility where Cali residents can drop off sorted waste, with incentives like discounts or rewards for participation. I’m sure local governments would get behind and support such an initiative.
Why It Works in Cali: Colombia’s push for sustainability and Cali’s urban density create demand for accessible recycling solutions. Government incentives for green businesses add financial viability.
Tip: The hard part is changing the local culture. Collaborate with local NGOs, schools, and even supermarkets like D1 to promote recycling awareness and offer incentives.
9. Sustainable Agribusiness and Green Tech
The Idea: Focus on organic crop production (avocados, coffee, exotic fruits) for export or local markets, or launch green tech ventures like renewable energy consulting, sustainable construction materials, or waste management startups.
Why It Works in Cali: Colombia’s coffee production hit a 29-year high, and Cali’s agricultural heritage supports scalable agribusiness. Green tech aligns with national sustainability goals and attracts investor interest. Also, the proximity to the Buenaventura port and the Cali’s international airport facilitates easy exports.
Tip: Leverage government programs like ProColombia or INNpulsa for potential funding and exports advisory.
10. Affordable Retail for the Masses: The Hard Discount Boom
The Idea: Colombia’s fastest-growing businesses are those catering to the masses at affordable price points, a trend led by hard discount retail chains and convenience stores. D1 supermarkets, Farmatodo, Dollarcity, and Oxxo are prime examples of this booming sector.
Why It Works in Colombia: The hard discount model, pioneered by D1 in 2009, has revolutionized retail in Colombia. D1 has become one of the country’s biggest companies in less than 15 years, with a 2024 Nielsen report showing that 81% of Colombian households prefer shopping there for its low prices and private-label products. D1’s revenue reached 13.9 billion pesos in 2022, surpassing traditional giants like Éxito in sales value. Other success stories include Farmatodo, a pharmacy chain offering affordable health and beauty products, and Dollarcity, which has captured the low-cost general merchandise market with more than 100 stores. Oxxo, a Mexican convenience store chain, has also expanded rapidly since entering Colombia in 2009, but has seriously increased its store count in the last couple of years.
Why It Works in Cali: Cali’s predominantly middle-class population (often classified as estrato 3) prioritizes value-driven shopping. Hard discount stores and convenience chains thrive by offering quality goods at prices that fit tight budgets, making them a staple in neighborhoods across the city.
Tip: If entering this space, focus on operational efficiency, limited product ranges, and strategic locations to maximize customer loyalty and keep costs low.
11. Medical Tourism Agency
The Idea: Launch a medical tourism agency in Cali to connect international patients with top-tier healthcare services, focusing on procedures like cosmetic surgery, dental care, and wellness treatments. Offer end-to-end services, including travel arrangements, accommodation, hospital coordination, and post-procedure recovery support, ensuring a seamless experience for patients.
Why It Works in Cali: Colombia is a leader in medical tourism in Latin America, with a 15% increase in medical tourists in 2024, driven by affordable, high-quality procedures and proximity to the U.S. Cali stands out for its competitive pricing—procedures can cost 50-80% less than in the U.S.—and its growing network of internationally accredited hospitals. As someone who’s seen the potential firsthand, I believe a dedicated agency can tap into this growing market, especially for North American and European clients seeking cost-effective healthcare solutions.
Tip: Partner with accredited hospitals and bilingual staff to build trust, and market through digital platforms targeting medical tourism seekers in the U.S. and Canada. There are a couple of players on the market but I have yet to see anyone do it right. It is easy to find influencers who would be thrilled to partner for content on social media.
12. Staff Augmentation Agency for Tech Talent, Back Office Task, VAs, etc.
The Idea: Set up an agency to help EU and North American companies with staff augmentation, connecting them with Colombia’s amazing tech talent and virtual assistants at a fraction of San Francisco prices, similar to platforms like Somewhere.com. Offer services to hire skilled software developers, data analysts, or virtual assistants for administrative support, streamlining the recruitment process for international businesses.
Why It Works in Cali: Colombia’s tech ecosystem is booming, with over 1,600 startups and a 75% increase in startup activity in Cali from 2023 to 2024. The cost of hiring a software engineer here is around $20,000–$30,000 USD annually, compared to $150,000–$200,000 in San Francisco, making it a cost-effective solution for global companies. Cali’s skilled, bilingual workforce and time zone alignment with North America (0–2 hours difference) make it an ideal hub for staff augmentation. As a business owner, I’ve seen the quality of talent here firsthand—this is an untapped opportunity waiting to explode.
Tip: Focus on building a robust vetting process to ensure top-tier talent, and market to tech companies in the U.S., Canada, and Europe through LinkedIn and industry events.
Why Start a Business in Cali and Colombia in 2025?
Colombia’s economy is projected to grow by 2% in 2024, with Cali benefiting from its strategic location, vibrant culture, and business-friendly environment. The city’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, supported by initiatives like the Cali Chamber of Commerce, fosters innovation. Cali has also climbed an impressive 50 spots since 2021 on StartupBlink’s list of best ecosystems for entrepreneurs, now ranking #277 out of 1,473 cities worldwide and #8 in Latin America among cities with over 2 million inhabitants, solidifying its status as a rising hub for startups. With over 174,937 new businesses registered in Colombia in the first half of 2024, the momentum is clear. Cali’s warm climate, diverse population, and growing middle class make it an ideal testing ground for these ideas.
Tips for Success
- Market Research: Understand Cali’s consumer preferences and cultural nuances to tailor your offerings.
- Leverage Local Networks: Join startup hubs like Valle Impacta or the Cali Chamber of Commerce for mentorship and funding.
- Go Digital: Use platforms like Shopify, Etsy, or MercadoLibre to scale e-commerce ventures.
- Stay Compliant: Register your business with the Chamber of Commerce, secure a Tax ID (NIT), and obtain necessary permits.
Final Thoughts
Cali and Colombia offer a wealth of opportunities for entrepreneurs in 2025. Whether you’re launching a wellness hub, a sustainable food brand, or a tech-driven real estate service, the key is to align with local needs and global trends. Start small, build a strong brand, and leverage Colombia’s supportive ecosystem to turn your vision into reality. Ready to take the plunge? Cali’s waiting for your next big idea!
Do you have any additions to this list? Shoot me an email and I will consider adding to the list.
