I love exploring business ideas, and I thought this week it would be fun to share a couple ideas for businesses that could do really well in the palouse.

I shared a video about this on my Instagram page, but wanted to do a more complete breakdown of the ideas here.

If you like this format, let me know. I’d love to bring more ideas to the newsletter and maybe we’ll see some of them come to life.

I think we need an indoor pickleball club! Pickleball is huge right now. I’m getting invited to play by people who have never invited me to play another sport. 

And have you played pickleball? It’s more fun than you might think. I’ve even played with my wife, and sports together isn’t really our thing.

That’s why this idea is so great. Just about everyone can try it. 

Here are a few things I would do to get this started. First, I’d use Facebook ads to test the market and see how many people I could get to reserve their spot as founding members. Charge something like $50 as a preorder that goes toward their first month of membership.

Give them a money-back guarantee if the business doesn’t get started.

But imagine you get 100-200 people to register. If the final monthly membership is $100-$150 per month, you’re cooking.

I’d also think carefully about the whole experience, not just the pickleball. 

Here’s a great example of a club in Meridian, Idaho. This one is the full deal. They even have food.

I don’t think you have to have food right off the bat, but you do have to nail the vibe, and you should offer refreshing drinks and a place to hang out and watch other sports or chat before games. People will likely come early and wait for a court if it’s busy, so you want a place where they can chill and you can upsell them on merch, drinks, or eventually food.

Psst. I’ve heard from one follower that there is something in the works for this idea in Moscow. But let’s make it happen in Pullman, too. I can’t wait to see what happens.

This idea is completely different. Have you heard about Book Tok? Apparently there are millions of people (mostly women) talking about books on Tik Tok.

Reading in general is back in style with younger adults, and with a growing movement to detox from our phones, I think we need more space to get together in person and have rich conversations.

I would love to see a space in town for this. It’s not a coffee shop. And it’s not a bar. It’s something in between. At night, it has to have the aesthetics of a classy whiskey bar, but also feel like a bookstore. 

If you do it right, your business becomes the place people go to have conversations or host their book club. You might even inspire more reading in the community.

This one 👆 belongs to the author, Ryan Holiday. It’s got major Texas vibes, but the purpose of the store is key. Ryan’s office is on the second floor, and he often hosts events and conversations designed to get people thinking.

I think IRL conversations and book clubs are going to be HUGE in the next couple of years, and a classy space to hang out and have conversation with old (or new) friends over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine or whiskey sounds great.

Here’s the math. Books + Beverages + Buds = a good time.

The last idea is an indoor, member-only golf simulator. These are really gaining popularity. We have a great simulator out at Airway Hills Golf. In fact, they just updated their systems this past year, and it is great. There’s also a simulator at the U of I golf course.

But, there’s a unique appeal to a private membership spot. Imagine being able to reserve an hour at any time that works for you, there’s always a snackbar and fridge stocked with drinks, and a comfortable place to hang out with fellow members.

That’s it! There are so many other great ideas that could work in the Palouse. Let’s keep growing the business community and supporting entrepreneurship.

If you have fun business ideas, share them with me. I’d love to hear what’s cooking in your head.

› Shotokan Karate (Adult Class) offers a Thursday morning martial arts session, 8 AM–12 PM, at Pullman Rec Center. A great way to stay active and focused.

› National Lentil Festival – Opening Activities kick off in downtown Pullman, with food vendors, music, arts booths, and pre-fest buzz. Check the schedule for full day-by-day details.

› Tase T. Lentil 5K Fun Run begins in the morning at Pullman Depot Heritage Center. This annual race brings out families, runners, and costumed lentil fans alike.

› National Lentil Festival fills Reaney Park all day long—free lentil chili, kids activities, live music, the grand parade on Main Street, cook-offs, vendors, and more. The biggest celebration of the year in Pullman!

› Moscow Farmers Market runs 8 AM–1 PM at Friendship Square. Local produce, music, crafts, and a weekend community hub.

› City Council Regular Meeting (Moscow) takes place at 7 PM. Open to the public—hear updates and decisions affecting local services and planning.

› Human Rights Commission Meeting (Moscow) meets at 4 PM. Discussions include equity, diversity, and policy recommendations.

› Sustainable Environment Commission Meeting (Moscow) begins at 6 PM. Focuses on city sustainability planning and local green initiatives.

› Toast & Taste (Hotel McCoy, Pullman) from 6–8 PM. Buy a sandwich and get half off any drink—perfect for a low-key Tuesday night out.

› Peer2Peer Parkinson’s Support Group (Pullman) meets (time TBD) for community support and education.

› Free Play for Preschoolers (Pullman Rec Center) runs from 10–11 AM. A great option for young families needing safe, engaging activity.

› Music on Main (Pullman) returns Thursday night with free live tunes downtown. Great dinner soundtrack or nightcap stroll.

› Leashes & Libations (Hotel McCoy, Pullman) welcomes pups and their people from 6–9 PM on the patio. Low-key, local, and dog-friendly.

› Women’s Soccer: WSU vs. Utah State (Crimson Out) — Thursday, August 14 at 7 PM, Lower Soccer Field, Pullman. A season‑opener and school‑spirit night—grab a ticket for just $5.

› No other home athletic games are scheduled during August 14–21. The next WSU football game isn’t until August 30 vs. Idaho, and volleyball tournaments begin later in the month.

› WSU Pullman All‑Campus Picnic and Resource Fair — Friday, August 15 at 11 AM, across campus. A welcoming event with booths, student orgs, refreshments, and information to kick off the fall semester.

› New Student Orientation — Sunday, August 24, though just outside our window, it's good to know this week leads into it.

› Vandal Free Climb (Climbing Center events) — August 25–29, 6–8 PM each evening. Free rentals and beginner clinics for U of I students.

That’s it for this week! Thanks for reading. If you enjoyed this, send it to some friends who might enjoy it, too. Let’s build our community together.

Until next Thursday,

Keep the Faith