Hi, what may help you is to do a business license search from a database containing the names and types of business in your area/state. I looked at your city in your profile and your city could be in many places, VA. PA. GA. or other states. I suggest that you first look in the yellow pages, a business directory, and Chamber of Commerce. However, these resources that I've already mentioned are not your best places to start because each new business is not required to list their business with the agencies. But they are required to obtain a business license. I also suggest that you contact a rep in your city's finance department or where ever the licenses are issued and ask him/her the following information over the phone after you tell him/her that you are planning to open a (type of business) and would like to find out if you have any other competitiors in the area. Then ask:
Is possible for you to obtain the information over the phone, come in for the information or can you come in to view public records?
Good luck!