With the current conditions of the world, many economists believe that a recession is likely to happen soon. The Federal Reserve believes that there is about a 35% chance of a recession occurring within the next year.

If you want to launch a startup or grow an existing business, it’s important to choose an industry that will be resilient during an economic downturn.

Recession-Proof Businesses

Starting a business is always a bit overwhelming, but starting one during an economic recession can feel extra risky. However, several types of businesses actually tend to do well during these downturns.

Businesses that do well during a recession are those that are in essential services, like healthcare, senior services, grocery stores, and maintenance such as plumbing and electrical. In our technology-driven world, streaming services, video games, computer equipment and cybersecurity and IT support are also among the best businesses in a down economy.

What Businesses Fail In A Recession?

During a recession, people cut back on nonessential goods and services. Businesses like restaurants, fashion retailers, and other consumer goods are likely to take a hit.

Best Recession-Proof Businesses

Here are 50 recession-proof business ideas to help you profit during uncertain times:

1. Online Reselling

Online reselling of clothes, shoes, accessories, and other fashion items is a great recession-proof business idea.

It has become increasingly popular to resell luxury items such as clothing and accessories online, especially during tough economic times. With the invention of eBay, Poshmark, and thredUP, just about anyone can ship products directly to consumers with ease.

In 2020 alone, 33 million people purchased second-hand clothes for the first time according to Forbes. It is projected that this industry will reach $77 billion in only 5 years – more than double its current size.

2. Grocery Delivery

Grocery delivery is an essential service that will always be in demand. During a recession, people will be even more likely to order groceries online to avoid going out in public. With the high fuel costs, many people will also appreciate not having to make a special trip to the store.

3. Food Delivery

Food delivery is another essential service that will continue to be in high demand during a recession. People will still need to eat, even if they’re not going out as much. Leverage DoorDash and UberEats to get started with food delivered quickly and easily.

4. Senior Care

As the baby boomer generation ages, there will be an increasing demand for senior care services. This is a recession-proof business idea that can be started with a small investment. As the boomer population ages, the demand for in-home senior care services will continue to grow.

5. Child Care

With more parents going out to work, there will always be a demand for childcare services. This is a recession-proof business idea that can be started with a small investment. Many working millennials are getting married and starting a family, which for many will mean outsourcing their childcare needs during the workweek.

6. Pet Care

Pet care is another recession-proof business idea that can be started with a small investment. With many full-time workers returning to the office, there will be a need for someone to take care of pets during the day. You can provide dog walking, pet sitting, or grooming services.

7. Laundry and Dry Cleaning

Laundry and dry cleaning services are essential businesses that will always be in demand. These services can be started with a small investment and are perfect for people who want to be their own boss.

8. Home Maintenance

Home maintenance services are always in demand, especially during a recession when people are trying to save money. You can start a home maintenance business with just a few thousand dollars and a truck or van.

9. Freelance Writing

If you have a knack for writing, you can start a freelance writing business. This is a great recession-proof business idea because you can work from anywhere and there is always demand for content. You can start by writing articles for online publications or businesses in your niche.

10. Translation Services

If you’re bilingual or multilingual, you can start a translation business. This is a great recession-proof business idea because there is always demand for translation services. You can start by translating documents for businesses or individuals in your community.

11. Web Design

If you have a background in web design, you can start a web design business. This is a great recession-proof business idea because businesses will always need websites and there is always demand for new and updated designs. You can start by designing websites for small businesses in your community.

12. Graphic Design

If you have a background in graphic design, you can start a graphic design business. This is a great recession-proof business idea because businesses will always need graphic design services. You can start by designing logos, flyers, and other marketing materials for small businesses in your community.

13. SEO Services

If you have experience with SEO (Search Engine Optimization), you can start an SEO consulting business. In short, SEO is a way to increase website traffic from search engines by improving the quality and quantity of results. This is a great recession-proof business idea because businesses will always need help with their SEO.

14. Computer Repair

If you have experience with computer repair, you can start a computer repair business. This is a great recession-proof business idea because businesses and individuals will always need help with their computers. You can start by offering computer repair services to small businesses and individuals in your community.

15. Cyber Security

If you have experience with cyber security, you can start a cyber security consulting business. This is a great recession-proof business idea because businesses will always need help with their cyber security. You can start by offering cyber security services to small businesses and individuals in your community.

16. IT Support

If you have experience with IT, you can start an IT support business. This is a great recession-proof business idea because businesses will always need help with their IT. You can start by offering IT support services to small businesses and individuals in your community.

17. Start a Recycling Business

Recycling business is a great way to help the environment and make some extra money. This is a great recession-proof business idea because people will always need to recycle. You can start by collecting recyclable materials from businesses and individuals in your community.

18. Online Teaching

The e-learning industry is growing rapidly and is expected to continue to grow. This is a great recession-proof business idea because people will always need to learn new skills. You can start by teaching online courses in your area of expertise.

19. Consulting

If you have experience in a particular industry, you can start a consulting business. This is a great recession-proof business idea because businesses will always need help from consultants. You can start by offering consulting services to small businesses in your community.

20. Start a Pet sitting Business

If you love animals, you can start a pet-sitting business. This is a great recession-proof business idea because people will always need someone to take care of their pets. You can start by offering pet-sitting services to small businesses and individuals in your community.

21. Cleaning Services

With the ongoing pandemic, there is an increased demand for cleaning services. This is a great recession-proof business idea because businesses and individuals will always need help with their cleaning. You can start by offering cleaning services to small businesses and individuals in your community.

22. Accounting, Bookkeeping, and Tax Services

If you have experience with accounting, bookkeeping, or tax preparation, you can start an accounting business. This is a great recession-proof business idea because businesses will always need help with their accounting. You can start by offering accounting services to small businesses in your community.

23. Start a Virtual Assistant Business

A virtual assistant business is a great way to make money online. This is a great recession-proof business idea because businesses will always need help with their administrative tasks. You can start by offering virtual assistant services to small businesses in your community.

24. Start an e-Commerce Business

An eCommerce business is a great way to make money online. This is a great recession-proof business idea because people will always need to buy goods and services online. Shopify is an excellent resource if you’re interested in starting an eCommerce business. Their blog section has a wealth of information on how to start and grow an eCommerce business.

25. Car Repairs and Maintenance

If you have experience with car repairs, you can start a car repair business. This is a great recession-proof business idea because people will always need help with their cars. You can start by offering car repair services to small businesses and individuals in your community.

26. Start a Lawn Care Business

If you have experience with lawn care, you can start a lawn care business. This is a great recession-proof business idea because people will always need help with their lawns. You can start by offering lawn care services to small businesses and individuals in your community.

27. Fitness

The fitness industry is growing rapidly and is expected to continue to grow. This is a great recession-proof business idea because people will always need to stay fit and healthy. You can start by offering fitness services to small businesses and individuals in your community.

28. Nutritionist

If you have experience with nutrition, you can start a nutritionist business. This is a great recession-proof business idea because people will always need help with their nutrition. Everyone wants to eat healthily, but not everyone knows how. You can start by offering nutritionist services to small businesses and individuals in your community.

29. Photography Business

If you have experience with photography, you can start a photography business. This is a great recession-proof business idea because businesses will always need help with their photography. You can start by offering photography services to small businesses in your community.

30. Event Planning Business

If you have experience with event planning, you can start an event planning business. This is a great recession-proof business idea because businesses will always need help with their events. You can start by offering event planning services to small businesses in your community.

31. Stylist Business

If you have experience with styling, you can start a stylist business. This is a great recession-proof business idea because people will always need help with their styling. You can start by offering styling services to small businesses and individuals in your community.

32. Home Decorating Business

If you have experience with home decorating, you can start a home decorating business. This is a great recession-proof business idea because people will always need help with their home decorating. You can start by offering home decorating services to small businesses and individuals in your community.

33. Candy Making Business

If you have experience with candy making, you can start a candy making business. This is a great recession-proof business idea because people will always need help with their candy making. You can start by offering candy making services to small businesses in your community.

34. Children’s Goods Business

If you have experience with children’s goods, you can start a children’s goods business. This is a great recession-proof business idea because people will always need help with their children’s goods. You can start by offering children’s goods services to small businesses in your community.

35. Debt Collection Agency

If you have experience with debt collection, you can start a debt collection agency. This is a great recession-proof business idea because businesses will always need help with their debt collection. You can start by offering debt collection services to small businesses in your community.

36. Freight Operations

If you have experience with freight operations, you can start a freight operations business. This is a great recession-proof business idea because businesses will always need help with their freight operations. You can start by offering freight services to small businesses in your community.

37. Hair salon

If you have experience with hair styling, you can start a hair salon. This is a great recession-proof business idea because people will always need help with their hair. You can start by offering hair styling services to small businesses and individuals in your community.

38. Makeup Artist

If you have experience with makeup, you can start a makeup artist business. This is a great recession-proof business idea because people will always need help with their makeup. You can start by offering makeup services to small businesses and individuals in your community.

39. Nail Salon

If you have experience with manicures and pedicures, you can start a nail salon. This is a great recession-proof business idea because people will always need help with their nails. Nail salons can start by offering services to small businesses and individuals in your community.

40. Personal Trainer

If you have experience with fitness, you can start a personal trainer business. This is a great recession-proof business idea because people will always need help with their fitness. You can start by offering personal training services to small businesses and individuals in your community.

41. Tutoring Service

If you have experience with tutoring, you can start a tutoring service. This is a great recession-proof business idea because people will always need help with their tutoring. You can start by offering tutoring services to small businesses and individuals in your community.

42. Wedding Planning Business

If you have experience with wedding planning, you can start a wedding planning business. This is a great recession-proof business idea because people will always need help with their wedding planning. You can start by offering wedding planning services to small businesses and individuals in your community.

43. Property Management

If you have experience with property management, you can start a property management business. This is a great recession-proof business because businesses will always need help with their property management. You can start by offering property management services to small businesses in your community.

44. Courier Service

If you have experience with courier services, you can start a courier service business. This is a great recession-proof business because businesses will always need help with their courier services. With Amazon, UPS, and FedEx all cutting back on their services, there is a big demand for courier services. You can start by offering courier services to small businesses in your community.

45. Real estate

If you’re thinking about investing in a recession, look into real estate options like property renting. Despite an economic downfall, people still need places to live, so your investment might weather the storm. Of course, there are no guarantees with any form of invested during tough times.

46. Self care and beauty

Interestingly, self care and beauty make the list for recession-resistant businesses. Even though they aren’t necessities, beauty salons are popular even during recessions. While people might not spend a lot of money on luxury beauty items during tough economic times, they will probably still spend on affordable things like haircuts or manicures.

47. Mobile Car Wash

A mobile car wash business is a great option for those looking for a recession-proof business. People will always need their cars cleaned, and with a mobile car wash, you can take your business to them. This is a great business for those who are handy with a hose and have an eye for detail.

48. Mobile Pet Grooming

Another great recession-proof business idea is mobile pet grooming. People love their pets and they will always need them groomed, even during tough economic times. This is a great business for those who are passionate about animals and have an eye for detail.

49. Mobile Food Truck

A mobile food truck is a great recession-proof business idea. People will always need to eat, and with a mobile food truck, you can take your business to them. Getting started is relatively easy and you can make a lot of money if you find the right niche.

50. Phone Repair

If you’re handy with a wrench and have a knack for fixing things, starting a phone repair business is a great recession-proof business idea. Mobile phones, especially iPhones are expensive, and people will always need them repaired. You can start by offering phone repair services to small businesses and individuals in your community.

The Bottom Line

There are many recession-proof business ideas to choose from. The key is to find an essential service that people need and start offering it to small businesses and individuals in your community. With the right business idea, you can weather any economic storm.

And, if you already have a business, might not be a bad time to pivot to one of these recession-resistant ideas. Or, offer discounts and promotions to people who are feeling the financial crunch. For example, you could offer a discount on your services to people who are unemployed or underemployed.

By offering essential services at an affordable price, you can keep your business afloat during tough economic times.