Recession-Proof Small Business Ideas
- No matter how poor the economy, individuals and businesses will still require cleaning services. Your best bet to stand tough in a recession is to start a corporate cleaning service; businesses, unlike homeowners, will not usually turn to cleaning their space themselves when times are tight. Invest in a set of heavy-duty industrial cleaning supplies and make up a professional brochure or price sheet. Visit local businesses to hand out your materials and introduce yourself, and mention that you are offering an introductory offer. As a single person, you may be able to offer lower rates than an established business, making yourself more competitive.
- In tough times, businesses will often eliminate some departments and outsource the work on a contract basis. If you have a professional skill that is of use to corporations or small businesses, turn it into a consulting service. Accountants, marketing advertising and public relations are useful across a wide range of industries. For more specialized skills like engineering or construction, market to specific companies that will need help on a periodic basis.
- Even in a tough economy, consumers still use their mobile phones and Internet devices extensively. If you have coding skills, you can start a business designing applications. You might design your own application to solve a common problem or meet a need or offer app design for businesses who want to go mobile. Because the price per application download is low, consumers will still be able to afford it even in a recession. Design a website to market your applications and post them across the Internet on relevant blogs and websites.
- When consumers are on a tight budget, they are unlikely to splash out on large purchases but may still have room for small luxuries to make life more pleasant. Start a business that is relevant no matter what the economy by providing affordable luxury items. You might open a shop that sells gourmet chocolates, start brewing your own craft beer, or bake luxury desserts to sell at local stores and festivals. Sell your items in small units so that consumers can buy only as much as they can afford.
