If we’re being real, throughout American economic history Black entrepreneurs—especially Black women—have been weathering economic storms with grit and innovation. I mean, Madam C.J. Walker is the reason after all that our hair can stay laid at all times, and she launched that business during the panic of 1907.
So while there is good reason to start prepping for an upcoming recession, it’s not the time to panic (or fold) during a time like this. Why? Because like Trump and his wealthy friends, millionaires (and billionaires) are forged through the fire. So it’s time for a calculated strategy.
And part of this strategy, particularly for Black founders, is to consider that there are plenty of businesses that tend to weather the storm during times like this. You just have to know what areas to tap into, so you can also be one of the ones quietly stacking wins in the background, even when the market is shaky.
So if you’re considering launching something, now is the time to ask yourself a few questions: Does your business idea solve a real, ongoing problem? Can it operate with low overhead? Can you build it digitally, or market it primarily online? Is there a way to tie it to a need—something people must have, not just want?
If you’ve been thinking to yourself lately that you want to pivot your business, or invest in a new idea, here are a few recession-resistant businesses that have historically held strong during economic downturns.
Mobile beauty and grooming services.
Personal grooming remains a necessity regardless of economic conditions. Because people still want to feel good, even during a recession. That’s why on-demand grooming services (think barbers, braiders, lash techs, and estheticians who travel) are booming. Bonus: apps like StyleSeat and Fresha make it easier than ever to book and manage clients on the go.
Cleaning and sanitation services.
Commercial or residential, cleaning businesses tend to thrive when people are stressed and strapped for time. What distinguishes truly successful ventures in this space is specialization. Add in a layer of eco-conscious or culturally specific services (think: Black-owned postpartum cleaning services or trauma-informed deep cleans) and you’re offering something rare. With properly structured service contracts, these businesses provide predictable revenue streams even in uncertain markets.
Childcare and elder care services.
Even in a recession, parents still need support. Especially Black parents, who are often working multiple jobs or managing intergenerational households. In-home daycare centers, nanny collectives, and elder companion services can be launched with proper licensing and community trust (and many are eligible for state support programs or grants).
Home repair and maintenance.
During a recession, people are less likely to move and more likely to fix what they already have. This pattern creates consistent demand for electricians, general contractors, HVAC specialists, and appliance repair professionals. And if you don’t want to be hands-on, starting a booking/dispatch business connecting verified contractors with homeowners in your area is another way in.
Content creation for small businesses.
Not everybody’s going viral, but everybody (especially product or service based businesses) wants to. As a result, digital visibility has become non-negotiable for businesses across sectors.That’s where digital content creators, social media managers, and brand consultants come in. If you understand Instagram reels, TikTok, Canva design, or know how to write a decent caption, there’s money to be made helping small businesses level up their digital presence. And you can do it all from home.
Low-overhead product-based brands.
Carefully selected product businesses with minimal inventory requirements can thrive despite economic headwinds. Print-on-demand apparel, digital planners, specialized e-books, and artisanal personal care products represent opportunities with controlled production costs. These products might not make headlines, but they move units. Think about what your community already buys and how you can put your spin on it.
Virtual tutoring or academic coaching.
No matter what the economy looks like, investment into education is always a smart idea (especially as our current government is yanking books and curriculums out of classrooms for those who truly need it the most). Whether it’s SAT prep, reading comprehension, or math tutoring for middle schoolers, parents will pay for support.
Resale and refurbishment businesses.
People love a deal (me, I am people). And during recessions, they’re especially hunting for quality secondhand items. Whether it’s thrifting and reselling clothes on Poshmark, flipping furniture on Facebook Marketplace, or curating vintage goods through Instagram, the resale market stays strong. Add some good branding and you’ve got a business.
Let’s not forget: some of the most resilient Black-owned businesses we know didn’t pop up on a tech startup list. They came out of kitchens, garages, and group chats. We’ve seen it with barbershops that pivoted to mobile grooming, estheticians who built six-figure skincare brands on Instagram, or wellness coaches running subscription-based accountability groups.
You have the ideas, now it’s time to run it up.
