5 Recession-Resistant Businesses That Could Protect Your Wealth cover image
17 Feb 2025

5 Recession-Resistant Businesses That Could Protect Your Wealth

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A recession is like a financial winter - while most businesses hibernate or struggle to survive, certain enterprises continue to thrive regardless of economic seasons.

 

If you're looking to protect your wealth through the next downturn, here are five businesses that have weathered every economic storm of the past 50 years.

 

 

 

1. Funeral Homes: The Ultimate Recession-Proof Service

 

It might seem morbid, but death care services represent one of the most stable business opportunities available.

 

Here's a surprising fact: during the Great Recession of 2008-2009, while the S&P 500 dropped 38.5%, publicly traded funeral home companies saw their revenues remain steady or even increase.

 

 

What makes funeral homes particularly resilient?

 

Beyond the obvious constant demand, these businesses benefit from high barriers to entry due to licensing requirements and significant startup costs.

 

The average funeral home generates $1.2 million in annual revenue, with healthy profit margins between 15-20%.

 

 

Key opportunities in modern funeral services:

  • Cremation services (now chosen by 57% of families)

  • Pre-need sales programs

  • Grief counseling and support services

  • Digital memorialization options

 

Want to explore this industry? Click here to view available funeral home opportunities.

 

 

 

2. Waste Management Services: Taking Out the Trash in Any Economy

 

As one successful waste management operator puts it, "Garbage doesn't care about the stock market."

 

During the 2008 recession, while most industries contracted, waste management companies maintained 85% of their pre-recession revenue levels.

 

 

The secret lies in the business model's predictability.

 

Municipal contracts often span 5-10 years, providing stable income regardless of economic conditions.

 

Did you know? The average Australian generates 2.1 tonnes of waste annually, creating a steady stream of business that grows with population, recession or not.

 

 

Successful waste management businesses typically build revenue through:

  • Long-term municipal contracts

  • Commercial collection services

  • Recycling operations

  • Specialized waste handling

 

Want to explore this industry? Click here to view all available Waste Management opportunities.

 

 

 

3. Plumbing: Because Pipes Don't Care About the Economy

 

When a pipe bursts at 2 AM, no one shops around for the cheapest option.

 

Plumbing emergencies create recession-proof pricing power that few other businesses enjoy.

 

During the 2020 economic downturn, plumbing businesses reported only a 3% average revenue decline, compared to the broader economy's 7% contraction.

 

 

The most successful plumbing businesses combine emergency services with preventative maintenance contracts.

 

One Sydney operator generates 60% of their $2.1 million annual revenue from commercial maintenance agreements, creating stability that's rare in any economic environment.

 

Want to explore this industry? Click here to view all available Plumbing opportunities.

 

 

 

4. Accounting: Numbers Matter More in Tough Times

 

Here's an interesting paradox: accounting firms often see increased demand during economic downturns.

 

During recessions, businesses need more help with cash flow management, tax strategy, and financial survival planning.

 

Industry data shows that accounting firm revenues actually increased by an average of 12% during the 2008 recession.

 

 

What drives increased demand during downturns:

  • Cash flow management becomes critical

  • Tax strategy grows in importance

  • Business restructuring needs increase

  • Government compliance changes

 

Want to explore this industry? Click here to view all available Accounting opportunities.

 

 

 

5. Car Repair: From Luxury to Necessity

 

During tough times, people keep their cars longer and prioritize repairs over new purchases.

 

The average age of vehicles on Australian roads increases by 18 months during recessionary periods, creating increased demand for maintenance and repairs.

 

 

One Brisbane repair shop owner reports that their average ticket value increases during economic downturns

 

as customers invest in maintaining their current vehicles rather than risking a new car purchase. 

 

Their business saw a 22% revenue increase during 2020 while new car sales dropped by 35%.

 

 

Most resilient repair shops focus on:

  • Regular maintenance programs

  • Fleet service contracts

  • Specialty vehicle expertise

  • Emergency repairs

 

Want to explore this industry? Click here to view all available Care Repair opportunities.

 

 

 

 

What Makes These Businesses Storm-Proof?

 

These five businesses share something crucial: they solve problems that don't go away during recessions.

 

Whether it's managing the deceased, handling waste, fixing pipes, navigating finances, or keeping cars running, these services remain essential regardless of economic conditions.

 

 

When evaluating these opportunities, look for:

  • Strong local market presence

  • Diversified revenue streams

  • Updated equipment and systems

  • Skilled staff retention programs

While others wait for economic storms to pass, smart buyers are already exploring these recession-resistant harbors.

 

After all, the best time to buy an umbrella isn't when it's already raining - and the best time to buy a recession-proof business isn't during a recession.

 

 

Remember this: Every economic winter creates two types of business owners - those who wish they'd prepared, and those glad they did.

 

Which will you be when the next downturn hits?