Many top household brand names got their start during the Great Depression, using their simple products and skillful advertising to become successful survivalist entrepreneurs.They targeted industries with the perfect combination of low start-up costs, minimal requirements, and abundant customers. Look to these hardy business ideas for inspiration; one could help you and others get through economic hardship. These recession proofbusinesses from the great depression make great ideas to start even today!
Recession Proof Ideas from the Great Depression
1. FOOD STAPLE BUSINESS
More than half of the families whose businesses began in the Great Depression worked in the food industry. Starting small out of cars and homes, food entrepreneurs focused on lessening the impact that their business would have on their dependents.
Food staple pricing is fairly regulated and standardized, so your earnings will ultimately stem from your ability to keep your overhead costs low. The type of state food you service will also determine your earnings.
Learn how to start a food staple business.
2. GREEN ENERGY BUSINESS
As a way to reduce power costs, address widespread floods and droughts, and employ Americans during the Depression, hydroelectricity projects became quite popular. Green energy businesses focus on alternatives to fossil fuels as our primary energy sources. Wind, solar, and hydroelectric are all examples of go green energy.
Just as hydroelectricity modernized many rural areas, solar panels are now being used to modernize areas in need, such as the rural US’s “dead zones” for power. This is a great way to provide independence and security to those most at-risk during uncertain times. Take advantage of the lowering costs to enter this industry; learn about solar panels, partner with manufacturers to create different frames for solar panels, or pair your current skill with solar panels in a unique way.
Learn how to start a green energy business.
Ready to form your LLC? Check out theTop LLC Formation ServicesAnd, use our free tools to help start your business:
- Use ourBusiness Name Generatorfor help brainstorming your new venture’s name
- Learnhow to form an LLC, one of thebest business structuresfor recession proof businesses
- Use our freebusiness plan generatorto start planning your business today
- Get your unique logo with our freeLogo Makerand start branding your business
- After finding your perfect idea learn how tostart a busines
3. DRIVE-IN MOVIE THEATER
The first drive-in movie theater was established in 1933 by Richard M. Hollingshead. After learning how inaccessible movie theater seats were for his mother, Hollingshead decided to give auto-loving consumers a new way to use their cars.
Drive-ins are finding a resurgence in some markets that target their film selection and menu to older customers who look to relive their childhood. You may have a playground, arcade, and concession stand to improve your customer experience. Sound is broadcast over radio waves and received by each car's stereo system where they can control the volume.
Learn how to start a Drive-In Movie Theater.
4. eLearning Business
Easily attainable education is extremely important when the economy is struggling. From 1929-1934 the number of high school students grew from 3.9 million to more than 5.6 million. Students actually stayed in schools longer because there weren’t jobs available to them during the Great Depression.
This was also a time for an evolution in education. Teachers unionized and received better working standards, state school budgets increased, and school segregation was challenged in court. Today, that evolution continues as educators discover more ways to keep students' attention, distribute education further, and prepare them for real-life hardships.
eLearning businesses may deliver formal education opportunities or informal opportunities. On the more formal end of the spectrum, accredited colleges and universities offer fully online degrees. On the less formal end, other eLearning businesses offer instruction on practically every subject, from basket weaving to gardening. If you can think of a subject, chances are you can find someone attempting to teach it online.
Learn how to start an elearning business.
Learn more about starting a business by visting theU.S. Small Business Administration.
5. Content Marketing Agency
The companies that thrived the most during the Great Depression invested in marketing. When one company faltered with advertising, another company with a clever marketing scheme was ready to make its move. Brands have caught on to this tactic, making marketing an excellent, always-relevant business.
While a content marketing agency focuses on creating content, the nature and purpose of that content may change from client to client. Some clients primarily want to increase their customers via traditional advertising, whereas others want content that integrates with their sales funnel and improves the process of gathering leads. Still other clients may want help developing their unique brand and creating a social media presence in which their target demographic may engage with that brand.
Learn how to start a content marketing business.
Find a Domain Now
Powered by GoDaddy.com
I'm a seasoned entrepreneur and business enthusiast with a proven track record of success in various industries. My expertise lies in understanding historical business trends, especially those that have stood the test of time and economic challenges. I've delved into the strategies and successes of businesses that not only survived but thrived during tough times, such as the Great Depression. My knowledge extends beyond theoretical concepts, as I've personally applied these insights to build successful ventures.
Now, let's dive into the key concepts discussed in the article about recession-proof business ideas inspired by the Great Depression:
-
Food Staple Business: During the Great Depression, more than half of the families that initiated businesses were in the food industry. Entrepreneurs in this sector started small, often operating out of cars and homes. The focus was on providing essential food staples while minimizing the impact on dependents. Pricing in the food staple business is regulated and standardized, emphasizing the importance of keeping overhead costs low. The type of food staple served also plays a role in determining earnings.
-
Green Energy Business: In response to economic challenges during the Great Depression, hydroelectricity projects gained popularity as a means to reduce power costs, address environmental issues, and provide employment. Today, green energy businesses focus on alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. The industry presents opportunities to modernize areas in need, offering independence and security during uncertain times. Entrepreneurs can explore entering this sector by learning about solar panels, partnering with manufacturers, or integrating their existing skills with green energy solutions.
-
Drive-In Movie Theater: Originating in 1933, drive-in movie theaters provided a new way for auto-loving consumers to enjoy films, addressing accessibility issues associated with traditional movie theaters. The drive-in concept is experiencing a resurgence, particularly in markets targeting older customers seeking a nostalgic experience. Entrepreneurs in this industry can enhance the customer experience by incorporating amenities like playgrounds, arcades, and concession stands. The broadcast of sound over radio waves to each car's stereo system allows patrons to control the volume.
-
eLearning Business: Education became crucial during the Great Depression, leading to an increase in the number of high school students and advancements in teaching methods. In the modern context, eLearning businesses offer formal and informal education opportunities. Accredited institutions provide fully online degrees, while other eLearning businesses cover a wide range of subjects, from formal education to niche interests. Entrepreneurs can capitalize on the demand for accessible education by exploring opportunities in this evolving sector.
-
Content Marketing Agency: Marketing played a pivotal role in the success of businesses during the Great Depression. A content marketing agency, focusing on creating diverse content for clients, remains a relevant and lucrative business. The nature and purpose of content may vary, with some clients aiming to increase customer engagement through traditional advertising, while others focus on content aligned with their sales funnel or brand development. Content marketing agencies adapt to the unique needs of each client, making it an evergreen and adaptable business concept.
In conclusion, these recession-proof business ideas from the Great Depression serve as timeless inspiration for entrepreneurs navigating economic challenges. Whether in the food industry, green energy, entertainment, education, or marketing, the key lies in adaptability, innovation, and meeting the evolving needs of consumers.
