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Top 10 Franchises For A Recession

Written by: Candice Clem

Article Overview: These days, everyone seems a bit tentative when it comes to new investments, but consider that some businesses are resistant to recessions and some others are even capable of performing better during a recession. Here's a look at some of the top franchises during a recession in some of the most recession-resistant industries.

Top 10 Franchises For A Recession

Recession is one of those accursed words that by mere utterance can raise the arm hair of both politicians and businessmen, and these days in the US, there is certainly a lot of arm hair standing upright. Between major bank buyouts and bull market bailouts, recession has lately become the buzzword troubling the nation.

Though it’s certainly good to plan ahead for potential rainy days, sometimes worrying about the economy can frighten people out of committing to the very actions that would help them in the midst of economic troubles. For instance, a person may choose not to start a franchise business only because of a perceived threat in the face of recession. However, recession is not necessarily bad for business; in fact, some industries have no problem weathering recession because their services are necessity, not luxury. Here are several franchises that you can purchase without recession fears.

1. Great Harvest Bread
By their own confession, Great Harvest Bread franchisors, franchisees, and employees love making a good loaf of whole wheat bread and bring a joyful addition to their communities, and during an economic crunch, food and smiles are two essentials for survival. With three full weeks of training at bakeries across the country and in the central headquarters, franchisees learn everything they need to know about baking and getting a business through hardship.

2. Health Career Agents
Two factors make this a good franchise opportunity in the midst of recession. First, the healthcare market is in constant demand, because regardless of economic conditions, people always get sick and injured and need assistance. Second, perhaps in spite of this recession, the healthcare industry can’t fill empty positions fast enough to address the medical needs of America adequately. As a recruiter, a Health Career Agents franchisee hits two birds with one stone by matching health professionals with the employers that need them.

3. EMT USA
Another opportunity in the healthcare industry, EMT USA addresses the transportation needs of non-emergency clients in wheelchairs and those with other mobility issues. It’s a business built on caring for others and making a positive impact on the community, and with a self-sustained maintenance shop and all its own vehicles, the cost is much less than similar companies, making it more accessible than many.

4. Sylvan Learning Center
Another field that recession can’t touch is education, and though in most cases that refers to schools, other branches of the industry have a resistance to economic shifts as well. Sylvan Learning Center is a well established power in the tutoring industry, with 30 years of experience and 1200 centers currently in operation that make it obvious why they were named Success Magazine’s #1 Franchise in 2000. Even in economic decline, people want the best education for their children, and this is where they can get that.

5. 911 Driving School
As many high schools stop providing behind-the-wheel training for their Driver’s Ed students, the demand for outside driver’s training for teens increases, and because it’s a prerequisite for getting a license (something that kids and parents want), there is no foreseeable decrease in demand. Hiring only seasoned police veterans as trainers, this franchise is more equipped than anyone to serve the educational needs of teens and adults alike.

6. House Doctors Handyman Service
The day that a recession can stop homes from falling into disrepair is one that most homeowners would appreciate. The fact is that houses need fixing in good economic weather and bad, so the need for handymen is always there. Whether you want to be in the field with a hammer or simply be at your desk, managing your employees from afar, House Doctors Handyman Service has a business model that will adapt to fit the needs of your home business desires.

7. American Ramp Systems
On a more specific side of home repair, American Ramp Systems helps those bound to wheelchairs and other mobility aids by constructing custom ramps to their homes. Listed as one of the 50 fastest growing franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine, this work from home business is addressing the needs of 20 million Americans, a population that will only grow, as an estimated 20% of America will be over the age of 85 by 2010.

8. HomeVestors
It may sound odd to include a real estate home based business in a list of recession-resistant businesses, but this one makes a lot of sense. Franchisees are taught how to find people who are trying to sell their homes quickly in extenuating circumstances like the death of a relative or impending foreclosure. With the housing market not at peak performance these days, it’s not a bad time to look into providing people with this service.

9. XLOS
With housing prices down, the economy not looking too hot, and personal credit card indebtedness at an all-time high in our country, demand in the debt settlement industry is as great as it’s ever been. Virtually everyone around you is a potential client, and with the training XLOS can provide, there is an unlimited earning potential for anyone willing to take on the challenge.

10. Cash Plus Check Cashing
50% of America lives paycheck to paycheck, and as the belt tightens in response to recession, it becomes harder and harder for this half of our nation’s population to make each paycheck last as long as it has to. Since this company’s inception in 1984, it has become a recognized name in the payday loan industry by Entrepreneur Magazine, Success Magazine, and POV Magazine.

If you want to help yourself get through the recession by starting a franchise, just be wise about what industries you choose to look into. Be sure to focus your attention on necessary services, not luxurious ones. Though a recession certainly restricts the number of business opportunities, it doesn’t take away opportunity altogether, so if your savings account can handle it, keep your eyes peeled for the business for you.

Related Articles
  Recession Resistant Franchises
  What is a Recession Proof Franchise Opportunity
  What's A Recession Proof Franchise?
  Franchising FAQs
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Article Tags: arm hair, bakeries, buyouts, buzzword, career agents, central headquarters, economic crunch, economic troubles, franchise business, franchise opportunity, franchisee, great harvest bread, health career, healthcare industry, healthcare market, rainy days, recession fears, two birds, weathering, whole wheat bread



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