There are many people who get into business the easy way. In many instances, dads and mom are into business and so son gets a free ride to the board room and the corner office. But for others, starting a business is not as easy. They would have to create an idea that is unique, sellable and doable. And as if that is not hard enough, the aspiring businessman would then have to find a way to raise capital.

For many startup businessmen, getting a partner in friends and family members are one of the easiest ways to start out. Everyone pools their money and expertise and in turn, divides the risk among themselves. Another way to raise much needed capital is by borrowing money from banks.

Unlike many years ago, banks and other financial institutions are actually encouraging people to go into business. Banks earn money the more people get a loan (and pay for it). In banks, you can find people who will not only help you sort out your businesses’ financial requirements, they will also advise you how to make your business work – so you can pay your loan!

All you need to do to get access to this financing help is to build on a business idea. As what many successful businessmen would say, hard work and determination pay dividends, but for starting businessmen it will also help to be creative and knowledgeable – a car enthusiast should never enter  a business dealing with ornamental plants – that sort of thing.

As with all other things, luck and perseverance comes into play. Businesses which are quick to read the needs of the market are also the fastest to the bucks. A good location also helps as this will bring in the traffic and potential customers.

All these things in perfect combination and unison spell success for business.

Small businesses can thrive during a recession and can still be sustainable once the economy prospers. These businesses are often called as the counter-cyclical businesses. The best business opportunities that have been considered to be feasible during this difficult time are enumerated below.

• Accounting Services

A survey has been conducted in 2009 for 250 accountants and small business owners alike. It has been noted that 80% of these owners of small businesses felt confident in having accountants as advisors in close businesses and that 73% of these accountants are advising their clients proactively on how businesses are to be conducted during this uncertainty in economy.

• Bulk Food Sales

Most people usually buy food in bulk during tough times.  Products that can be used in long term basis are among those that are bought in large quantities like sugar, laundry detergent, and flour. Thus, a small business in bulk foods operation is quite a good idea.

• Affordable Luxury Items

It may be a little contradictory but this will surely hit. Everyone feels deprived during this trying economic time. Starting a small business that offers luxurious yet affordable products or services will become a blast. Examples are: retail operations on mid-level luxury chocolates; travel agency which specializes in luxury vacations – considering a luxury vacation in your local place rather than in Europe.

• Debt-Collection Agency

People cannot afford to pay debts on credit cards and loans. Running this type of business in the comfort of you home would help in the reduction of overhead costs.

• Resume-Writing Services

Unemployment is high since people are losing their jobs. Underemployment is also an issue along with unemployment. Thus, these people hire resume-writers with experience to polish up their resumes.

• Auto Repair Services

People cannot afford to purchase new cars during a recession. As much as possible they keep their cars running. Thus, when you’re a mechanic or a business owner of an auto repair business, you are among the few who are lucky in the recession.

• Home Staging

Since it is difficult to sell a home in this difficult time of the economy, people hire home stagers to make the house look good and appealing to potential buyers; thus, being an interior decorator makes you a recession-resistant person.

• Virtual Assistant

This profession has outgrown during the recession. As companies have fewer budgets on the operational costs of their businesses, they can no longer hire expensive on-site staff. As a result, companies now hire virtual assistant that functions as an executive assistant to almost all the big bosses in the company. Aside from cheaper rate, they are just as efficient as the in-house assistants. This job will do in the recession.

• Tutorial Services

This type of business is very versatile as it can be conducted online or in person. Many people go back to college during tight job market; thus, your field can be a demand in the services you could offer.

Here are also a few good reasons why starting a small business in a recession is a good time:

• Your competitors are weakened
• Your products or services may be viable in this time of crisis; or are they?
• Most things are cheaper
• What you need can be bought in auctions
• Frugal life – paying attention to expenditures
• Negotiation with suppliers can gain better terms

However, an entrepreneur’s major problem is the financing of his business.

Good thing there is this recent reported good news about the availability of emergency loans for small businesses. SBA American Capital Recovery (ARC) Loans can be dispensed for those that are planning to start a small business.

Yet, for business owners to obtain the ARC loans, the demands on heavy paperwork and no guaranteed pay-off of their effort and time is a difficult situation. But there are still available lenders out there like the Wells Fargo and the Bank of America.

It truly is a very difficult time for everyone, but with determination and effort, the battle over the recession can be won.