The recent pandemic brought about not just economic and financial strain worldwide. It also brought the gig economy into the spotlight, where working from home, remote workers, and freelancing is the norm.

In addition to businesses closing down, some still stand firm today. And so, we will tap into those pandemic-proof businesses that can withstand the test of time.

Are you ready to pump up the entrepreneurial soul within you?

In this post, let’s talk about 13 pandemic proof business ideas that you can start with no large capital needed.

Ready?

Related reads: 21 Best and Most Successful Businesses To Start With Little Money.

How do I make my business pandemic proof? 

Before we proceed to pandemic proof business ideas, let us first answer how to make a business pandemic proof.

Essentially, building your own business is one way to generate wealth. Moreover, most generational wealth today is made out of family business, if not solo entrepreneurs, who figure out how to connect their passion into making a real profit out of it.

Add to the business interest, the properties plus extra side-hustles.

However, sometimes, it’s also the perfect or the right timing that will tell how a business will likely succeed. 

Take, for example, the surging demand for pet products. In reality, there is an increasing trend nowadays as more people are becoming pet lovers. So these pet product companies saw an opportunity to tap into those markets and fulfilled that rising demand.

Therefore, it’s also about the game of drawing into the perfect opportunity and doing the proper market research. Generally, if you can answer the question: What is trending in our area or within our community? 

Of course, it would be best to relate it to your passion so it would be easy to do business, getting paid for doing what you love the most. Then figure out later how to make your business thrive in the long-term and make it relatable and sustainable.

But you can also make a massive profit for a short time.

What makes a business pandemic-proof?

So, to do a pandemic-proof business, you must have a solution to most people’s problems. Moreover, it would be better to provide answers to their questions. Or, offer a product or a service that will help solve their dilemma.

Aside from that, you can touch on the good ‘ole fashion of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. For example, the basic human need is food. Hence, you can never go wrong in a food business. 

It’s just a matter of creativity and if you can provide a new recipe that will satisfy people’s taste. 

So, to give birth to your pandemic-proof business, catch some ideas below. Then, position it according to the human’s hierarchy of needs: physiological, safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization.

But the most crucial of it all is on the lower level of the pyramid; the physiological needs (food, shelter, clothing, air, water) – the basics of survival.

What business is recession-proof? 

We categorized these businesses according to services, digital, freelancing, and more. But most of this pandemic-proof business is centered on offline and online services.

13 Pandemic-proof businesses you can start today

1. Professional Services

Professional services pertain to occupations requiring arts, math, or sciences specialization. These may come off more as a skill, but you can make it your one-person business. 

Besides, this is a pandemic-proof business because there is always a need for these skills. So if you want to take your solo entrepreneur to the next level, continually upskill and hone your craft.

• Bookkeeper
• Translation
• Proofreader
• English Teacher
• Accounting 
• IT- Web and App Development
• Legal Advice
• Graphic design and editing
• Online event hosting– with the travel restriction, online and event meetings became rampant. If you used to do hosting during the pre-pandemic era, you can still do it at the comfort of your home online.

2. Mobile/ Pop-Up Coffee Shop

I’m no coffee lover, but you can now build your dream coffee shop if you are.

Not, it doesn’t have to be like a brick-and-mortar type of store. Nowadays, mobile or pop-up stores are blooming like mushrooms; they’re everywhere.

It’s easy to get started with a low overhead cost. The main advantage is that you can move from one place to another. That way, you can explore which areas have more people traffic and stay in that place for days or weeks. 

But, you have to keep in mind the vehicle you will convert and add it to your operational cost. Moving truck or van suits the best. It’s like you’re a human version of a turtle. Driving all over the place and bringing your home (in this case, business) with you everywhere you go. 

How cool is that!

3. Courier/Delivery Services

It is not entirely a new business model, but the demand for delivery services has soared since the unprecedented time came about.

What’s more, if you own a car, you can use it to generate some money. Keep in mind the maintenance, gas, and other vehicle expenses, though. 

Below are examples of a probable courier or delivery service that is also an example of a pandemic-proof business.

• Food
• Grocery
• Rideshare
• Packer and Movers

4. Freelance Agency

Freelancing is another pandemic-proof business because the income is unlimited. In addition, you can serve more than one client and, if you’re lucky, land to a premium client.

Furthermore, most freelancers work remotely or online virtually, so getting started is easy. Below are services you can offer:

• Writing and editorial services
• Virtual assistance

Or, much better if you could build your own freelance agency or offer a freelancing business course. You can create a website, team up with other professionals, and from there, match VA’s with potential clients.

Read more: Easy Freelance Jobs Online for Beginners to Get Started With Right Away.

5. Online Retail

Another excellent example of a pandemic-proof business is selling online. Whether it’s a physical or digital product, anyone can do it. 

If you don’t have a specific product to sell, you can dropship or resell an item at a higher price.

Since you have no physical store to maintain, it’s less costly. You can list products on your social media sites or websites.

• Pet supplies
• Digital products
• Printables
• Merchandise
• Online course
• Reselling items
• Dropship
• eCommerce site (Amazon, eBay, Shopify)

6. Virtual Tutor

Since the work-from-home setup became par for the course, remote learning is no exception.

Hence, there is a need for virtual tutors and educators. It is also a pandemic-proof business because everyone is eager to learn something and improve their skills.

7. Hardware and Construction Supply/ Home Improvement

This is another pandemic-proof business idea. Plus, you can sell these supplies online. 

Since shelter and safety are included in human physiological needs, supplies for these tools, construction, and home improvement are essential.

Therefore, most construction is ongoing even when most businesses are closing down due to lockdown measures.

Aside from that, many people are becoming interested in aesthetic home renovations, makeovers, and DIY home repairs.

If you are knowledgeable in this area, you can offer your services or sell products online to your target market.

Even better if you can niche your items and sell fast-moving ones to jumpstart your business.

8. Food and Beverage Business

It includes cafes, restaurants, food catering services, pubs, delis, and fast foods, among the few.

More significantly, it’s the best example of a pandemic-proof business because everyone craves food. Plus, food is what you need to survive and live.

It doesn’t have to be grand. You can start baking or cooking at home and then sell it online or around your neighborhood.

Remember to ensure being creative in your packaging and smooth delivery of your food item.

9. Consulting Services

Similar to professional services, you can also offer consulting services online. 

Since the pandemic netted a mental toll on everyone, there is a need for mental health experts who can give the advice to address mental health concerns.

Below are examples of consulting services that you can offer online. But, keep in mind to upgrade your skills and knowledge. 

It would help if you are certified and you undergo training to validate your skills further and make you credible in such areas, especially if it involves health and medical advice.

• Financial consultant
• Life Coach
• Fitness/Health Coach
• Therapist

10. Box Subscription Services

Contactless delivery becomes the exceptional standard when social and physical interactions are limited. But that doesn’t stop aspiring entrepreneurs from seeking an opportunity that comes with it.

Hence, the box subscription service thrive. It is also a straightforward process with less capital. But, you have to ensure that your product (box) will ultimately provide value to your customers. 

See below for box subscription ideas.

• Beauty kit
• Book subscription box
• Wine 

Additionally, you can take the subscription business model to the next level. Make it digital!

For example, a subscription-based blog or Youtube video. It is where your avid fans or readers can have access to your exclusive content in exchange for period subscription, tier level, or more.

11. Cleaning Services

Indeed, cleaning services is more than just a trendy in-demand service. Instead, it has become a necessity, even with the pandemic or not.

Everyone has given importance to proper hygiene and disinfection, especially during the Covid-19. As a result, offices, homes, malls, business establishments, and hospitals need those skilled workers in the cleaning services field.

It’s a pandemic-proof business because no vast offices are required, just helpful cleaning tools and equipment with your small staff. In addition, you can promote your services online for free.

Moreover, you can get paid right away and book clients in advance. So you can set how much you want to earn.

12. Digital Marketing Agency

People and businesses learn how to adapt and thrive during the economic crisis, especially in the digital world.

Now more than ever, a robust online presence is emphasized, and navigating the digital landscape is the hot topic.

Hence a need for digital marketing experts. So if you are adept at steering this online world, you can give your services to business owners.

These business owners are looking for insights to get traction of traffic on their website. Or they are looking to establish a solid online presence and engagement to increase their online sales.

13. Repair Services

Last on our list is the repair services.  We included it in our list of pandemic-proof businesses because most of your items at home will require repairs or maintenance, and they will go unaffected by the pandemic.

So if you are handy in these areas and have tools and equipment, it is worth considering starting a repair service business.

If you are a certified plumber, technician, or electrician, you can also offer your services below at:

• Odd jobs and become a tasker at TaskRabbit
• Fiverr
• Upwork

What is the best business during a lockdown? 

The best business during a lockdown is those that will fulfill human’s basic needs—for example, staple food and drinks.d and drinks. 

Moreover, a business that can be done online and at home is ideal. So most digital services can thrive during a lockdown, especially those offering a safe and contactless delivery.

Medical supplies and devices are also in demand. Such as face masks and personal protective equipment—also medicines and anything related to health, fitness, or the medical field.

What is the most successful small business?

When you start a business, there is no guarantee that it will succeed. Instead, it depends on various factors such as a feasible business plan, market research, marketing, and more.

However, starting small doesn’t mean you aren’t bound to prosper. Remember, big and great things start small. 

The most successful small business is a food truck, freelancing, IT-related services, consulting, to name a few.

The Bottomline

So there you have it. Those are the top 13 pandemic-proof business ideas that you can start today.

Remember that there’s nothing wrong with starting small. You can begin with that and ultimately scale up afterward.

Furthermore, don’t forget to provide value to your customers. Align your passion for making a profit out of it. For instance, a hobby that you can monetize.

Then, seek to provide solutions to people’s problems and offer the right products and services to help them in their everyday lives. 

Hence, you can still make money even with an ongoing pandemic. Start with the right mindset and take an example of those mentioned above; business ideas that can defy even a pandemic.