In this economy, there are a few types of businesses that will do well - those that help consumers save money, help them make money, make them feel good or those they can’t do without. If you are looking to start a business today, here are some great ideas:

1. Food & Drink
2. Candy
3. Beauty, Cosmetics, Personal Services
4. Discount Retail, Pawn Shops, Thrift Stores
5. Education, Tutoring, Self-Improvement, Career Services
6. Contraceptives
7. Health Care
8. Love, Dating, Marriage
9. Rent-a-Lifestyle
10. Home Products
11. Baby-Related
12. Cleaning Services
13. Cheap Entertainment
14. Luxury Retail
15. Cigarettes, Alcohol
16. Bankruptcy Law
17. Funeral Homes
18. Tax Accounting
19. Auto and Other Repair Services
20. Home Security Solutions
21. Mortgage and Foreclosure Rescue Services
22. Repossession Businesses
23. Debt-Related Services

Good reads:

http://adage.com/article?article_id=133241

http://money.howstuffworks.com/10-recession-proof-businesses.htm

http://www.explorestartups.com/blog-1355-9_Recession_Proof_Businesses_to_Start_in_2009.htm

http://entrepreneurs.about.com/cs/businessideas/a/10startupideas.htm

http://www.growingwealthmag.com/?p=1274

http://thesmarterwallet.com/2009/own-recession-proof-business-find-business-success/