Economic contractions place small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) under pressure through falling sales, interruptions in supply, tighter access to finance and unpredictable customer demand. This paper examines how entrepreneurs respond to such conditions and which behavioural and managerial practices may support business continuity and recovery. Drawing on resilience theory, psychological perspectives and crisis-management concepts, the study uses a mixed-method approach combining survey responses, interviews and case-based evidence. The analysis presented in the source study points to three connected areas: financial agility, the ability to redesign products or operations, and psychological resilience. It also considers whether public support can strengthen the effectiveness of these responses. The paper argues that resilience is not simply an individual personality trait; it can also be developed through preparation, learning, flexible resource allocation and supportive relationships. The numerical findings reproduced in this draft should be checked against the original dataset and cited sources before submission.

Miss Vaishnavi Kisan Sontakke, Prof.Kushal Dharmik, "Resilience Strategies of Entrepreneurs During Economic Downturns: A Behavioural Study" International Journal of Scientific Research and Engineering Development, V9(5): Page(1716-1719) September - October 2026. ISSN: 2581-7175. www.ijsred.com. Published by Scientific and Academic Research Publishing.