As the economy worsens and the job market becomes more competitive, many people are taking their careers into their own hands and starting their own businesses.

Rod Jorgensen, the director of counseling for the Nevada Small Business Development Center, said more people are coming in to get answers about starting or buying businesses.

"In some cases, by default, they are looking at opening their own business or buying a business," Jorgensen said. "Not necessarily because that has been a dream or a love of theirs, but because out of necessity, they are grasping to try to find something else to do to make a living."

Jimmy Welch is one person who is starting his own business because the job market is so tough. He is opening up a day care center right out of his home.

Welch says he lost his job about 18 months ago, and was spending a lot more time at home with his two daughters. He figured he would "make the most of it."

"Right now, with the economy, that's all you can do," Welch said. "We have to take care of our kids. Me and my wife have to take care of each other."

Welch says he has gotten his license and finished his training. Now, he is ready to open up the day care.

While starting a business may seem like the answer to your economic problems, Jorgensen warns that it is not something you should just jump into. Jorgensen says you will face the same start-up costs and problems like in other times, but it could be harder to get financing in the current economic crisis.

"It's a real challenge on the financing side as to where they are going to come up with dollars to put down on purchasing a business or down on opening a business," Jorgensen said. "I've not seen it this hard, for financing, ever."

Jorgensen says it might be a better option to buy a current business than start up one.

"You're finding something that is operational. That already has a client base. That already has cash flow and profitability," he said.

If you're interested in starting a business, the Nevada Small Business Development Center is hosting a workshop Wednesday morning--April 8--to provide information on the federal government's small business innovative research program.

This workshop is for businesses that have environment or transportation plans. It runs from 8 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. at John Ascuagas Nugget in Sparks.