Experienced business owners press on despite recession

Although lines of credit have been cut, and many business owners have had trouble obtaining new financing from traditional banks, entrepreneurial spirit can be a tough thing to crush.

A report from the New York Daily News profiles a few city business owners who instead of letting a business fold, are taking chances on a new location, new venture or altered sales model to keep their doors open.

"If people have a little chutzpah, they can reformat their idea and start over," said Seth Bornstein, assistant dean for economic development at LaGuardia Community College, in the article.

One woman who previously owned a rug shop but closed her storefront is now doing private showings for interior decorators. Another man who ran a deli but was undercut on prices by competitors revamped his location into a bistro and is seeing an increase in business, says the Daily News.

Finding creative ways to grow your business is becoming the norm, rather than the exception, as owners work to maintain a healthy bottom line.

To save on marketing expenses, many small businesses are increasingly turning to the web, blogs and social media outlets to connect with suppliers and spread the work about their products and services.