ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- As our economy climbs it's way out of the downturn, the most promising source of new jobs are being created by entrepreneurs.

"We felt this was the best and old businesses to go into due to the economic downturn and wanting to replace some jobs that had been lost. "

Danielle Schlichting and partner Brooke Anderson started their excavation business from the ground up last year. Market conditions haven't been a barrier for the duo . Starting out small and keeping overhead low has helped them survive the first year, despite numerous challenges.

" Some of that overhead you need for growth, yet the business needs to have growing capital at the same time, so we really have to weigh out all of the options."

Dr. Kimberly Osborne's natural medicine business has been unexpectedly explosive since she started her practice in 2008. Business has grown so much in the last 3 years, she is looking to expand and hire again.

"Everything has fallen into place for us."

Knowing about half of small businesses fail within the first five years, these entrepreneurs say the reward is worth the risk.

" You go why do I do this because you know its definitely tough."

Because if you wait for the right conditions, you might be waiting for a long time.