Downtown small business owners weathered a serious economic storm. Some did not survive while others are still trying to hang on. The ones that did say it was not easy.

"It was extremely difficult when I was downtown with north main being closed and what not. Now that it's reopened, but I could not make ends meet there," Linda Derrickson said.

She moved her restaurant called The Spot Cafe to the edge of downtown where overhead is less. It used to be on north main and there it was called The sandwich Shop. The change in location is keeping her afloat. Many business owners last year like Derrickson had to make tough choices.

Accordng to this report by the Rockford River District, 11 businesses closed. However, 38 opened.

District advisors say many business owners are coming to downtown because there's space. The rent is less, making it more affordable. The support from other businesses is also a benefit.

"They like the intimate atmosphere and the closeness that you get and the general sense of community that you have in the downtown situation versus a more suburban type of area," Rockford River District member Kim Wheeler said.

Since it's early in the new year, this is a transitioning period for many businesses. Now in her third month at her new location, business is going well for Derrickson.

"I try and keep my faith and be optimistic and know that things will pick up in the future," Derrickson said.