When times get tough, the tough get creative, at least that is the case with local entrepreneurs.

As the economy began to worsen, Jefferson officials noticed that more people were choosing to open a home business, usually in addition to some other outside occupation.

"We are amazed at the variety and creativity that people are using to try and diversify their income," said John Ward, Jefferson city manager. "They are relying on their entrepreneurial spirit to help them persevere through theses tough times."

Over the past several years, Jefferson residents have applied for and received home occupation permits for everything from ATV sales to personalized stationary.

Ward says the number of home occupation permits has increased steadily over the last two years.

In 2007, the city issued 28 home occupation permits. In 2008, that number grew to 30.

So far, even though the city is only four months into the fiscal year, they’ve already issued almost half as many permits in 2009 as in 2008. So far for 2009, individuals have been issued 13 home occupation certificates. If current trends continue, the city is on par to add 36 new home businesses by the end of the year.

Although some people have opened home businesses as a way to supplement their outside income, other individuals like Lisa Deaton-Culpepper, owner of Sparkle-Pro, relies totally on her home business for income.

Sparkle-Pro is a cleaning business based out of Deaton-Culpepper’s Jefferson home.

"Having a home business has allowed me as a single mother to be able to provide for and raise my son with out having to send him to day care," she said.

"I spend my mornings in Hall County with my cleaning crew and then by the time my (6-year-old) son is out of school, I can pick him up and then do any paper work from my home office."

Even if all of the business supplies are stored elsewhere, as is the case with Deaton-Culpepper, and the home is only used as an office space to complete paperwork, business owners are still required to have a home occupation permit.

Gainesville officials also report seeing growth in the home business industry.

"In 2008, we issued 48 home office affidavits," said Rusty Ligon, Gainesville planning and zoning director.

"So far in 2009, we’ve already issued 31, so we are definitely on track to see a good bit more (home businesses) this year compared to last year."

It may seem odd for people to start a business during a recession, but according to some officials, the practice isn’t so unusual.

"Historically, during each recession in this country, there has been a burst of new business start ups and improved methods for doing business," said Dede Gossage, program coordinator for the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center in Gainesville.

"We’ve been seeing more interest from people who are wanting to start a business due to layoffs and just more calls in general from people who are interested in starting a small business."

The UGA business center works in conjunction with Lanier Technical College and Georgia Tech to teach entrepreneurs the skills they need to run a small business.

The center offers classes that teach entrepreneurs things like how to start and manage a business. While there is a small fee to attend classes, the center also has free consulting services. The consulting services include things like helping individuals develop and update business plans, creating marketing strategies and identifying capital sources.

"We are here to help small businesses in this area," Gossage said.

"We want to help business owners sustain their companies and to also grow their business."