Entrepreneurs in the Economic Emergency

The sign is not up but the Winchester has been open for about a month now.

Even with a struggling economy the owners seem to have found their niche.

The Winchester is the newest establishment on Wealthy Street Business District.

A place where business is better than the owners expected at first.

Paul and Jessica Lee have been in the restaurant and bar business for years. They had a goal and with the help of family created The Winchester, amidst some of the toughest financial times many people have ever seen.

"This was our plan," said Jessica Lee. "This was our dream. I think no matter what the economy was we were going to go for it."

And the Lees went for it with a plan for success.

"Let's come up with something that's the same but different," said Paul Lee. "We want to be price conscience but also offer a product that's different than other bars and restaurants."

The Lee's ambition is not isolated in the times.

Jeanne Englehart, President and CEO, of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce says they're seeing an increase in people doing the same.

Englehart says about 80% of their members are small businesses. In the month of February 58 new members joined, a normal number, standard, flat.  "In Chamber terms flat is the new up," says Englehart. "It's a historical trend."

The economy hits both ends of business, shutting some doors but opening others."

"There are people looking at this as great opportunities," says Englehart. "They've lost their job or they've been laid off and they're saying I love the community. My family loves it here. So i'm going to take a chance and start a small business."

Engleheart says if you look back at other tough times there are plenty of small ideas that have turned into success.

While the situation for the Lee's may be slightly different. They're taking a chance and so far it's paying off.