I missed the original post, but history shows that more small businesses are spawned in hard economic times. An example may be a repair person of sort, or a bookeeper. I don't think Lola was refering to a business, where by capitol is required on a large scale. Small amounts of funding are available from friends and family, but these sources come with risk, of loosing money and friends, in the event failure occurs. Look at it like this, 100 friends, a hundred bucks, and your on your way. Limited exposure for all parties involved.
Just my view.