It has been said that times of economic downturn create the necessity and the niche for entrepreneurs. Though ideas lay the groundwork for entrepreneurial enterprises, an element of courage is needed to accept the inherent risks and accountability that come with owning and leading a business venture. For some, assuming responsibility for property, labor and capital can seem like an extraordinarily daunting task - for others it means breaking out an old hobby.

In the 2009 economic climate many laid off workers have found that they can make money by employing unique skills or knowledge long left unused, USA Today reports. Sussy Deleon owned a real estate sales practice in Providence, Rhode Island, before the recession dried up her profits. Nowadays, Deleon has turned to importing and selling piñatas from her native Guatemala to cover her expenses.

Another professional left jobless by the recession, Andy Palpant, now teaches piano lessons, employing a skill he learned in grade school. Though his income is about half of the six-figure salary he received as an information technology manager, Palpant told the news source, "The fancy vacations are gone, but our garden is bigger."

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 7% to 8% of the households in the U.S. are headed by entrepreneurs, who collectively own almost one-third of all wealth in the country.