While many Americans are scrambling for few job openings during the recession, some entrepreneurs are creating their own careers. While online degrees and work experience can foster career growth, those looking to start a business must come up with a valuable idea and the courage to take financial responsibility and accountability for its success. The venture can become all the more daunting when a business relies on white gloves, plastic bags and the willingness to get down and dirty.

In 2005, Jacob and Susan D'Aniello, a recently married couple, started a business by posting $100 worth of fliers in and around Charlottesville, Virginia, Forbes.com reports. Today, their company has spread to 22 different states and is slated to make about $3.2 million in 2009.

Certainly a niche enterprise, the company called DoodyCalls makes its money by offering to clear pet droppings from the yards of homeowners or apartment complexes. For cleaning up after a single pet, the company can make between $15 and $20 per week.

In larger apartment communities, one hour of work nets the waste management specialists up to $75.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of animal care and service workers is expected to grow about 19 percent between 2006 and 2016.