KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — In Tennessee, a lot of people are out of work and are searching for jobs. According to state numbers around 50,000 people are collecting unemployment.
But despite the poor economic reality and new challenges from the pandemic, many entrepreneurs are finding ways to turn their dreams of owning a small business into reality.
According to a new report from the Tennessee Secretary of State, the first quarter of 2021 saw nearly 20,000 new business filings in Tennessee. That's a 55 percent growth from the same time last year.
Amanda Parise, who started her own business despite the pandemic, said she's driven by the impossible. When the idea of creating her own business popped into her head, the single mother of three got to work.
"If it looks impossible, I'm definitely going to be the one that shows up," she said.
She credits the Knoxville Chamber and Knoxville Entrepreneur Center for helping her build a foundation. She said they helped her focus the vision she had for her business and help her get to where she is today.
Her business, The Simplify Style, was born. It turned her love for helping others re-organize and declutter their homes into reality.
"For me, it really is about being a safe person for people and being there and I think that's been my biggest motivating factor — knowing what that can do to change your life," she said.
Experts said the flood of new businesses suggests Tennessee could see positive economic growth going forward.
However, they also said it's important to realize many new businesses are replacing businesses that had to shut down because of the pandemic.
"I have no doubt that number will continue to grow as people figure out the resources that we have here. From the chamber, co-starters, all across the board — I feel like if you need support, info on how to learn and grow, it's available," said Parise.
She said running her own business has come with challenges, but the reward of helping others will always outweigh those.
"You have an entire city cheering you on," she said. "There's an entire community of entrepreneurs that are also just rooting for you."
She has plans to continue expanding her business in the future.