Bail out packages on top of high fuel prices the Iraq war and major hurricanes have some economist saying the financial strain on the U-S is reminiscent of the Great Depression.

Still here in Central Illinois new businesses are forming and even doing well despite a turbulent economy.

Some of Bradley University's brightest are trying their hand at entrepreneurship in hopes of finding their niche in this time of economic uncertainty.

"The wedding industry is something that isn't really affected by it. It is to a certain extent sure but I think it's the idea that people still want to spend money for their wedding and go the extra mile," says Vanessa Carranza.

These Bradley Students make up Memwas.
A company, which sees profit to be made in capturing wedding memories via video guest book.
Making them this year's winner of Project Spring board.

"The concept of project springboard is keeping our best young minds here in Peoria. When these businesses graduate the get office space, computers," says Alexis Khazzam.

Along with 25 thousand dollars to help turn their concept into a reality.

"We had our first sale a couple of weeks ago. It was really exciting to be at the wedding and see the guest interact with the actual product,"
Vanessa Carranza.

A product that Junction City owner Alexis Khazzam believes in.
And in this economy he will only invest in what he knows without a doubt will work.

"We definitely plan to cut back on our investment a little bit or only invest in projects that we feel our going to influence our success through partnership," says Alexis Khazzam.

Project Springboard was started by Alexis Khazamm and his wife two years ago.
The competition's first winners were the I-Repair Squad.
In it's first year that company made more than a million dollars.