Although the the NYTimes story No Jobs? Young Graduates Make Their Own is aimed at young entrepreneurs, its recommendations are applicable to older new biz founders, too.

• Seek out mentoring and advice.  Scott Gerber, 27, featured in the story, has founded the Young Entrepreneur Council targeted at 17 to 33 year olds, but there are other business mentoring organizations, such as SCORE that offer free assistance to all ages.
• Entrepreneurship can be a viable choice, especially when the alternative is unemployment.
• The tools and ability to become an entrepreneur are more readily accessible at lower cost through the Internet — office space can be virtual and skills, such as Web design, can be learned online.
• Start on a shoestring to avoid building up debts.