KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Goody's. Image Point. We've seen area several businesses crumple because of the economy. Despite that, the Knoxville Chamber, which serves as the economic development partner for both the city and county, says things might be getting better.

"I think we're really going to benefit from the solar energy things that are happening in the state of Tennessee, said Garrett Wagley from the Knoxville Chamber. "The new Solar Institute at the University of Tennessee, Oak Ridge, ORNL, is going to bring a lot of that kind of solar stuff to the region."

But unless you're highly trained or specialized in those fields, getting a job might be easier said than done. And not just in the field of new

With some Knoxville area businesses either downsizing, relocating or folding all together, that's actually been a plus for places like South College, which has seen its enrollment increase nearly 20-percent."

"Historically, when the economy does face some touch times and people are losing jobs, that's when their safety net always seems to be re-educating themselves, " said Norman Hammitt of South College. "You know going back to school, trying for that 2nd career, trying for other opportunities."

While re-educating is an option for some, others are feeling the pressure of being out of a job...With a family to support.

"The biggest difficulty is that everybody's there's more people applying for the same job that you are and a job that you're applying for may not ne in your expertise," an unemplyed Lee Erick Thompson told WVLT.

Samantha McCrary, also without a job, said, "I was doing something that I loved so much and iIknow I'm not going to be able to find that again. It's just heart breaking."