PHOTO GALLERY: Missouri entrepreneurs advance their businesses

Anthonwell Linzie works at his desk Thursday in his store, Exclusive Closet, a women's clothing boutique at 1205 Range Line St., Suite C. MU researchers have found an increase in entrepreneurship among Americans in recent years, a trend they think could be related to the high unemployment rates.   |  Tatiana Fernandez

Anthonwell Linzie organizes the merchandise Thursday at his store, Exclusive Closet, a women's clothing boutique.   |  Tatiana Fernandez

Becky Henson takes care of the dogs with her employee Elizabeth Dinkins at Columbia Canine Sports Center. She opened her business, Dog Daze Playcare, in April and she hopes to build her own building for dog day care next spring. According to Henson, they now have 11 dogs on average each day, but business is not as fast as she had wished.   |  Yi Gan

Grant Ballard saws a channel for a ladder he is putting together for a tornado shelter Friday in his shop, Ballard Welding & Fabrication. Ballard started his own company because there was no work in his previous employment.   |  Tatiana Fernandez

Grant Ballard welds the steps on a ladder for a tornado shelter Friday in his shop.   |  Tatiana Fernandez