By Genevieve Judge, Local News 8 Reporter

POCATELLO - There is no question about the state of the economy.  So many are without jobs and businesses are shutting down.  But businesses in Pocatello are seeing the positive side of things by opening up or expanding. 

Megan Reno opened her very first businesses in February.  She's the spa administrative director at Sunsations Tanning, Day Spa and Medical Spa in Pocatello.  Many people told her opening a business in this economy could be a disaster.  She's found out it's the total opposite. 

"It’s going phenomenally well actually.  We've been so happy with the way things are turning out.  Especially with this fall it's really picked up with back to school and getting ready for the holidays,” said Reno.

When it comes to new business Reno isn't alone.  Great Harvest Bread in Old Town Pocatello expanded earlier this year opening a second store near Fred Meyer.  Closer Emily Atkins says they had to expand to keep up.

"Economy or not we just had to open to get help to more customers.  It may be a tough economy but if you work hard you really can push through it,” said Atkins, a closer at Great Harvest.

If expanding and keeping sales up in a sour economy wasn't enough national chain restaurant Five Guys Burgers and Fries is opening Thursday in the Gate City.  Their doors will open at 11 a.m. bringing yet another new business to town.  Reno says local people are helping boost the economy.

"I really believe people are in this economy trying to save money and try not to go on that big cruise or to that big vacation in Europe.  And so they're spending money locally here,” said Reno.

Bannock County Development says on average they're getting one proposal a week from businesses looking at coming to the Gate City.  They also add that another business is in the process of coming to Pocatello.  They're in town but still finishing things up before they announce who they are and when they'll be up and going.