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Looking for a summer job? It may be a little tough this year. Statistics show with the economy in a financial funk, summer jobs are few and far between, leaving college students out in the cold.

The days of hitting the streets for a temporary summer job are over. Given the status of unemployment nationwide, companies are cutting back their number of employees or closing their doors altogether. For those looking for a temp job to see them through summer vacation, the outlook is bleak. According to msnbc.com, a recent survey by employment website SnagAJob.com, who link people with hourly jobs, recorded that almost half of managers who hire hourly workers won’t be enlisting summer employees this year. Even worse, the survey states that 73% of those managers expect to receive more applicants this summer over last summer.

In fields where summer jobs are normally robust, such as restaurants and retail stores, jobs are being lost due to the lack of consumer spending. No one can afford to eat out, therefore no need for additional summer wait staff, hosts or dishwashers. And, for the companies that are hiring summer help, teen and college students not only have to compete for those positions with each other, but they also have to compete with older, more experienced job applicants who are willing to work in positions they are overqualified for.

Along those lines, employers will tend to hire older, more experienced workers over their younger counterparts because teen and young adult employees are still looked upon as being unreliable. An unfair judgment to say the least, yet a belief that coupled with the country’s financial woes, has helped to push the jobless rate amongst 16-19 year olds from 15.4% in 2008 to 21.5% in 2009.

So, should you just pack it in and give up hope? No way! Even though traditional summer jobs may be scarce, there are alternatives. Look outside your comfort zone for ways to earn a little dough this summer by being your own boss. There’s an entrepreneur in all of us and there is no better time than now to tap into that spirit. Here are a few suggestions to get you going:

Open your own dog walking business

Promote your service by creating and handing out flyers at local animal shelters, veterinarian clinics, pet supply stores, etc.

Become a personal shopper

If you have a love of fashion or just love to shop, why not get paid to do it? There are tons of women (and men) who don’t have the time to shop. Whether needing specific items for themselves or gifts for others, a savvy personal shopper can come in very handy.

Start a housecleaning/organizing service

There is nothing better than a cleaned, organized house and workspace. Market your domestic goddess to those in need of organizational and cleaning help. Word of mouth is the key to growing this business so be prompt, professional and courteous to your clients as they’re trusting you with their possessions.

Be a Girl Friday

Every hardworking professional needs a good personal assistant. Someone to run their errands, help around the office, screen calls, etc. A great assistant is priceless.

Start a gardening business

If you’ve got a green thumb, put it into action. There are those who would love to have a garden but just don’t know how to go about doing it. This is where you come in. You can even partner up with a local plant store to promote your business.

A great thing about starting your own summer job business is that you can pick it back up during the holiday break and again the following summer.

For students looking to gain experience in a particular field, look for summer internships. They may not pay a lot (or any) money but you’ll spend your summer learning valuable information and meeting people in your chosen field. Graphic designers, interior designers, fashion designers, artists, photographers, etc. are always looking for eager students willing to learn and grow.

Finding a job this summer doesn’t have to be so agonizing. If you keep your options and mind open, you’ll be amazed at what you can come up with.