Reuters notes that many small businesses have been able to turn to the relatives of employees when they are looking for people to help with extra work.

David Martin, sales manager at Michigan company SelfLube Co., told the wire service that because the firm is still a small business, it is able to bring in an employee's family member for extra work without having to go through a confusing management process.

Sometimes this help from those close to a company does not even have to mean money exchanges hands. Bruce Freeman, a small business writer, tells Reuters that it appears the day of cut-throat business is over and people are more willing to help out those in need.

"With all the financial turmoil, with Bernie Madoff, people are saying that dog-eat-dog doesn't work anymore," he said. "People are more willing to extend a helping hand."

Family and friends can often help a small business when it's just getting off the ground. In a recent survey from PayCycle almost 4 out of all 10 businesses say they needed some funding at startup, with some of them turning to relatives for the help.