10 Innovative Growing Businesses


In 2008, bMighty and SmallBizResource covered scores of businesses. Along the way, we unearthed the details of the newest products and services from start-ups and established companies alike and captured the perspective of veteran business leaders and young entrepreneurs. We learned the secrets of their success and what keeps them awake at night. Now as the year draws to a close, our editors have selected 10 growing businesses for the first annual bMighty Innovation awards.



SUCCESS THROUGH SEO: <A HREF="http://www.avantegardens.com/">Avante Gardens</A>

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SUCCESS THROUGH SEO: Avante Gardens

Avante Gardens, a small florist in Anaheim, Calif., has been around for nearly 25 years. But in the past year, sales are up 20% over the year before. What changed?

In a word, search.

Cathy Hillen-Rulloda, owner and design director at Avante Gardens, pioneered the company's search efforts, educating herself by visiting various sites and blogs and constantly making changes based on what was working and what wasn't.

"I could see the Web was going to be important in terms of visibility in our company," says Hillen-Rulloda. "I needed to get my brain around this."

That she did. An emphasis on Web content, keywords, and blogging has propelled Avante Gardens to where every growing business wants to be: the top of a Google natural search result -- which is an organic, unpaid search as opposed to pay-per-click ads.

"If you go to Google and type in 'florist Anaheim, Ca,' Avante Gardens is first in the natural Google search," says Hillen-Rulloda.

See More: Mid-Market Heroes: Avante Gardens' Sales Bloom With SEO

Don't Miss: bMighty 2008 Innovation Awards: 12 Products For Your Business


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