The readers have voted, and Forbes.com today announced the five finalists in its "Boost Your Business" contest, available online at www.forbes.com. Voting is now open to select the grand-prize winner, who will be announced in early December. Two Massachusetts-based companies made it to the final round. The five finalists are:

• Audissey Guides (Boston, MA)


• Earthborn Studios, Inc. (Leeds, AL)


• Ksplice (Cambridge, MA)


• Naturally Bamboo (Mankato, MN)


• NuBarter, Inc. (Savannah, GA)

The finalists were flown to New York City to give live presentations
to an expert panel of judges. Their videotaped presentations are
posted on Forbes.com for further reader voting, which ends on November 30, 2009. The grand-prize winner will receive $100,000 in cash and advertising.

"When the klieg lights go on, the stress level is high, especially during the question-and-answer sessions," says Brett Nelson, Entrepreneur Editor at Forbes. "But all five finalists prepared well and performed admirably. I am proud of them all, and they will be better fortified when stumping for capital in the real world."

In the first phase of the contest, small business owners submitted
500-word business plans; 20 semi-finalists survived. Forbes.com users had the opportunity to review the plans and self-recorded 30-second "elevator pitch" videos before voting for their top five.

The last round of Forbes.com contest voting is now open. I would
greatly appreciate you taking a minute to cast your vote for Naturally Bamboo (Mankato, MN). Here is the direct link:

http://boost09.perfectprize.com/voting/

You may vote once per email address and the voting ends on November 30th.

Thank you for voting organic, made in the USA apparel!

Naturally Bamboo

Naturally Bamboo

Naturally Bamboo is a manufacturer of environmentally conscious clothing and accessories made from bamboo fiber. Bamboo is one of the most sustainable natural fibers on earth, grown without pesticides, naturally anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic, breathable, and absorbent. Naturally Bamboo will be the first company to launch a bamboo base layer specific to the outdoor market along with a full line of bamboo lifestyle wear for women and men. The uniqueness of bamboo being a natural fiber combined with its performance properties makes an ideal fabric for active wear. We are completely committed to be a socially and environmentally responsible business, proudly made in the USA. Our long term goal is to have an entire American based supply chain from seed to shirt.

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