Creative Water Solutions

Business: Creates and markets moss-based water-conditioning products to inhibit bacteria growth in hot tubs and pools.

Founded: 2001

Headquarters: Plymouth

Web: www.cwsnaturally.com

Employees: Four

Executives: David Knighton, co-founder, chairman of the board; Vance Fiegel, co-founder, chief science officer; Allan Schwartz, president and COO

2008 revenue: Estimated $150,000 to $175,000; projected $600,000 in 2009

Strategy: Increase product awareness in the industry, develop new products, continue research into their products' effects on biofilm

Business: Publishes the Alumni Advisor and the recently acquired uGuide, aimed respectively at graduating and incoming college students.

Founded: 2005

Headquarters: Minneapolis

Web: www.thealumniadvisor.com

Employees: One

Executives: Nick Beste and Kevin Carlow, co-owners

2007 revenue: $34,000; projected 2008 for Alumni Advisor only: $250,000

Strategy: Expand to other campuses, streamline processes and procedures, look for acquisitions outside publishing