Vote for the 2010 Innovator of the Year Nominees

Few small business owners managed to exceed expectations during the recession and subsequent recovery this past year. Of the intrepid group who did, we’ve chosen our 2010 Black Enterprise Small Business Award nominees. Now we need your help in determining the winners. Vote for the companies you think most deserve the recognition. Online votes will contribute to a portion of the scoring; final selections will be made by the editorial committee of BLACK ENTERPRISE. Exemplifying entrepreneurs who demonstrate viability regardless of circumstance, the winners will be announced at the 15th annual Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo, May 16—18 in Atlanta.

EyeMail Inc.
Type of business: Electronic marketing and communications
Founder/CEO: Lisa S. Jones
Location: Atlanta
www.eyemailinc.com

Jones, 42, develops customized marketing strategies and campaigns that deliver audio and video content via e-mail. Started in 2007, EyeMail Inc. has developed

strategies for clients such as The Coca-Cola Co., Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and Turner Broadcasting System Inc. EyeMail Inc. posted revenues of $300,000 in 2009; this year revenues are projected to exceed $1 million.

Animus Solutions Inc.
Type of business: Management and IT
Founder/CEO: Phara McLachlan
Location: Tampa, FL
www.animussolutions.com

Launched in July 2004, Animus Solutions Inc. provides best practices consulting and implementation services to

accomplish information technology asset management, software license compliance, IT infrastructure, and library-based IT security and services management goals. Clients include a division of ATK and Quest Diagnostics Inc. McLachlan, 33, grew her 10-person business, recognized as among the top 100 women-owned businesses in Florida, to generate revenues of nearly $1 million in 2009.

CyberSynchs L.L.C.
Type of business: Phone data backup and recovery
Founder/CEO: Amos Winbush III
Location: New York
www.cybersynchs.com

Winbush, 27, offers software that provides backup and synchronization of mobile devices. Currently supporting 98% of all mobile devices, its users are expected to number 12 million-plus by year-end. Last year CyberSynchs posted revenues of $2 million; Winbush projects 2010 revenues will exceed $4 million because of partnerships with Sun Microsystems, Samsung, and Microsoft BizSpark.

Click here to cast your vote for the Black Enterprise 2010 Innovator of the Year!