Work + Money

There were more than 5,500 applicants. Their stories, inspiring. Their business ideas, full of promise. To narrow it down to three Seeds for Success finalists was a task not to be envied.

But the task is completed. The three women entrepreneur finalists have been chosen and announced by Yahoo! Small Business and fwm.

And so, congratulations and introductions are in order! Meet:

Abby Port, founder and CEO of Red Koala Canvas Co., an online purveyor of customizable canvas-based art for everything from home décor to shoes, totes and luggage;

Dana Rubinstein, co-founder of Dapple, a company which produces baby-safe and earth-friendly detergents, cleaners and sanitizers; and

Karla Duncan, founder and president of Head2Toe, a company which designs and develops toys and educational materials specifically for special needs children.

As finalists, each receives a grant package that includes $20,000 in cash, $5,000 in website consulting from three Yahoo! Small Business partners, and web site hosting from Yahoo!

In addition, over the next six months, the finalists will receive personalized business mentoring from 12 nationally esteemed business experts, including Carolyn Kepcher (Founder of fwm: www.findingwhatmatters.com), Cathie Black (President of Hearst Magazines) and Bobbi Brown (Founder of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics).

Want a say in who’s chosen as the overall Seeds for Success winner? You have one! Let us hear from you: Visit Seeds for Success, follow the progress of the three finalists over the next six months, and chime in. Your feedback and support will help Yahoo! Small Business and fwm select a grand prize winner, who will receive an additional $10,000 grant and continued mentorship.

Want to access tips from the pros, yourself? You can. This well-rounded panel of experts will regularly be posting insight and business solutions on the Seeds for Success Mentors' blog. Check it out and see what these mentors can do for your business!