Clear Growth

Crystal Culbertson's life has been a bit of a blur the past few years. It's no wonder, considering her business, Crystal Clear Technologies Inc., saw more than 16,000% growth in sales from 2007 to 2010.

The St. Petersburg-based firm recorded just more than $100,000 in revenues in 2007, but reached more than $16 million three years later. But the uncertainty about the government deficit threatens this growth trend.

Culbertson worked at Tyndall Air Force Base near Panama City for several years before becoming a small business owner. She spent that time learning how vendors in the private sector procure and handle government contracts.