Yes, according to research done by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB). "Our research shows that small firms are twice as innovative per employee as larger firms, and the companies who entered demonstrate that fact," said NFIB president and CEO Todd Stottlemyer. The companies that Stottlemyer's referring to are the 10 finalists for the fifth annual Dell/NFIB Small Business Excellence Award. To find out who made the cut, go to the award website.

The finalists will now compete for the national award, to be announced June 9 at the National Small Business Summit in Washington, DC.