List Will Recognize Fastest-Growing Private Companies Amidst Economic Downturn
Special 2009 Focus on Job Creation
NEW YORK, Feb. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Inc. magazine and Inc.com (www.inc.com) today announced that the application process for this year's annual Inc. 500|5000 list of America's fastest-growing private companies is now open. The list, published for the past 27 years, is a distinguished editorial award, a celebration of innovation, a network of modern entrepreneurial leaders and an esteemed public relations showcase presented by the leading entrepreneurial advocate, Inc. Magazine. Companies can apply now by visiting http://www.apply5000.com. The deadline for applications is March 31, 2009.
"The 2009 list will be the most important we've ever published," said John Koten, CEO and Editor in Chief of Mansueto Ventures. "While the list has always highlighted companies that have achieved extraordinary growth, this year we are going to develop a separate ranking of the businesses that have produced the most new employment. President Obama has rightly made this a top priority of his administration and we think this is a way we can help to support this vital cause."
A recent study by the U.S. Census Bureau and funded by the Kauffman Foundation found that job growth in the U.S. between 1980 and 2005 would have been negative were it not for the positive contribution of newly-formed, growth-oriented enterprises. "It's widely known that large companies employ a smaller and smaller percentage of the workforce," said Koten. "Far less well known is that it's really only a sub segment of the small business economy -- growth-oriented new firms -- that is responsible for job creation."
To be eligible, companies must be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, independent, and have been generating revenue since January 7, 2005, at the latest. The companies will be ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2005 through 2008.
"We experienced a phenomenal 379 percent growth rate from 2004-2007," said Go Daddy CEO and Founder Bob Parsons. "Being on the 2008 Inc. 500|5000 list validates most everything about Go Daddy, including our culture, product offerings, pricing and industry-best customer service. You don't just make a list like the Inc. 500|5000 without doing things right."
In addition to honoring the top 5000 fastest-growing private companies, the information collected by Inc. will be used to advance the study of company growth and the entrepreneurial economy in the U.S. Private Company profile information can also be found at IncBizNet, the online home for successful private companies.
Results of the Inc. 500|5000 will be announced on Inc.com on August 12, 2009. The top 500 companies will be featured in the September issue of Inc. magazine. All 5000 companies will be profiled on Inc.com. Inc. invites all entrepreneurs and growing private companies to the Inc. 500|5000 conference, which will take place September 24 - 26, 2009 near Washington, DC.
About Inc.
Inc. is the only major business magazine dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies, delivering real solutions for today's innovative company builders. It provides hands-on tools and market-tested strategies for managing people, finances, sales, marketing, and technology. Inc., a Mansueto Ventures LLC publication, inspires and informs, with cutting-edge coverage that reflects our readers' energy, brashness, and imagination. Please visit http://www.inc.com.
Inc. magazine and Inc.com are excited to announce its call for entries to the 2009 Inc. 500|5000, the list of America's fastest-growing private companies. For more information please contact John Koten at jkoten@inc.com or (212) 389-5389; or Megan Burns at mburns@inc.com or (212) 389-5495.
Contacts: John Koten, (212) 389-5389; jkoten@inc.com
Megan Burns, (212) 389-5495; mburns@inc.com
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