A look at the companies with the largest total revenue posted in 2009, the final year in the three-year period tracked by Inc. for the purposes of this ranking.

The businesses on this particular list managed to post the most impressive growth in terms of actual revenue produced, in dollar terms, between 2006 and 2009.

Staffing firms, business process outsourcers, and food-services companies appear at the top of this list of the biggest employers in terms of headcount.

These Inc. 5000 companies have been the bright spot of our economy, creating jobs at an impressive rate despite the recession.

Representing a range of tribal nations, these Inc. 5,000 CEOs have experienced exceptional growth and committed themselves to giving back to their communities.

Tracing their roots to countries as diverse as Vietnam and Korea, these entrepreneurs overcame linguistic, financial, and cultural barriers to build wildly successful companies.

Many of these Black entrepreneurs have built multi-million dollar empires within a matter of only several years, earning them a place on the Inc. 500.

These Indian entrepreneurs have met with success both inside and outside of the technology industry despite the recession.

With roots stretching all the way to Mexico, Peru and Bolivia, these entrepreneurs are tapping that immigrant's spirit to build the American dream.

These female entrepreneurs are defying the odds
in industries such as defense, construction and
health care.

In a rare show of perseverance and sustained growth, these 2010 Inc. 500|5000 honorees are being recognized for ranking on the Inc. 5000 list for multiple years.