2011 Inc.500|5000 Apply 2011
 

Frequently Asked Questions

If you need an extension, please call 800-248-0308, or send an email to feedback5000@inc.com.

Eligibility: Must be privately held, for profit; based in the U.S., independent, and meet our revenue requirements.

general information

  • What is the Inc. 500|5000?

    In 1982, Inc. introduced the Inc. 500 list of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the United States. Since then, this prestigious list of the nation's most successful private companies has become the hallmark of entrepreneurial success and the place where future household names first make their mark. Pandora, 7 Eleven, Toys 'R' Us, Zipcar, Zappos.com and numerous other well-known brands have been honored by the Inc. 500|5000. In 2007, the Inc. 500 list expanded to the Inc. 500|5000, giving readers a deeper, richer understanding of the entrepreneurial landscape and capturing a broader spectrum of success.

    Today, the list is a distinguished editorial award, a celebration of innovation, a network of entrepreneurial leaders, and an effective public relations showcase. The Inc. 500|5000 ranks companies by overall revenue growth over a three-year period. All 5,000 honoree companies are individually profiled on Inc.com. The top 500 are featured in the September issue of Inc. magazine, the leading entrepreneurial advocate for 30 years running. Inc. also ranks the fastest-growing companies by industry, metro area, revenue, and number of employees, and we also highlight women- and minority- run companies.

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  • What is the difference between the Inc. 500 and the Inc. 500|5000?

    The Inc. 500|5000 lists the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the nation. The Inc. 500 are the top 500 companies on that list.

    All 5,000 companies are profiled on Inc.com. The top 500 are highlighted in the September issue of Inc. magazine.

    There is a single application process for both lists.

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  • How are companies ranked on the Inc. 500|5000 list?

    Companies are ranked according to the percentage growth of their annual revenue over a three-year period. To assess this, we ask for your 2008 and 2011 revenues. This gives us a three-year growth period, using 2008 as a base year for growth.

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  • How is the three-year growth rate calculated?

    The equation for growth percentage is:

    [(2011 revenue / 2008 revenue) - 1] x 100 = total growth percentage
    For example, if 2008 revenue was $3 million and 2011 revenue is $15 million:
    $15 million / $3 million = 5
    5 - 1 = 4
    4 x 100 = 400.
    Growth is 400 percent.

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  • Why should I apply?

    Visibility

    • National, local, and industry recognition
    • Media exposure via national, local, and industry/trade outlets -- in past years, the Inc. 500|5000 list has received over 25 million media impressions
    • A high-traffic company profile page on Inc.com
    • Coverage in Inc. magazine for the top Inc. 500 companies
    • A complimentary Inc. 500|5000 benefits package from PR Newswire, including one free press release. Click here for more details.

    Morale:

    • Personal validation for your employees
    • Public acknowledgment for company-wide success despite the recession

    Networking:

    • An exclusive Inc. 500|5000 community of private companies
    • New leadership opportunities, e.g. by hosting a local Inc. event
    • Increased visibility to the Inc. editorial staff
    • Local private company Inc. event invitations
    • Celebration and learning at the Inc. 500|5000 Conference and Awards Ceremony

    Knowledge:

    • Exclusive, cutting-edge private company research on growth patterns and strategies
    • Shared business insights, resources and best practices
    • Eligibility for a complimentary analysis of your company's growth potential by our CEO Project experts

    Business Opportunities:

    • Traffic to your Inc.com profile (The profile pages of 2009's Inc. 500|5000 honorees received nearly 200,000 visits collectively during the months of August and September)
    • Recruiting tools
    • New sales and partnership opportunities through high-quality networking

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Applying

  • What is the application process?

    1. APPLICATION: Complete an application for the Inc. 500|5000 online here.

    • Confirm that your company meets the Inc. 500|5000 2012 eligibility requirements.
    • Apply early in order to be eligible for the early application benefits and to ensure that you make all editorial and publication deadlines.
    • If you do not have a final figure for your 2011 revenue when you apply, you may enter an estimate and provide us with the more precise figure when you submit your verification materials.
    • Application fee is $125

    2. REVENUE VERIFICATION: Once your company's 2011 revenue figure is final, submit revenue verification materials to confirm your 2008 and 2011 revenue figures.

    • Submitting your revenue verification early will ensure accurate coverage in Inc.com or Inc. magazine. If you need an extension, please call 800-248-0308, or send an email to feedback5000@inc.com.
    • Click here for more details on how to submit revenue verification.
    • After you submit verification to support your revenue numbers, you may not withdraw from consideration for the 2012 Inc. 500|5000.
    • If you are concerned that your final 2011 revenue figures will not be available in time, please contact us at 212-389-5505 (toll free at 800-248-0308) or email us at feedback5000@inc.com.

    3. EDITORIAL: Once revenue verification materials have been submitted, our editorial team may need to contact you to ask follow-up questions, to gather additional information and to discuss your company.

    4. NOTIFICATION: In the summer of 2012, companies will be notified as to whether they made the list.

    • Applicants will first be notified of their status via email
    • CEOs of 2012 honoree companies will receive packets by mail informing them of their Inc. 500|5000 rank

    5. PUBLICATION: In August we will publish the 2012 Inc. 500|5000 on Inc.com. The September issue of Inc., profiling the top 500 of the Inc. 500|5000, will hit newsstands the following week.

    • Inc. will publicize and distribute the list to media channels throughout the country.
    • Honorees will receive a complimentary benefits package from NASDAQ Newswire, including one free national press release.

    6. CELEBRATION: Congratulations! Making the Inc. 500|5000 is a major accomplishment, and one that can be celebrated with your executives, employees, clients, and all others who helped make it possible.

    • Inc. helps you celebrate with year-round regional events led by high-profile business leaders, exclusive private company research and more.
    • Join us to accept your award in person along with other Inc. 500|5000 honorees, alumni, elite speakers, and other business leaders at the 2012 Inc. 500|5000 Conference and Awards Ceremony, October 3 - October 5, 2012, at the JW Marriott, Phoenix, AZ.

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  • How are companies ranked on the Inc. 500|5000 list?

    Companies are ranked according to the percentage growth of their annual revenue over a three-year period. To assess this, we ask for your 2008 and 2011 revenues. This gives us a three-year growth period, using 2008 as a base year for growth.

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  • Is there a fee to apply for the Inc. 500|5000?

    Yes. There is a $125 nonrefundable processing fee for all applicants. Identifying the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. is an enormous editorial project that, among other things, raises awareness of entrepreneurship as a valuable force in our economy. The processing fee covers only a portion of the operational costs of this undertaking.

    As a special benefit, applicant companies can elect for us to apply the $125 application fee toward a $200 deposit on registration for the 2012 Inc. 500|5000 Conference and Awards Ceremony.

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  • What if I don't have my 2011 revenue number until later in the spring? Can I still apply early?

    Yes. If you do not have a final figure for your 2011 revenue at the time you apply, you may enter an estimate and give the precise figure when you supply your revenue verification materials.

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  • Does Inc. require me to document the revenue figures I supply in my application?

    Yes. To ensure the integrity and credibility of the list, we ask that all applicants submit documentation ("Revenue Verification") of their 2008 and 2011 revenue numbers. Please refer to the Revenue Verification section here for more details.

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  • My firm represents other companies for matters like this. May I apply on their behalf?

    Yes, many of our Inc. 500|5000 applications are submitted by representing firms (PR firms, accounting firms, etc.) on behalf of their clients.

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  • My firm represents several clients that may be eligible. May I submit applications on behalf of more than one client?

    Yes, representing firms (PR firms, accounting firms, etc.) may submit applications on behalf of one or more clients.

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  • My company's revenue declined in 2009 or 2010 due to the recession. Does that disqualify my business or make it unwise to apply?

    Not necessarily. We look at the overall three-year growth rate from 2008 through 2011 compared with that of the other Inc. 500|5000 applicants. Among last year's 2011 Inc. 500|5000 honorees, year-to-year declines were acceptable and common.

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  • Will recognition on the Inc. 500|5000 reveal information about my company to my competitors?

    As a part of the Inc. 500|5000 award, we will publish your company's 2008 and 2011 revenue, location, number of employees, year founded, and Web address. We will also publish a brief profile of your company. Most of this basic company information is already available publicly in one form or another. The positive attention and credibility that comes with an Inc. 500|5000 listing are unparalleled and usually outweigh concerns about information disclosure. Click here for the Inc. 500|5000 benefits.

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  • Right now, I'm not sure whether I want my company to be on the Inc. 500|5000. Can I apply now and withdraw my application later?

    You may withdraw at any time before you submit revenue verification. After that, you may no longer withdraw from consideration. Please note that the $125 application fee is nonrefundable.

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Eligibility

Revenue Verification

  • What is Revenue Verification?

    A. To ensure the integrity and credibility of the list, we carefully verify the 2008 and 2011 revenue numbers for every Inc. 500|5000 applicant. Submitting documentation early will ensure accurate coverage. If you need an extension, please call 800-248-0308, or send an email to feedback5000@inc.com.

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  • What are Revenue Verification materials?

    You may choose one of the following three kinds of revenue verification to submit to our verification team:

    1. Revenue Certification Form (click here to download): This is the easiest to submit and our preferred method of revenue verification. Simply fill out the form and have a certified public accountant, chartered financial analyst, certified management accountant, or attorney sign the form attesting to the complete accuracy of the information. The certifier may work at the applicant firm or be independent, as long as the certifier is a licensed professional with credentials that are current and in good standing. Please make sure to print clearly!

      OR

    2. Corporate Tax Return: Include the first page and the page that indicates that accrual accounting was used to prepare the return.

      OR

    3. Audit: Include the accounting opinion letter and income statement from financial statements that have been audited, reviewed or compiled by an independent accounting firm.

    Click here for more information on revenue verification, or feel free to contact our team at at 212-389-5505 or toll free at 800-248-0308, or email us at feedback5000@inc.com.

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  • Where and how should I send my Revenue Verification materials?

    We prefer that you save your revenue verification documents as PDFs and e-mail them to verification@inc.com. Please include the name of your company in the subject line. Alternatively, you may fax the documents to 646-304-3157.

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  • What is Inc.'s preferred method of Revenue Verification?

    A. We prefer the Revenue Verification Form as a simple and clear method of revenue verification. Download the form here. Please be sure that the form has valid signatures from both the CEO and a certifier.

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  • When is the deadline for submitting Revenue Verification materials?

    The deadline for submitting Revenue Verification materials is May 15, 2012.  We strongly recommend that you submit your verification early to ensure that the application process is complete by the deadline and to ensure accurate coverage on Inc.com and in Inc. magazine.

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  • What if I won't have my 2011 revenue figure finalized by the Revenue Verification Deadline?

    Please contact our team at 212-389-5505 or toll free at 800-248-0308, or email us at feedback5000@inc.com.

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  • If my fiscal year doesn't end in December, what sales numbers should I fill in for each year?

    We ask all applicants to submit their revenue figures for full calendar years. Companies with non-calendar fiscal years should use our Revenue Certification Form for verification, rather than tax forms or audits. Please make sure the revenue figures entered on the form are for calendar years 2008 and 2011.

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  • May I submit revenue figures based on cash accounting?

    No. Inc. requires that all revenue figures (for both 2008 and 2011) be converted using accrual accounting. To convert cash figures to accrual figures, start with cash receipts, subtract the beginning accounts receivable, and add ending accounts receivable.

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  • What if I still have questions regarding revenue verification?

    A. We're here to help! If you have any additional questions or concerns about the Inc. 500|5000, please contact our team at 212-389-5505 or toll free at 800-248-0308, or email us at feedback5000@inc.com.

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  • My company is a franchisor. Should I submit the total sales of all of our franchisees?

    A. No. Franchisors should only report the fees that come to the parent company, plus total sales from any stores owned by the parent company.

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conference and awards

  • What, where, and when is the Inc. 500|5000 Conference and Awards Ceremony?

    The Inc. 500|5000 Conference and Awards Ceremony will be held October 3-5, 2011, at the JW Marriott, Phoenix, AZ.

    The 2012 Inc. 500|5000 Conference and Awards Ceremony celebrates the 30th anniversary of Inc.'s ranking of the fastest-growing privately held companies in America. The event brings together current Inc. 500|5000 honorees and alumni, along with the greater business community, to recognize their remarkable achievements and their great contributions to the economy. For more information about the 2011 conference, visit www.Inc5000Conference.com or send an email to events@inc.com. Official registration for this year's conference will begin in the early spring of 2012.

    As a special benefit for applicant companies, you can elect for us to apply the $125 application fee toward a $200 deposit on registration for the 2012 Inc. 500|5000 Conference and Awards Ceremony.

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  • What if I have questions that are not listed here?

    We're here to help! If you have additional questions or concerns about the Inc. 500|5000 awards or the upcoming conference, please contact our team at 212-389-5505 or toll free at 800-248-0308, or email us at feedback5000@inc.com.

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"Being honored in the Inc 500|5000 has been a key milestone in our history"

—Stephen Jackson, President and CEO, Smashing Ideas

Contact the Inc. 500|5000 team at 212-389-5505, toll free at 800-248-0308, or at feedback5000@inc.com. We're here to help.