- For a detailed explanation of the Inc. 500|5000 application process, click here
- For Inc. 500|5000 Eligibility Information, click here
- For more information on the Inc. 500|5000 revenue verification requirements, click here
- Get answers to frequently asked questions, click here
Think fast: Are you one of the nation’s fastest-growing companies?
In 1982, Inc. introduced the Inc. 500 list of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the U.S. Since then, this prestigious list of the nation’s most successful companies has become the hallmark for entrepreneurial success and one of the places where future household names first make their mark: Domino's Pizza, Microsoft, Go Daddy, and Zappos.com have all been honorees. In 2007, the list expanded to the Inc. 500|5000, giving readers a deeper, richer understanding of the entrepreneurial landscape and capturing a broader spectrum of success. The list is a distinguished editorial award, a published celebration of innovation, a network of modern entrepreneurial leaders, and an esteemed public relations showcase published by the leading entrepreneurial advocate for 30 years running.
All 5000 companies are individually profiled on Inc.com. The top 500—the Inc. 500—are featured in the September issue of Inc. You may have already earned your spot on the list. Now, be recognized.
Apply here for the 2009 Inc. 500|5000 list of the fastest-growing companies. List compilation begins May 1, 2009, so apply now.
Click here to see the 2008 list.
Why apply?Here are some of the benefits of making the list:
- Impartial, national recognition of your company's achievement from one of the most respected media resource for private companies: Inc. the Handbook of the American Entrepreneur
- Recognition from national and local media, customers, partners, and potential investors
- A public ranking among the nationally acclaimed business leaders of the private sector and membership in an elite entrepreneurial network on a national and local scale
- A page devoted to your company on Inc.com. The top 500 are profiled in the Inc. 500 September issue of Inc.
- The opportunity to be honored among your peers, distinguished speakers and top executives of other fast-growing companies, at the 2009 Inc. 500|5000 Conference and Awards Ceremony, which will be held September 23 to 25 in the Washington D.C. area
- A wealth of marketing materials that will help you get the most out of your accomplishment, including a press release template, reprint packages, a license to use the Inc. 500|5000 logo, plaques, and other PR tools of recognition
- Concrete evidence to your employees that their years of hard work have paid off
- Included with your application fee is a one year subscription to Inc. ($10 value) Click here for subscription refund details (note: application fee is non-refundable)"
Which companies will be considered?To qualify, companies must:
- Have been founded and generating revenue by the first week of 2005, and therefore able to show four full calendar years of revenue
- Be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2008
- Have a minimum of $200,000 in revenue in 2005 and at least $2 million in 2008
- Yes! Firms owned by investment companies such as VCs, private equity firms, and investment banks are eligible for the Inc. 500|5000. So are franchisees, even if their franchiser is a public company.
How do I apply?Click here for the 2009 Inc. 500|5000 application. All applicants become members of IncBizNet, Inc.'s online home of successful private companies (learn more about IncBizNet here). In addition to asking you to fill out the brief Inc. 500|5000 application, we invite you to tell us more about your company by completing the more extensive IncBizNet company profile. These profiles are used by writers and editors to get a comprehensive aggregate picture of the Inc. 500|5000 and other fast-growing companies, and to help generate story ideas featuring individual companies.
When is the deadline?The formal deadline has passed, but we are currently still accepting applications. Inc.'s editorial team begins to compile the Inc. 500|5000 list on May 1, 2009.
Revenue backup and the application process: All applicants will need to submit backup for 2005 and 2008 revenue figures to ensure the credibility of the list and accuracy of the data. Backup will consist of a Revenue Certification Form, corporate tax returns or an audit. There is a $100 fee associated with the application process.
