Nominations and applications for the fifth-annual Indiana Companies to Watch awards program, highlighting some of the state's most impressive second-stage growth companies opens today.
Presented by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, its Small Business Development Center network (ISBDC) and the Edward Lowe Foundation, Indiana Companies to Watch recognizes privately held Indiana businesses that employ six to 150 full-time employees and have between $750,000 to $100 million in annual revenue or capital.
"Our annual Companies to Watch program helps distinguish budding, high-growth businesses from across the state that provide new opportunities to Hoosiers," said Dan Hasler, Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. "The program also heaps much-deserved recognition to those entrepreneurs making a difference in their respective communities while providing the framework to network with past recipients and promote future growth."
Anyone may nominate an eligible business or apply for the awards by completing the online application forms at www.indiana.companiestowatch.org. A panel of judges will review the applications and select the companies to receive the awards based on past growth, projected success, innovation, technology application, company culture, community involvement and other factors. Nominations will be accepted through March 30. Nominees must complete an application by April 16. Companies may also bypass the nomination process and submit an application on their own behalf.
"Given the preeminent status this awards program has achieved over the last several years, we are very excited to once again be the Paradigm Sponsor of this event," said Curtis Hidde, partner in flagship sponsor Barnes & Thornburg LLP's Entrepreneurial Services Group. "As an advisor to many Indiana high-growth companies, we are inspired by the accomplishments of these businesses and are pleased to support and recognize them through events like this."
Winners of the awards will be recognized during an August awards dinner at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis.
Companies to Watch was developed by the Cassopolis, Mich.-based Edward Lowe Foundation. The foundation hosts similar programs in other states.
"Indiana Companies to Watch has enabled Hoosiers not only to identify the companies that are driving growth in the state, but also to understand their diverse contributions," said Penny Lewandowski, director of entrepreneurship at the Edward Lowe Foundation. "In addition to providing 9,998 jobs and generating more than $2 billion in revenue, these 184 companies selected since 2008 have created breakthrough products and services. What's more, they are community leaders who are rebuilding their downtowns and serving their fellow citizens through philanthropy."