INDIANAPOLIS – Nominations and applications for the sixth 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 Indiana Small Business Development Center 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.

“Companies to Watch highlights high-growth, homegrown Hoosier businesses that make up the foundation of our economy,” said Eric Doden, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “Small businesses are not only an essential part of Indiana’s story, but critical to building a stronger future for our state and creating more careers for Hoosiers. We look forward to recognizing this year’s rising companies.”

Anyone may nominate an eligible business or apply for the awards by completing the online application forms at 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 29. Nominees must complete an application by April 19. Companies may also bypass the nomination process and submit an application on their own behalf.

“We view Companies to Watch as essential to the economic development efforts in the state of Indiana,” said Marcus Chandler, partner and co-chair of Barnes & Thornburg VentureTech Practice Group. “We believe that Companies to Watch’s high growth middle market companies will be the leading job creators for our state in the long haul.”

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.

“Now in its sixth year, Indiana Companies to Watch is more than a mere trophy on the shelves of honorees,” says Penny Lewandowski, vice president of entrepreneurship and strategic growth at the Edward Lowe Foundation. “Because of its reputation for recognizing excellence in Indiana’s most successful second-stage companies, Companies to Watch puts awardees on the map, often opening doors to funders and new business partnerships.”