Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann announced that nominations and applications are now being accepted for the eighth annual Indiana Companies to Watch awards program, which highlights some of the state’s most impressive second-stage growth companies. A second stage business is not merely surviving, but in the rapid growth stage.

Presented by the State of Indiana and the Office of Small Business and Entrepreneurship (OSBE), the Indiana Companies to Watch awards recognize privately held Indiana businesses that have experienced exceptional growth or are well positioned for future growth. Eligible companies must have six to 150 full-time employees and have generated between $750,000 to $100 million in annual revenue or capital during the previous year.

“The Indiana Companies to Watch program is a great opportunity to showcase high-growth businesses throughout the state that are creating jobs and retaining Indiana talent,” said Lt. Governor Ellspermann. “By recognizing these diverse, thriving companies, we show that Indiana is a state that celebrates successful entrepreneurs and creativity with a clear focus on attracting and retaining the best and brightest to drive our economy in the years to come.”

Jacob Schpok, director of the Indiana Office of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, explained that anyone may nominate an eligible business or apply for the awards by completing the online application forms located at www.inctw.org. A panel of judges will select companies to receive awards based on factors including past growth, projected success, innovation, technology application, company culture, and community involvement. Nominations will be accepted through March 10. Nominees and companies who choose to self-nominate must complete applications by April 10.

“We are excited to continue our sponsorship of Companies to Watch. This program recognizes the driving force behind economic development-namely, fast-growing companies, who provide needed products and services, while supporting our communities and creating opportunities for Hoosiers” said Joshua Hollingsworth, Partner at Barnes & Thornburg.

Winners of the awards will be recognized during an awards dinner on August 27th at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in Indianapolis.

Under the leadership of Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann, the Indiana Office of Small Business and Entrepreneurship (OSBE) oversees the Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC), the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) and the Indiana Small Business Ombudsman. The OSBE staff helps grow the Indiana economy by assisting entrepreneurs and small businesses through programs and personal consultation. For more information on OSBE and to see how Indiana is “the state that works” for entrepreneurs visit www.osbe.in.gov.

The ten Indiana Small Business Development Centers (ISBDC) support the formation, growth, and sustainability of Indiana’s small businesses by providing entrepreneurs expert guidance and access to a network of resources. Funding for the regional ISBDCs comes from state universities, chambers of commerce, economic development offices, mayor offices, and banks. Statewide financial support is provided by U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of Indiana and Ivy Tech Community College. Administratively, the ISBDC Lead Center is operated by the Office of Small Business and Entrepreneurship (OSBE), an agency of the Office of Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann. To learn more about the ISBDC and to become a client visit: www.isbdc.org.

Indiana Companies to Watch is an awards program celebrating second-stage entrepreneurs presented by the Office of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, its Small Business Development Center, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and endorsed by the Edward Lowe Foundation. A second stage business is not merely surviving, but in the rapid growth stage. Sponsors include the Barnes & Thornburg, Katz Sapper & Miller, Key Bank and Ivy Tech Corporate College.

Source: Indiana Office of Small Business and Entrepreneurship; Inside INdiana Business