Inc. Magazine now accepting applications for the 2013 Inc.500|5000, America's most prestigious ranking of fast-growing private companies.

New York, Feb. 7, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Inc. magazine, the only major business magazine created solely for CEOs of fast-growing, private companies, is now accepting applications for the Inc. 500|5000, the closely watched ranking of America's fastest-growing companies. The Inc.500|5000 list is studied by entrepreneurs and venture capitalists alike, and has traditionally been the first to take note of companies that later go on to be household names. Among the companies to gain early exposure on the Inc. 500 are Microsoft, Oracle, Intuit, Zappos, Clif Bar, Chobani, Zipcar, and Vizio.

Applications for the 2013 list will be accepted at http://www.inc5000apply.com/ until April 30, 2013. To qualify, companies must be at least three years old, with 2009 revenues of at least $100,000 and 2012 revenues of at least $2 million.

Winning admission to the Inc. 500|5000 can be an important branding and publicity opportunity for a small company that makes the cut. New honorees receive a free DIY press release through NASDAQ's GlobeNewswire service, as well as a profile page on Inc.com. (In 2012, the list received over 25 million media impressions.) In addition, the top 500 companies are prominently displayed in Inc.'s September issue, and several companies are selected for in-depth articles.

Even applying for the Inc. 500|5000 can help a company raise its profile. Every week Inc.com highlights an intriguing company as "Applicant of the Week." Companies that apply early have the best chance of being featured. 

The list debuted in 1981 as a ranking of the 100 fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. The following year, it expanded to the Inc. 500 and, in 2007, the Inc. 5000 was inaugurated. Through each evolution, Inc. has sought to celebrate the creativity, dedication, and hard work of entrepreneurs and their crucial contribution to American prosperity.

Methodology

The 2013 Inc. 500|5000 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2009 to 2012. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2009. Additionally, they have to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent--not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies--as of December 31, 2012. The minimum revenue required for 2009 is $100,000; the minimum for 2012 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Companies on the Inc. 500 are featured in Inc.'s September issue. They represent the top tier of the Inc. 5000, which can be found at www.inc.com/5000.

About Inc. and the Inc. 500|5000

Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures, Inc. is the only major brand dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies, with the aim to deliver real solutions for today's innovative company builders.  Total monthly audience reach for the brand has grown significantly from 2,000,000 in 2010 to over 6,000,000 today.  For more information, visit www.inc.com

The Inc. 500|5000 is a list of the fastest-growing private companies in the nation. Started in 1982, this prestigious list of the nation's most successful private companies has become the hallmark of entrepreneurial success. The Inc. 500|5000 Conference & Awards Ceremony is an annual event that celebrates their remarkable achievements. The event also offers informative workshops, celebrated keynote speakers, and evening functions.

For information: 

http://www.inc5000apply.com