First thing: Bookmark the Best Business Apps page.
Take a deep breath.
OK, to recap, Inc.’s Best in Business Awards celebrate companies that have made an extraordinary impact in their fields, communities, or society as a whole over the past year. We do some big data-driven projects, like the Inc. 5000, and we want to balance those by acknowledging achievements that don’t necessarily show up on the balance sheet. Although we have a lot of applications ahead of our August 19 advance rate deadline (ie tomorrow), there is still time to apply. Here are the top five questions we received, along with our answers to help you get on the right track. If your company puts profit before purpose, this is for you.
1. What are you looking for in your application?
One sentence, positive impact. Ideally, the impact would be measurable. And not just a product of your company’s day-to-day business – although that’s not a strict standard. (Last year we highlighted Nova Credit, which helps immigrants build their credit files in the U.S., a business model we can’t ignore. A more typical example is The Mom Project, which, in addition to improving the day-to-day skills of working mothers, set up a 2,000+ women have gained jobs at companies like IBM and Deloitte.) Overall, we are looking for business models driven by efforts, initiatives, programs, etc. that go beyond the mission. Good work, really.
PRO TIP: Be specific and include numbers we can verify when relevant.
2. Should we enter multiple categories?
may be so. This year we offer more than 40 industry categories, including new categories for companies in e-commerce, events and experiences, management consulting, software-as-a-service, sustainability, and more. In addition to that, we’ll be looking for winners based on company size, stage, revenue, and region — as well as those awarded overall excellence (think Best Picture). If you can make a good case for your company in multiple categories, then you should – Inc.’s editorial team mutually judges the entries in each category and looks at each category individually. We will award one winner in each category, so the more categories, the better your odds. We selected nearly 200 winners last year.
3. We are a public company, but we really want to Enter. Can we?
no. sorry. To be eligible, the company must be privately owned, headquartered in the United States, and independent (meaning, not a subsidiary). Our fact-checkers study these standards, so if you don’t meet them, save you and us time and money.
4. Why should I apply? What if I win?
Well, because you want to be recognized by trusted sources in the business press as a company that puts its goals above profits. But there are many reasons. I can tell you that last year we called this list “Our Most Admired Companies.” Inc. editors will review and evaluate each company, which will keep you on our radar regardless of your success. A number of winners will appear in Inc.’s winter issue as well as online, and all winners will be listed. Considering we view our audience of founders and entrepreneurs as a community, this is a way to join.
5. When is the deadline?
Deadline for early application rates is Friday, August 19. After that, rates will increase before the final deadline on Friday, September 16th. Don’t let the dog eat your homework. Remember, the sooner the better – we also work on deadlines, and the more time we use your app, the more familiar we become with your company.
PRO TIP: You can apply now, save your entry in our system, and continue working before the deadline.
Still haven’t found the answer you need? do not worry. We have a dedicated team to handle application questions, and you can email us here: [email protected].
Good luck and keep up the good work!
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