Deadline for Colorado Companies to Watch applications Jan. 31

DENVER — The deadline to submit nominations and applications for the 2017 Colorado Companies to Watch list is Tuesday, Jan. 31.

The 9th annual awards will honor 50 second-stage companies for their sustained growth, innovation, community impact and economic contributions.

The awards will be presented at the Gala Awards Dinner in June.

Business owners, associates, employees or fans can nominate eligible businesses and companies may apply directly.

The nomination and application forms are available online at ColoradoCompaniestoWatch.org. To be considered for selection, the enterprise must meet the following for the year ending 2016:

• Be headquartered in Colorado.
• Be privately held.
• Be a commercial enterprise, not a nonprofit.
• Be past the startup stage.
• Be facing issues of growth, not survival.
• Employ six to 99 full-time equivalent W-2 employees, including the owner.
• Have between $750,000 and $50 million in annual revenue or working capital.
• Demonstrate the intent and capacity to grow based on evidence such as employee or sales growth, exceptional entrepreneurial leadership, sustainable competitive advantage, or other notable factors that showcase the company’s success.

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade launched the awards program in 2009 in conjunction with the Edward Lowe Foundation, which remains an adviser to the program.

“Second-stage companies aren’t always recognized for the key role they play in Colorado’s economy,” said David Tolson, managing director, CapitalValue Advisors and 2016 presenting sponsor. “Colorado Companies to Watch brings statewide visibility to companies that are not only indispensable to our economy, but are driving the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of the state.”

In 2016, the program received more than 1,000 nominees, with 50 winners chosen to join an alumni network of 400 companies. The 2016 winners employed more than 2,000 people and generated more than $500 million in revenue last year.

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