What started as an idea to bring recognition to our region has emerged as a new standard – a standard of excellence. The Philadelphia 100 is a merit based program. Only companies that are among the fastest growing, privately-held companies are awarded the Philadelphia 100 designation. The integrity of the process and the resulting list makes the Philadelphia 100 one of the most sought awards in the region.

Started in 1988 by The Entrepreneurs' Forum of Greater Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Business Journal and the Wharton SBDC, the Philadelphia 100 has recognized some of the region's finest companies when they were just beginning to emerge: Mothers' Work, Fiberlink, Urban Outfitters, Forman Mills, Kremer Laser Eye Center, and Primavera Systems, just to name a few.

This program culminates in a gala event every fall where the fastest growing, privately-held companies are recognized. The event is one of the City's premiere business events, marked by delicious hors d'oeuvres, open bar, great networking, "the countdown", Hall of Fame inductions, Top 10 Fastest Growing Company Awards and the keynote speaker address. Some of the region's leading entrepreneurs and esteemed dignitaries have graciously agreed to be our keynote speaker, including Ed Rendell, Brian Tierney, Michael Emmi, Carol Ammon and Steven Lagos.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Nominate a company for consideration using the Nomination Form. Nominations for the 2012 Philadelphia 100 will be accepted through June 2012. Companies may nominate themselves. There are absolutely no costs to nominate, apply, or to win.

2. In April 2012 nominated companies will be invited to submit an application containing relevant company information. Researchers at the Wharton SBDC use this information to rank the top 100 fastest growing companies based on their percentage increase in sales from 2009 to 2011.

3. Winners will be notified in late August 2012 and will be celebrated at an award gala in October 2012.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Applicants must be independent, privately held corporation, proprietorship, or partnership. Franchises, subsidiaries, divisions, and fixed-term funds and their management companies are NOT eligible. 
• Applicants must have a full three-year sales history with a sales increase from 2010 to 2011.  Sales in 2009 must be for a full 12 months. 
• Applicants that operate in bankruptcy at any point during the contest period through to the time of winner selection are not eligible. 

Company headquarters must be located in one of the following counties:

Pennsylvania: Philadelphia, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery, Bucks

New Jersey: Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Mercer

Delaware: New Castle

The Philadelphia 100 program reserves the right to not accept applicants at its discretion.

Findings

Results will be reported in the Philadelphia Business Journal in late October 2012. Winners will also be honored at an award gala in October 2012.

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