What is the Saudi Fast Growth 100?
In 2010, AllWorld expanded from the Saudi 100 to the Arabia 500 to build the first MENA-wide ranking and community of growth superstars. The Arabia 500 will be a list the world will watch.
In the next few months, we are going to announce the top contenders from Saudi Arabia for the Arabia 500 and then in the Fall at the Arabia 500 Global Summit in Jordan the full list will be announced.
The Saudi Fast Growth 100 was created in 2008 by the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority's (SAGIA) National Competitiveness Center with joint founding partners Al-Watan newspaper and AllWorld Network. It is a national program to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in Saudi Arabia that ranks the fastest-growing emerging companies in the Kingdom. The list
The Arabia Fast Growth 500 will bring to light fast growing MENA companies that represent the future of the region. Through their energy and innovation, these companies are building a more competitive and dynamic MENA economy. Each year we rank the fastest-growing emerging companies in the region. In addition, we will recognize start-ups, women-owned companies ad those owned by young entrepreneurs.
The Arabia Fast Growth 500 shines a spotlight on a new generation of companies that are creating jobs and spurring innovation and growth. They are the region’s “leading indicator” of competitiveness. An entrepreneurial economy is the very essence and foundation of a vibrant, competitive, knowledge-based economy. The most competitive nations and regions have the highest rates of entrepreneurship.
Each year we find and rank the fastest-growing emerging companies in the region. Winners are ranked according to their revenue performance over the last three years. In addition, we recognize start-ups, women-owned companies and those owned by young entrepreneurs. The application process is strenuous, including verification of financial figures provided by applicant companies. These are real companies, with real growth and real success.
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http://www.allworldlive.com/sites/all/libraries/tinymce/jscripts/tiny_mc...); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px initial initial;">Why apply?
Here are five good reasons:
1. YOU CAN EARN A POWERFUL ENDORSEMENT
Making the list distinguishes your company in the eyes of clients, prospects, competitors, investors, the media, your community, and the world at large. Many of the 2009 and 2010 Saudi Fast Growth 100 winners use the recognition on their web site and marketing materials and have received considerable media attention.
2. YOU CAN BOOST EMPLOYEE AND INVESTOR MORALE
Recognition as an Arabia 500 winner is tangible, objective evidence that the hard work of your employees is paying off and that your investors made a good decision.
3. YOU`LL GET TO NETWORK WITH THE BEST
By connecting with and learning from other innovative and successful entrepreneurs you will become a stronger, smarter, and better business leader. Also, the top 5 winners from each country are invited to attend the AllWorld Leadership Summit in October at Harvard University and the Pinnacle Institute with fast-growing companies from around the world.
4. YOU WILL BE SUPPORTING THE ENTREPRENEURIAL CAUSE
Entrepreneurship is the backbone of any competitive economy. It is important that the country and the world recognize what Arabia entrepreneurs have to offer.
5. BECOME A MEMBER OF ALLWORLD EXCHANGE B2B PLATFORM
You will become a member of the exclusive Arabia 500 business network and the AllWorld Exchange B2B platform.
Still not convinced? Visit our Saudi Fast Growth 100 website www.allworldlive.com/saudi-100 to learn why some of the most successful and dynamic business leaders in Saudi Arabia have taken part in the previous lists.
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http://www.allworldlive.com/sites/all/libraries/tinymce/jscripts/tiny_mc...); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px initial initial;">How do I apply?
Go to www.allworldlive.com/arabia-500 to begin filling out the Application.
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http://www.allworldlive.com/sites/all/libraries/tinymce/jscripts/tiny_mc...); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px initial initial;">How are companies ranked?
We rank companies by the percentage growth of their annual revenue (turnover) between 2006 and 2008. We look for companies that have been able to grow at a very fast rate for the years in consideration. Also, each company qualified for the lists must meet international standards of competitive entrepreneurship. We are looking for real companies, with real growth and real success. Companies are ranked on pure performance and the fastest growing company we find will be ranked #1 on the list. We reserve the right to disqualify companies for financial or other reasons.
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http://www.allworldlive.com/sites/all/libraries/tinymce/jscripts/tiny_mc...); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px initial initial;">Why do we emphasize fast growth companies?
Fast growth companies generate new ideas, new business models, and new markets. To sustain high growth rates for a number of years, a company is not replicating best practices, it is creating best practices. Closer to home, fast growth companies rapidly expand their employment base, and because of their growth, offer unparallel opportunities for employee training and advancement.
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http://www.allworldlive.com/sites/all/libraries/tinymce/jscripts/tiny_mc...); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px initial initial;">Will my company's growth percentage be high enough to make my country's list or the Arabia 500?
This depends on your company's growth percentage in comparison with the rest of the private companies that apply. Remember that the award is based on 3 year growth rate, not one. Thus, if your company has experienced any growth during this period, we encourage you to apply.
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http://www.allworldlive.com/sites/all/libraries/tinymce/jscripts/tiny_mc...); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px initial initial;">My company's revenue growth slowed or declined in the past year. Does that disqualify my business of make it unwise to apply?
Not at all. We look at your overall growth rate in comparison to the other applicants. Year-to-year declines are accepted and will most likely be common among honorees.
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http://www.allworldlive.com/sites/all/libraries/tinymce/jscripts/tiny_mc...); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px initial initial;">What are the basic criteria for eligibility?
To be eligible for the lists, your company:
- Must be an independent, private, for-profit, corporation or partnership, or proprietorship
- Must NOT be a non-profit, holding company, franchise, bank or utility company. Private companies established by government or where government is a majority stakeholder are also not eligible.
- Have a minimum 3-year operating history, and revenue (USD) of at least $100,000 in 2007 and $500,000 in 2009.
- Provide audited statements or an audit letter to confirm your company’s revenues.
- Smaller and younger companies can apply to be recognized as Companies to Watch.
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http://www.allworldlive.com/sites/all/libraries/tinymce/jscripts/tiny_mc...); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px initial initial;">My company is majority or wholly owned by a venture capital firm, a private equity firm, or an investment bank. Is it eligible?
Yes
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http://www.allworldlive.com/sites/all/libraries/tinymce/jscripts/tiny_mc...); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px initial initial;">How does the list define revenue?
We define revenue as gross revenue or turnover, less returns and allowances, before any cost of goods sold. If you do not have a final figure for your 2009 revenue when you apply, you may enter an estimate and give the more precise figure when you submit additional documents.
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http://www.allworldlive.com/sites/all/libraries/tinymce/jscripts/tiny_mc...); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px initial initial;">When is the deadline for submitting an application for the Country "25s" and Arabia 500 lists?
The Arabia 500 deadline is July 15, 2011. However, we will be recognizing country and sub-rankings between January and June of 2011 - so if you would like to be recognized twice - once in your country and once regional - please apply and complete your application ASAP.
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http://www.allworldlive.com/sites/all/libraries/tinymce/jscripts/tiny_mc...); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px initial initial;">Is supporting documentation required?
Yes. To ensure the integrity and credibility of the list, we require that all applicant companies submit audited financial statements or an audit letter for proof and verification for their revenue figures.
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http://www.allworldlive.com/sites/all/libraries/tinymce/jscripts/tiny_mc...); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px initial initial;">What if my company is public?
Public companies are not eligible for the Arabia 500. However, if a company was privately held and independent up to December 31, 2009, it is still eligible.
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http://www.allworldlive.com/sites/all/libraries/tinymce/jscripts/tiny_mc...); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px initial initial;">What if my company is independent but is about to be acquired or go public?
Your business is eligible as long as it is privately held and independent as of December 31, 2009.
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http://www.allworldlive.com/sites/all/libraries/tinymce/jscripts/tiny_mc...); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px initial initial;">Does my company have to be profitable to be eligible?
No. The lists are solely based on revenue growth, and profitability does not enter into the equation.
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http://www.allworldlive.com/sites/all/libraries/tinymce/jscripts/tiny_mc...); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px initial initial;">Will being recognized on the Country 25s or Arabia 500 reveal information about my company to my competitors?
As a part of the program, we will publish your 2007-2009 growth rate, location, industry, number of employees, year founded, and your company's Web address. Your specific revenues will not be published and all your audited numbers will be kept confidential by AllWorld Network. Your 2009 revenue will be reported in a range of 0-5 million dollars, 5-10 million dollars, 10-20 million dollars, 20-50 million dollars or 50 million dollars and above. We will also publish a short profile of your company. The other information provided in the CEO Survey will only be reported in aggregate, in other words, your company’s survey results will be combined with those of other companies to preserve the confidentiality of your answers.
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http://www.allworldlive.com/sites/all/libraries/tinymce/jscripts/tiny_mc...); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px initial initial;">Right now, I'm not sure if I want my company to be on the list? Can I apply now and withdraw my application later?
You may withdraw at any time.
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http://www.allworldlive.com/sites/all/libraries/tinymce/jscripts/tiny_mc...); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px initial initial;">Who are the partners in the program and what do they do?
Learn more about our partners at www.allworldlive.com/arabia-500
Who is AllWorld Network?
To learn more about AllWorld Network visit our web site www.allworldlive.com
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http://www.allworldlive.com/sites/all/libraries/tinymce/jscripts/tiny_mc...); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px initial initial;">What is a nominating partner?
Nominating Partners are actively involving in building the programs. Each organization participating as a Nominating Partner agrees to nominate 10 fast growth companies to the list. The logo of each nominating partner is showcased on our web sites.
To become a Nominating Partner, please email Ms. Desiree El-Chaebeir at delchaebeir@allworldlive.com
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http://www.allworldlive.com/sites/all/libraries/tinymce/jscripts/tiny_mc...); background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border: 0px initial initial;">What if I have more questions that are not listed here?
If you have further questions, please send an e-mail Dereje Bereta at dbereta@allworldlive.com
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