Last week I hinted at something big coming on our website. Well, today Winning Workplaces is excited to announce the launch of Top Small Company Workplaces 2010 with our new media partner, Inc. Magazine.
Learn all about this year's program in the FAQ that appears below. If your company fits our criteria, we look forward to reading your application and helping you think about your human capital strategies in a more formal, centralized way.
What is the Top Small Company Workplaces competition?
Winning Workplaces and Inc. Magazine are seeking compelling examples of organizations with outstanding cultures for our 2010 Top Small Company Workplaces competition.
Why this recognition?
The research is clear and compelling. Organizations that build a productive workplace deliver better business results. Organizations that invest in their people see the payoff of employee engagement through employees that are invested in and committed to the success of the business. A winning workplace is better for people; better for business; better for society.
Is this the same award that was previously associated with The Wall Street Journal?
Yes. Our media partner for the past three years was The Wall Street Journal. Given our strong focus on small and midsize business we decided to transition our relationship to the premier publication for entrepreneurs and business owners, Inc. We are thrilled to be working with the team at Inc. because we share a dedication to helping small to midsize business succeed.
What are the company eligibility criteria?
To be eligible, the organization must be:
- North American-based
- Independent, not part of a larger corporation
- Privately held
- Have no more than $500 million in annual revenue
- Employ no more than 750 people (full-time equivalents, exempt and non-exempt)
- Have been in business at least three years by January 22, 2010
- Not a past Winning Workplaces award winner
How can a company apply?
Visit https://tsw.winningworkplaces.org/ to get started.
What is the application timeframe?
Applications will be accepted online from November 16, 2009 through January 22, 2010.
Is there an application fee?
Yes. The application fee is $100.
Why the fee?
The fee covers development and administration of the application, and allows Winning Workplaces to dig deeper to do meaningful assessment of applicant firms through a rigorous due diligence process of companies identified as finalists.
What is the prize for the winning companies?
The winners will be featured in the June 2010 issue of Inc. Magazine, on Inc.'s website, and on Winning Workplaces' website. They will also get additional exposure through a widely distributed joint press release.
Will the winners be notified or the list be made public before the June 2010 Inc. issue goes out?
No.
What is the overall timeframe for the project?
- Completed applications submitted online by January 22, 2010.
- Finalists will be contacted no later than February 15, 2010 to provide further information for the judging process. This will include, but is not limited to, contact information for employees and a few customers.
- The final panel of judges will choose the winners in early March.
- Inc. Magazine will feature the winners in its June 2010 publication
What if I have further questions?
Contact Winning Workplaces at topsmallbiz@winningworkplaces.org or via phone at 847-328-9798.