The award has brought new opportunities from potential partners and vendors who probably wouldn't have contacted me if we hadn't been recognized. For example, an Internet marketing company came to us because of Companies to Watch and presented me with a unique campaign I probably wouldn't have thought of. As CEO my job is to constantly come up with new ideas, and I can't do that without input from other people."

—Luke Ford, president and founder of My Computer Works, Scottsdale, Ariz., 2008 Comerica Bank Arizona Companies to Watch awardee

For my organization, Companies to Watch helps correct a misperception that we only assist new companies. Certainly startups are important; before a company can grow, it has to launch. Yet the SBTDC is also deeply engaged with helping existing companies remain stable and get to the next level. In fact, they represent about 50 percent of our clients."

—Carol Lopucki, state director of the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center, and managing partner for Michigan Celebrates Small Business, presenter of Michigan 50 Companies to Watch.

The program provides a way for our nonprofit orgranization to plant seeds with potential future clients. As a Small Business Administration (SBA) Certified Development Company, second-stage companies are our bread and butter. We're looking for growing companies that need long-term, fixed-rate financing to acquire real estate, machinery and equipment so they can grow their business and create jobs. Yet because these small-business owners are so busy wearing many hats, getting to them can be difficult. Traditionally we've marketed our services and the SBA 504 Loan Program through the third-party lenders that participate in the program. Now Indiana Companies to Watch gives us a direct conduit in which to approach potential clients and make them aware of us and the benefits of an outstanding loan program."

—David W. Amick, executive director at Premier Capital Corp., Indianapolis, Indiana Companies to Watch sponsor

Being a Companies to Watch honoree has boosted our credibility in the community with vendors and bankers. In fact, one bank specifically mentioned the award when they contacted us. Having people knock on your door instead of having to knock on theirs is impressive, especially in a down economy."
—Todd Anthony, CEO of NTsupply.com in Indianapolis, 2008 Indiana Companies to Watch awardee