On August 12, Inc. magazine released its Inc. 5000 list of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies, and Panagora is proud to be among the top 20 percent at number 858.

This is the second year in a row that Panagora has earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list, which highlights the most successful companies within the U.S. economy’s most dynamic segment—independent small businesses. According to Inc., only 19 percent of companies make the list more than once—so we are honored to be listed again this year!

“The companies on this year’s Inc. 5000 come from nearly every realm of business,” says Inc. editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. “From health and software to media and hospitality, the 2020 list proves that no matter the sector, incredible growth is based on the foundations of tenacity and opportunism.”

This recognition from Inc. is an opportunity to showcase the global health and international development work that our team carries out every day. In the past nine years, Panagora has evolved from a two-person team into a global company with nearly 140 employees working in 23 countries, managing multiple long-term government prime and subcontracts, primarily for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

In addition to our Inc. 5000 rankings, Panagora is proud that last year we were named USAID Small Business of the Year and ranked number 12 on the Women Presidents Organization’s annual ranking of 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies in 2020. Panagora President and CEO Betsy Bassan also received an Enterprising Women of the Year Award in 2020 and was named one of “The 30 Most Inspiring Women in Business” by Insights Success magazine in 2017.

As a women-owned small business (WOSB), recognition for entrepreneurial success is important for showcasing the transformative power of women-led business on the U.S. economy, especially during these times. Today, while women-owned businesses account for 42 percent of all businesses in the U.S., only 1.7 percent attain revenue above $1 million. To that end, we actively advocate for increased opportunities for WOSBs and small business in general. “We are deeply honored to receive this recognition,” says Betsy, “and hope it inspires other women to follow their dreams and at the same time helps lead to systemic changes that are pivotal to women’s business success, like access to opportunity, affordable childcare, and credit.”

Recognition is also important because it creates awareness of the impact of global development programs and amplifies Panagora’s mission—to make our world a better place, for good.