Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We have tried to make this site as simple as possible but if there is a question that isn’t included you may submit it below and we will respond directly.
Q. How will you ensure privacy of my business information?
A. Each participating business will receive an email with a unique username and password for their own online account to enable them to access their rankings. Participating businesses will only be able to view their own information and rankings. They will not be able to view information submitted by other businesses.
Q. What are the basic criteria for eligibility?
A. To be eligible for the 2006 Growth 500 list, your company must meet two basic criteria:
- Your business is based in the East & Central Africa.
- Your business must have at least two years of audited accounts.
Q. What if my business is a subsidiary or a division of a larger entity?
A. You are still eligible for the Growth 500. Be careful, though, when submitting supporting documentation of your performance since you have to make sure that the figures reflect only those of your subsidiary or division, and not of the entire business.
Q. Does a business have to be profitable to be eligible?
A. No. The Growth 500 is determined solely by the percentage increase in gross revenue and thus profitability does not enter into the equation. Even nonprofits are eligible to apply.
Q. If my financial year doesn't end in December, what performance figures should I fill in for each year?
A. Regardless of when you calculate your financial year to begin and end, you must submit your performance figures within certain parameters so that we can compare companies fairly. Please use the following to determine what figures you should fill in for each financial year.
Financial year 2005 must end between April 1, 2005, and March 31, 2006
Financial year 2006 must end between April 1, 2006, and March 31, 2007
Q. What if my business has different financial year ends for each year?
A. It is okay if your company has different financial year-ends for different years. Each financial year, however, must reflect a full 12-month period. If your company switched its financial year-end during one of the years we look at, then it is important for you to submit documentation that covers an entire 12-month period.
Q. What if my business was founded during or after 2004?
A. If your company did not generate a full 12 months of net sales in fiscal year 2005 (which can, for our purposes, as late as March 31, 2006), then your business is NOT eligible for the 2007 Growth 500. However, if you think you may be eligible for the list in future years, please fill out the top part of the application (name, address, etc), put an asterisk next to the ‘’year founded,’’ and write ‘’ keep on mailing list.’’
Q. What if my business is public?
A. All public and private businesses are eligible for the Growth 500 Survey. The survey is open to all types and sizes of businesses operating in East Africa.
Q. What if my business’ name has changed?
A. Please fill out the application with your new name.
Q. How are businesses ranked?
A. We look at the growth in gross revenues between 2005 and 2006. We calculate the percentage growth and rank businesses on that number alone. This ranking is therefore based on an increase in gross revenues over the two years. The highest increase in revenue is ranked at the top.
Q. How is growth percentage calculated?
A. Difference in Sales between 2006 and 2005, divided by Sales in 2005, multiplied by 100
% Growth = Sales 2006 – Sales 2005 x 100
Sales 2005
Q. How will you be able to ensure that businesses submit true and accurate information?
A. The owners of each business are ultimately responsible for submitting the correct information. We will contact business auditors on a sample basis to verify results submitted. Any business that is found to have submitted false information will be permanently removed from this year’s and all future surveys and rankings.
If you have any further queries please do
not hesitate to contact
us!
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