9 Columbia Businesses Make Inc. 5000 List of Fastest-Growing Companies

Nine Columbia-area companies are among the 5,000 fastest growing companies in the U.S., according to Inc.com, a website for entrepreneurs and business owners.

Three of those companies made it in the top 500 on the 2012 Inc. 500|5000 list released this month. They'll be featured in the September issue of Inc. Magazine.

Companies are ranked based on percentage revenue growth when comparing 2008 to 2011. 

A West Columbia company, Williams Strength, ranked 184. The manufacturer of athletic training and weight equipment generated $2.9 million in revenue in 2011 — an almost 2,000 percent increase from 2008. The company's equipment is used in colleges and high schools.

Resource Financial, a Columbia retail mortgage banking and insurance company, ranked 227 with a 1,600 percent increase in revenue from 2008 to 2011.

Dovetail Insurance, a Columbia insurance company, ranked 359 with a more than 1,000 percent growth rate. 

Inc. introduced the Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing companies in 1982 and expanded to include the 5,000 fastest-growing companies. Companies apply to make the list, and are invited to an awards ceremony if selected.

The following Columbia-area companies made the 5,000 fastest-growing companies list but didn't make the top 500:

View the complete Inc. 500|5000 list.