Colorado’s college savings experts, CollegeInvest, administers the Colorado ABLE program.
“We are proud to provide enhanced saving opportunities to Coloradoans who experience disability,” said Angela Baier, chief executive officer for CollegeInvest. “Colorado was one of the first states to prioritize greater opportunities for our neighbors with disabilities with added tax savings for contributions to Colorado ABLE accounts. Fostering financial wellness and independence, especially for those who need some additional support, is just one more thing that makes Colorado great.”
The Stephen Beck, Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE Act) was enacted in 2014 to provide savings opportunities to individuals with qualified disabilities and their families to save for the future while protecting eligibility for public benefits. Colorado ABLE was launched in 2017, giving Coloradoans with disabilities the opportunity to save and invest for their future and build financial wellness. These accounts help save money needed to pay for the added expenses that come with having a disability.
About Colorado ABLE Colorado ABLE (Coloradans Achieving a Better Life Experience) is Colorado’s savings program for people living with disabilities. A not-for-profit agency within the Colorado Department of High Education that receives no taxpayer funding, Colorado ABLE provides a diverse menu of tax-advantaged savings plans to help persons with disabilities save for their futures and promote independence while protecting their eligibility for public assistance programs. Colorado ABLE currently has 3,190 active accounts and $34 million in Assets Under Management. Learn more at http://www.coloradoable.org or call (303) 376-8833.
Leading Home Care Agency is Among America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies
GURNEE, Ill., Aug. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Inc. revealed that BrightStar Care, the nation’s leading home care and medical staffing agency with more than 391 corporate-owned and franchise locations, ranks No. 4308 on the 2024 Inc. 5000, its annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The prestigious ranking provides a data-driven look at the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent, entrepreneurial businesses.
“We are incredibly honored to be recognized on this year’s Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America,” said BrightStar Care CEO, Andy Ray. “This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our whole network including franchisees, caregivers, nurses, corporate team, the clients who trust us with their loved ones, and the innovative spirit that drives our company forward. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to delivering a higher standard of care, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and making a positive impact in our industry and communities.”
As we progress through 2024, BrightStar Care has welcomed 15 new franchisees, signed 24 new franchise agreements, surpassed 400 committed franchises, and opened 16 new locations, including the entry into a new state, Nebraska. Each new franchise brings a variety of job openings across office roles, nursing, and nonmedical caregiving, providing valuable entry points for those interested in healthcare and the franchise business. BrightStar Care has also experienced significant growth through its existing franchise owners, with eight expansions achieved by acquiring new territories or existing franchises. This growth reflects the strong confidence and satisfaction current franchisees have in the BrightStar Care brand and its business model. The momentum built in the first half of 2024 positions BrightStar Care for ongoing success, with a target of 16 additional openings by the year’s end, further solidifying its leadership in the home care industry.
The Inc. 5000 class of 2024 represents companies that have driven rapid revenue growth while navigating inflationary pressure, the rising costs of capital, and seemingly intractable hiring challenges. Among this year’s top 500 companies, the average median three-year revenue growth rate is 1,637 percent. In all, this year’s Inc. 5000 companies have added 874,458 jobs to the economy over the past three years.
“One of the greatest joys of my job is going through the Inc. 5000 list,” says Mike Hofman, who recently joined Inc. as editor-in-chief. “To see all of the intriguing and surprising ways that companies are transforming sectors, from health care and AI to apparel and pet food, is fascinating for me as a journalist and storyteller. Congratulations to this year’s honorees, as well, for growing their businesses fast despite the economic disruption we all faced over the past three years, from supply chain woes to inflation to changes in the workforce.”
The Inc. 5000 class of 2024 represents companies that have driven rapid revenue growth while navigating inflationary pressure, the rising costs of capital, and seemingly intractable hiring challenges. Among this year’s top 500 companies, the average median three-year revenue growth rate is 1,637 percent. In all, this year’s Inc. 5000 companies have added 874,458 jobs to the economy over the past three years.
Founded in 2002, BrightStar Care is a national home care agency with more than 380 corporate-owned and franchised locations nationwide that provide medical and non-medical home health care services to clients and supplemental care staff to businesses. BrightStar Care corporate and franchise agencies across the country employ more than 15,000 caregivers and 5,700 registered nurses who oversee the care and safety of each individual client. BrightStar Care offers custom medical staffing solutions to corporate entities and holds national accounts with government agencies across distinct patient populations providing healthcare staff anywhere care is needed. Female-founded by Shelly Sun, BrightStar Care is committed to providing a higher standard of care through its clinical nurse-led care model. As a member of Moving Health Home, BrightStar Care also actively advocates to change federal and state policies that prevent the home from being an accredited clinical care site. Network-wide BrightStar Care agencies are Joint Commission accredited – the gold standard within the health care industry. BrightStar Care has also consecutively received The Joint Commission Enterprise Champion for Quality award for more than a decade.
As the practice expands in the coming months, additional days and hours will be added to accommodate more patients. Those on the waitlist will be contacted via email and phone to schedule their appointments. New patients are encouraged to join the waitlist by visitingnicholsortho.com.
Though a phased approach is needed to manage the demand for orthodontic care, aesthetics services are now open and accepting new clients. New patients are encouraged to contact [email protected] to book an appointment for sculptra, botox, filler, and other aesthetic services.
“Our mission is about more than just teeth; it’s about the people,” says Dr. Trevor Nichols. “We strive to provide an exceptional experience that goes beyond the chair, fostering a sense of trust and confidence in our patients. I’m beyond thrilled to be able to offer these services to this amazing community in the East Valley again and look forward to opening my door to more family.”
About Dr. Trevor Nichols
Dr. Trevor Nichols, an Arizona native and board-certified orthodontist, is celebrated globally for his transformative work and attention to aesthetic details. He completed his undergraduate studies as valedictorian at Arizona State University and earned his Doctorate in Dental Medicine at the Arizona School for Dentistry and Oral Health, where he served as class president. Dr. Nichols then completed a residency and specialty training in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, obtaining a Master’s in Orthodontics with a groundbreaking thesis on TMD. Since 2018, his dynamic lectures on fixed orthodontics and clear aligners have influenced orthodontists worldwide while he has simultaneously treated thousands of his own patients.
Ahead of opening his own practice in Gilbert, Arizona, Dr. Nichols developed an innovative approach to objective, personalized orthodontic treatment with the creation of the Nichols Smile Score. He believes his mission is about more than teeth—it’s about the people. Beyond his impressive career, he cherishes his roles as a husband to Alyssa and father to their four boys. Rooted in faith and family, and with a strong passion for fitness, he inspires others with his philosophy that “the way you do anything is the way you do everything.”
Contact Information
For more information about Nichols Orthodontics + Aesthetics, please visitnicholsortho.com or follow us on our Instagram channel, @dr.trevornichols.
For complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, location, and other criteria, go to www.inc.com/inc5000. All 5000 companies are featured on Inc.com starting Tuesday, August 13, and the top 500 appear in the new issue of Inc. magazine, available on newsstands beginning Tuesday, August 20.
“One of the greatest joys of my job is going through the Inc. 5000 list,” says Mike Hofman, who recently joined Inc. as editor-in-chief. “To see all of the intriguing and surprising ways that companies are transforming sectors, from health care and AI to apparel and pet food, is fascinating for me as a journalist and storyteller. Congratulations to this year’s honorees, as well, for growing their businesses fast despite the economic disruption we all faced over the past three years, from supply chain woes to inflation to changes in the workforce.”
i4 Search Group is a national leader exclusively dedicated to permanent placement healthcare recruiting, partnering with healthcare facilities across the United States to provide top-tier clinicians and leaders.
“At i4 Search Group, we’re driven by a singular mission: matching healthcare heroes with the full time permanent careers they deserve. Since 2020, we’ve partnered with esteemed healthcare groups nationwide, resulting in over 1,100 successful placements. As we continue to deliver high-caliber clinicians and leaders, we’re earning our credibility and the trust of healthcare groups large and small across the spectrum of care. From community hospitals to large health systems, outpatient physical therapy clinics to skilled nursing & rehabilitation facilities, diagnostic labs to imaging centers, FQHCs, home health & hospice groups, dialysis centers, and more” – Rob Dallaire, Founding Partner & President of i4 Search Group
Unlike traditional staffing agencies that often exploit healthcare shortages with high cost temporary, travel, and per diem short-term fixes, i4 offers a steadfast commitment to perm placement direct hire solutions. By focusing solely on permanent placements, we build deep, enduring partnerships with our clients, ensuring they have the talent needed to serve their communities by consistently delivering exceptional patient care.
Our innovative franchise model that is reshaping the healthcare recruiting industry. By offering franchise opportunities focused on specific geographic territories and healthcare specialties, including Nursing, Allied Health, Physician, Advanced Practice, Administrative & Leadership, and (coming in 2025) Dental, i4 is empowering entrepreneurs to make a significant impact on their local communities.
This targeted approach allows i4 market partners to develop deep-rooted connections within their chosen markets, enabling them to identify and attract top talent, especially passive candidates who may not be actively seeking new opportunities. This unique focus ensures that our partner clients have access to the high quality clinicians and leaders they need to deliver exceptional patient care.
Please visit us at www.i4searchgroup.com to start your search for a new career opportunity or to request assistance in finding the healthcare professionals you need for your facilities
Companies on the 2024 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2020 to 2023. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2020. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2023. (Since then, some on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2020 is $100,000; the minimum for 2023 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Growth rates used to determine company rankings were calculated to four decimal places.
About Inc.
Inc. Business Media is the leading multimedia brand for entrepreneurs. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of our community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating our future. Inc.’s award-winning work achieves a monthly brand footprint of more than 40 million across a variety of channels, including events, print, digital, video, podcasts, newsletters, and social media. Its proprietary Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since its launch as the Inc. 100 in 1982, analyzes company data to rank the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The recognition that comes with inclusion on this and other prestigious Inc. lists, such as Female Founders and Power Partners, gives the founders of top businesses the opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. For more information, visit www.inc.com.
Riverwood Dental offers the unique ability to address all aspects of dental health in one convenient place. Regardless of whether they are protecting, repairing or enhancing smiles, their team delivers superior, patient-centered care at every step.
ATLANTA, Aug. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Riverwood Dental is celebrated for its comprehensive approach to dental wellness, providing a full spectrum of services under one roof. This all-encompassing dental practice is dedicated to safeguarding, restoring and beautifying smiles with a commitment to exceptional, patient-focused care at every phase. Recognized for delivering state-of-the-art and efficient dental solutions to the Atlanta community, Riverwood Dental stands out for its comfortable and welcoming atmosphere suitable for all age groups. The practice has garnered numerous five-star ratings and glowing testimonials from satisfied patients, a testament to their quality care, as highlighted by Find Local Doctors, a respected online directory connecting individuals with top-rated healthcare professionals. Riverwood Dental’s broad range of contemporary dental treatments spans from preventive and restorative care to cosmetic procedures, orthodontics and beyond. Leveraging cutting-edge dental technologies, the skilled team offers an array of services, including regular cleanings, emergency repairs and aesthetic enhancements like teeth whitening, veneers and dentures. Riverwood Dental ensures a tranquil and positive dental experience, underscored by their flexible appointment scheduling and commitment to making dental care accessible and affordable for their patients.
Added Mark Lowenthal, IPA’s Executive Vice President: “We remain committed to our mission of providing objective independent specialized clinical and advisory services to our clients. We reduce costs, minimize waste, and sift through the complexities of pharmacy benefit management while improving quality of care, the member experience, and educating prescribers along the way.”
The Inc. 5000 class of 2024 represents companies that have driven rapid revenue growth while navigating inflationary pressure, the rising costs of capital, and seemingly intractable hiring challenges. Among this year’s top 5000 companies, the average median three-year revenue growth rate is 1,637 percent. In all, this year’s Inc. 5000 companies have added 874,458 jobs to the economy over the past three years. IPA ranks No. 4267 on the 2024 Inc. 5000.
For complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, location, and other criteria, go to www.inc.com/inc5000. All 5000 companies are featured on Inc.com starting Tuesday, August 13, and the top 500 appear in the new issue of Inc. magazine, available on newsstands beginning Tuesday, August 20.
“One of the greatest joys of my job is going through the Inc. 5000 list,” says Mike Hofman, who recently joined Inc. as editor-in-chief. “To see all of the intriguing and surprising ways that companies are transforming sectors, from health care and AI to apparel and pet food, is fascinating for me as a journalist and storyteller. Congratulations to this year’s honorees, as well, for growing their businesses fast despite the economic disruption we all faced over the past three years, from supply chain woes to inflation to changes in the workforce.”
More about Integrity Pharmaceutical Advisors (IPA)
Using advanced technologies, multiple and redundant clinical resources and business intelligence, IPA is a highly technical, expert, pharmaceutical benefits consulting firm, created to provide comprehensive, independent, transparent and flexible solutions to its clients focused on achieving improvement in both quality of care and member experience at the lowest net-cost.
For more information on IPA or to request interviews, please contact:
DIANT’s game changing approach to the continuous processing of nanoparticles has become the industry’s benchmark. Featuring patented turbulent jet technology, the DIANT® LARU Discovery enables lowest volume research test runs for multi-mode specification and optimization of nanoparticle processing
MANCHESTER, Conn., Aug. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — DIANT Pharma Inc. is well known for their continuous nanoparticle and LNP processing systems, which range from R&D to commercial scale with the highest yield and state-of-the-art process controls. These novel and linear scalable processing systems find wide use within the industry and regulators alike, in multiple key applications.
Addressing the needs of research applications, DIANT has introduced the LARU Discovery, a low-volume system tailored for the research requirements of both industry and academia.
“In close collaboration with our customers, understanding their evolving needs, we identified the necessity to downscale our research unit, LARU, to a smaller volume level while maintaining scalability across our extensive product line,” explains Dr. Antonio Costa, CEO of DIANT Pharma Inc. “Our innovation efforts have given rise to the LARU Discovery, a low-volume processing system. It incorporates the same highly efficient and precise turbulent mixing technology but at a reduced flow rate and hold-up volume. The positive feedback from our customers and stakeholders indicates that we have effectively met their demands once again.”
The DIANT LARU Discovery system is compact with a low footprint need, can be utilized at minimum collection volumes and has the flexibility to process and test multiple fluid and mixing modalities. It is ideal to run feasibility studies and determine the optimal fluid and operating parameter compositions at lowest hold-up volumes. The LARU Discovery is fully scalable to DIANT’s large volume processing system like the CGMP compliant LiFT system.
“We’ve been proud to support this DonorsChoose back-to-school match for over a decade. Bob Hughes, K-12 Director at the Gates Foundation said. “Teachers play such a critical role, and we’re glad to help attract new donors and help drive support for classroom needs.”
At the start of the 2023-24 school year, educator requests for supplies on DonorsChoose more than doubled, indicating how often teachers shoulder the financial burden of supporting their students’ education. In fact, based on a 2024 survey by DonorsChoose, teachers report spending an average of $610 of their own money in the school year on supplies for their students and classrooms. Out-of-pocket spending is even more for teachers of color and teachers at schools serving majorities of both students of color and students from low-income communities.
“The Gates Foundation has been an unwavering champion for public school classrooms across the U.S.,” said Alix Guerrier, CEO of DonorsChoose. “Through this initiative, students and teachers will continue to feel the public’s support as they kick off a new school year.”
ABOUT DONORSCHOOSE DonorsChoose is the leading way to give to public schools. Since 2000, 6 million people and partners have contributed $1.6 billion to support over nearly 3 million teacher requests for learning resources and experiences. As the most trusted crowdfunding platform for teachers, donors, and district administrators alike, DonorsChoose vets each request, ships the funded resources directly to the teacher, and provides thank yous and reporting to donors and school leaders. Charity Navigator and GuideStar have awarded DonorsChoose, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, their highest ratings for transparency and accountability. For more information, visit http://www.donorschoose.org.
The Inc. 5000 class of 2024 showcases companies that have achieved remarkable revenue growth while overcoming significant challenges such as inflationary pressures, rising costs of capital, and workforce dynamics. Azuca’s three-year revenue growth of 511% underscores its exceptional performance and strategic vision in a highly competitive industry.
“One of the greatest joys of my job is going through the Inc. 5000 list,” says Mike Hofman, who recently joined Inc. as editor-in-chief. “To see all of the intriguing and surprising ways that companies are transforming sectors, from health care and AI to apparel and pet food, is fascinating for me as a journalist and storyteller. Congratulations to this year’s honorees, as well, for growing their businesses fast despite the economic disruption we all faced over the past three years, from supply chain woes to inflation to changes in the workforce.”
Azuca’s patent-pending TiME INFUSION® process encapsulates individual cannabinoid molecules enabling a euphoric 5-15 minute onset of effects for consumers, and significant potency protection and integration benefits for producers. Azuca specializes in expert product development and can work with numerous ingredient applications, including a seamless integration formulation for fast-acting gummies, syrups, beverages, and chocolate.
Companies on the 2024 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2020 to 2023. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2020. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2023.
To learn more about Azuca, visit AzucaTiME.com. For complete results of the Inc. 5000, visitwww.inc.com/inc5000.
About Azuca
Since 2018, Azuca has been transforming the edibles and beverage industry with its best-in-class, fast-acting delivery systems and advanced formulations. Central to Azuca’s innovations is the TiME INFUSION® process, which encapsulates individual cannabinoid molecules making them “water-friendly” for a predictable and controllable experience similar to a smoker’s high. Azuca’s portfolio–which powers over 150 SKUs nationwide–includes CX ACTiVATOR® for the most versatile product applications, Whole-Plant ACTiVATOR® for solventless cannabinoid and terpene preservation, and RTD ACTiVATOR® (“Ready to Drink”) for enhanced potency protection in beverages. Azuca has been recognized twice on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies and featured on Forbes’ The Cannabis 42.0 list. Learn more at AZUCATiME.com and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
About Inc.
Inc. Business Media is the leading multimedia brand for entrepreneurs. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of our community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating our future. Inc.’s award-winning work achieves a monthly brand footprint of more than 40 million across a variety of channels, including events, print, digital, video, podcasts, newsletters, and social media. Its proprietary Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since its launch as the Inc. 100 in 1982, analyzes company data to rank the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The recognition that comes with inclusion on this and other prestigious Inc. lists, such as Female Founders and Power Partners, gives the founders of top businesses the opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. For more information, visit www.inc.com.
“The numbers don’t lie,” said Mike Croxson, CEO of the NFCC. “We’re witnessing a perfect storm of economic pressures pushing consumers to their limits. The rapid acceleration of financial stress in such a short period is unprecedented and demands immediate attention.”
It’s important to note that the NFCC’s data are derived from individuals seeking counseling, suggesting that the overall level of financial stress is likely even higher within the population at large.
“Time is not your friend if you are struggling to pay your creditors,” Croxson continued. “We urge anyone feeling overwhelmed by debt to seek help immediately. Nonprofit credit counseling can provide essential guidance and support to navigate these challenging times.”
The NFCC Financial Stress Forecast serves as a critical early warning indicator of potential economic instability. As consumer financial health deteriorates, it can have far-reaching consequences for the broader economy, including increased loan defaults and economic slowdown. For more details, email [email protected].
About NFCC Founded in 1951, the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) is the oldest nonprofit dedicated to improving people’s financial well-being. With a growing network of NFCC Certified Credit Counselors serving 50 states and all U.S. territories, NFCC nonprofit counselors are financial advocates, empowering millions of consumers to take charge of their finances through one-on-one financial reviews that address credit card debt, student loans, housing decisions, and overall money management. For expert guidance and advice, visit http://www.nfcc.org.
