Press Release

Guidant Financial Group Makes Inc. 5000 list for the Second Straight Year, Thanks to 321% Three-Year Growth

Bellevue, Wash. (Sept 18, 2009) – Due to its rapid and significant growth, Guidant Financial Group ranked number 945 on the  2009 Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. This is Guidant's second year on the list after reaching number 384 in 2008.  Guidant enables investors to purchase real estate, franchises, small businesses, tax liens and other alternative assets though their small business financing and self-directed IRA solutions.

In addition to being ranked number 945 overall, Guidant was ranked number 41 in the Financial Services category, and number 26 in the Top Businesses in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area category.

According to Inc. magazine, which sponsors the annual Inc. 500 and Inc. 5000 lists, the rankings are determined by the percentage of revenue growth from 2005 through 2008. To qualify, companies must be U.S.-based, privately held, independent, for-profit businesses that – as of December 31, 2008 – had at least $200,000 in revenue in 2005 and $2 million in 2008.

“This represents 321 percent growth in top-line revenues over a three-year period,” says Guidant’s Co-Fouder David Nilssen. “To be included on this list for the second year in a row is a phenomenal accomplishment – one our staff should be very proud of.  We feel really honored to be among the entrepreneurial companies included on this prestigious list.”

In addition to the being number 384 and 945 on the last two Inc. 5000 lists, Guidant’s substantial growth and respected industry leadership have been recognized through other top awards, such as the 2008 U.S. Chamber of Commerce Blue Ribbon Small Business award; 2008 and 2009 Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist; 2007 Sixth Fastest-Growing Private Small Business in Washington State; 2007 U.S. Chamber of Commerce Northwest Regional Small Business of the Year; and 2007 Small Business Administration National Young Entrepreneurs of the Year (to Guidant’s cofounders).

“If you want to find out which companies are going to change the world, look at the Inc. 5000,” says Inc. magazine’s Editor Jane Berentson. “These are the most innovative, dynamic, fast-growing companies in the nation.” Companies such as Zappos, Intuit, GoDaddy, Jamba Juice, American Apparel and Oracle gained early exposure as members of the Inc. 500.

Complete information on this year’s Inc. 5000, including company profiles and a list of the fastest-growing companies that can be sorted by industry and region can be found at http://www.inc5000.com.

About Guidant Financial Group

Guidant Financial Group provides investors with safe and innovative options to invest for their retirement futures. Guidant is the premier provider of self-directed IRAs and business funding solutions through an individual’s IRAs and 401(k)s. Guidant's services allow investors the freedom to make alternative investments in real estate, franchises, businesses, tax liens and more. For more information on self-directed IRAs or small business financing please visit www.guidantfinancial.com.

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