SOUTHPORT, CT, March 09, 2016 /-DiversityBusiness.com, the nation’s leading multicultural business website, today announced the Div500, the 16th annual listing of the nation’s top 500 African American owned businesses. Ranging in revenue size from $20 million to over $1 billion, the companies listed on the Div500 represent the nation’s top companies and challenge the long-held notion that African American businesses are small or insignificant.

At the top of 2016’s Div500 are four distinguished companies with over $1 billion in annual revenues: World Wide Technology based in  St. Louis, MO; ACT-1 Group based in Torrance, CA; Bridgewater Interiors L.L.C. based in Detroit, MI; and RLJ McLarty Landers Automotive, based in Little Rock, AR.

This year's list also includes companies that are led by some of most prominent African American entertainment icons which include: Russell Simmons, Tyra Banks, Shawn "JAY Z" Carter, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Sean John Combs, and Venus Williams. 

Over 1,500,000 businesses in the United Sates had the opportunity to participate in the 16th annual business survey. Companies selected were based upon a set of criteria which includes: reviewing each entrant’s business profile, website and gross annual sales submitted. Div500 award reflects DiversityBusiness.com's annual "Top Business List" which receives over 20 million viewers annually.  

The “Top Business List” offers the most comprehensive look at the strongest segment of the United States economy - America's privately held companies. These companies are the most recognized and respected which truly differentiate themselves in our indeterminate market place. This esteemed list has been highly coveted by corporations, government agencies and educational institutions who desire to increase opportunities with African-American businesses.

"Many small businesses as well as 'Corporate America' in general, are facing challenging times and must become more creative in our pursuit to remain competitive and successful said Dionisio Ortiz, President & CEO of Corporate Document Solutions, Inc. DiversityBusiness.com has continued to recognize Hispanic-Owned businesses throughout the years and has been instrumental in assisting my firm, Corporate Development Solutions. Having been included the prestigious 'Top 500 Hispanic-Owned Businesses' for 8 consecutive years has been an honor and a testament to our team and DiversityBusiness.com."

"It has been quite an honor to be ranked among DiversityBusiness.com's top businesses said Gloria Bohan, President & CEO of Omega World Travel. This recognition has opened up the door for a number of opportunities with Fortune 500 corporations. It is also an honor to be included among a remarkable group of entrepreneurs from across the United States."

The winning companies will be honored during a special awards ceremony at DiversityBusiness.com’s "16th Annual National Summit", taking place April 26, 2016 at Time Warner Center in New York, New York.

To purchase the list, please Contact US  

The Div500
The Div500 is a classification that represents the top privately-held businesses in the U.S., in sectors such as technology, manufacturing, food service and professional services. Major corporations, government agencies and college/universities throughout the country which do business with diverse and women-owned businesses use the list. The Div500 is produced annually by DiversityBusiness.com, the nation's leading multicultural B2B Internet portal that links large organizational buyers to multicultural product and service businesses.

“The Div500 companies are the unsung heroes of American economy” said Kenton Clarke, President & CEO of DiversityBusiness.com. These are the entrepreneurs that have conquered the hurdles and made the sacrifices, building and strengthening their communities, providing jobs and helping to keep the fabric of the U.S. economy together.”

For the complete list of winning companies, please visit: www.DiversityBusiness.com

Press Contact: | Quantise Rodgers | DiversityBusiness.com | Director of Communications | Contact Us |