Company: Development Theory, LLC
Nomination Submitted by: Development Theory
Company Description: At Development Theory, we specialize in empowering small business owners across the United States to achieve their growth and exit goals. With a unique blend of business valuation, strategic growth planning, and exit planning, we provide comprehensive consulting services tailored to the needs of entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.
Nomination Category: Company / Organization Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Company of the Year - Business & Professional Services - Small
 Nomination Title: Development Theory’s Impact on Small Business Consulting
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes in length about the achievements of the nominated organization since January 1 2023, OR written answers to the questions for this category? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the nominated video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this first question: Briefly describe the nominated organization: its history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 180 words used.
Development Theory, founded by Miranda Kishel, is dedicated to empowering small business owners with high-quality business valuation, growth consulting, and exit planning services. Recognizing that traditional business valuations can be lengthy, expensive, and inaccessible for many small businesses, Development Theory set out to redefine the industry by creating a client-centered, efficient, and affordable alternative. With Miranda’s extensive background in finance, valuation, and strategic consulting, the firm quickly established a reputation for delivering reliable, actionable insights that go beyond standard valuations.
Historically, Development Theory has focused on providing accessible and insightful consulting services, allowing clients to make strategic, data-driven decisions to grow and enhance their businesses’ value. By emphasizing transparency, client education, and measurable results, the firm has become a trusted partner for small business owners across the United States. In 2023, Development Theory introduced a proprietary online platform, a leap forward in the industry, which allows valuations to be completed in two to three weeks instead of the typical three to six months. This innovation represents the company’s commitment to setting new standards in business valuation for small business owners.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this second question: Outline the organization's achievements since the beginning of 2023 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 202 words used.
Since January 2023, Development Theory has achieved remarkable success in making business valuation services more accessible, efficient, and valuable for small business owners. Key achievements include:
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Launch of a Proprietary Valuation Platform: The new platform enables clients to access high-quality business valuations in just a few weeks, a fraction of the traditional timeline, at an affordable price. This innovation offers small businesses timely insights for critical growth and financing decisions.
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High-Profile Recognition: Development Theory’s unique approach and impact have been spotlighted in Forbes, Yahoo Finance, and Associated Press, establishing its brand as a leader in modernizing valuation services.
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Awarded the 2024 Stellar Business Award: Recognized as a top small business services provider in the U.S., further solidifying Development Theory’s reputation for delivering quality, client-focused valuation solutions.
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Client Education and Empowerment Initiatives: Development Theory launched comprehensive educational resources within its platform, helping business owners understand their valuation data and apply it to enhance business value.
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Top-Rated on Clutch: Achieved high rankings in multiple categories, including Business Valuation Services, Intangible Assets Valuations, and Litigation Valuations, reinforcing its industry leadership and dedication to client satisfaction.
These achievements highlight Development Theory’s transformative impact on business valuation, demonstrating a commitment to client empowerment, innovation, and accessibility.
- If you are providing written answers for your submission, you must provide an answer to this third question: Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the organization's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 187 words used.
Development Theory’s achievements in 2023 represent a breakthrough in business valuation. Traditionally, high-quality valuations are costly and time-intensive. Development Theory’s proprietary platform, however, reduces this timeline to just a matter of weeks and significantly lowers costs, making valuations accessible for small businesses that would otherwise be priced out of the market.
Compared to industry standards, Development Theory’s model is both time-efficient and affordable, without sacrificing quality. This approach addresses a critical gap in the market, where traditional valuation firms typically serve only larger businesses with substantial resources. By offering affordable, high-quality valuations, Development Theory provides small business owners with essential insights they can use for growth, funding, or succession planning—impactful changes for businesses that depend on timely financial data.
This level of client-centric innovation has also propelled Development Theory’s visibility, earning mentions in top publications, which validate its unique approach. Additionally, its recognition on Clutch and its Stellar Business Award further underscore the company’s influence and success in setting a new benchmark for client-focused business valuation services. In 2023, Development Theory has proven that business valuation can be accessible, efficient, and empowering for all small business owners.
- You have the option to answer this final question: Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 135 words used.
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Development Theory Website: Additional information is provided on the company's website.
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Forbes Article: "Miranda Kishel Leads Development Theory in Modernizing Valuation Services" – This article highlights Development Theory’s innovations in business valuation, detailing how its platform accelerates the valuation timeline, making the process accessible and efficient. Link to Article
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US Reporter Article: "Development Theory’s Unique Valuation Process" – Featured in US Reporter, this article emphasizes the user-friendly design of Development Theory’s platform and its client-centered approach, reinforcing the company’s commitment to making business valuation accessible for small business owners. Link to Article
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CEO Weekly Article: "Streamlining Business Valuations with Development Theory" – CEO Weekly underscores the significance of Development Theory’s streamlined valuation process, highlighting how it provides critical financial insights to small business owners without the traditional long waits and high costs. Link to Article
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