PROVO — Seven young Provo-based companies earned awards from the Utah Valley Entrepreneurial Forum.

Agel, BEKO & Associates, Renasis, Rocketship, RockWell, Seastone and Your Home Advocate were recognized among the top 25 businesses on the Wasatch Front that are less than five years old.

Competing companies are judged based on profit, growth, equity funding, job creation and job quality.

Three of the Provo businesses — BEKO & Associates, Renasis and RockWell — received early financing and support from the Business Development Corporation of Provo (BDC), a nonprofit sponsored by the city's Economic Development/Redevelopment Department.

The Provo Business Development Corporation offers small business loan financing for entrepreneurial businesses in Provo. Members and staff of the BDC also offer mentoring for these new businesses, and help connect them with additional financing options, potential local suppliers and customers, and educational and training resources.

BDC portfolio companies also participate in the monthly BDC Xcelerator, a forum where entrepreneurs meet, share ideas, network and spend time with local business experts in building strength and capability within their businesses.