The 2014 Seven Small Jewels: Seven To Watch

When it comes to our Seven Small Jewels award, suffice to say that we get many, many nominations for just seven spots. So, it stands to reason that several stood out in the eyes of our editorial committee. For one reason or another, these seven firms didn't quite make the final cut this year, but they certainly stood out enough to be recognized as our Seven to Watch in 2014 and beyond.

CAIMAN CONSULTINGThis Redmond, Wash.-based multi-service high-tech and retail firm, with an additional office in San Jose, Calif., grew revenue 25 percent last year and is forecasting more than 20 percent growth this year. One of the most attractive and colorful feathers in this perennial Best Small Firm to Work For's cap is finding more than $1 billion in new revenue for one of its clients.LYONS CONSULTING GROUPThis Chicago-based IT firm is exclusively focused on retail, not exactly the highest growth market of late. But don't tell that to the Lyons Consulting Group, which grew revenue to 25 percent in 2013 and is forecasting another 25 percent in 2014. And, Lyons Consulting Group only increased headcount by about 7 percent last year.

MULTICARE CONSULTING SERVICESMultiCare Consulting Services grew revenue by 30 percent last year and is forecasting another 20 percent growth by the end of this year. This IT and Operations healthcare firm, which is based in Chicago and has additional offices in Denver and Tacoma, Wash., has found a niche in the healthcare industry by providing both technical and operational expertise.NAVIGATEThis multi-service, multi-industry consulting firm based in Wayne, Pa., grew revenue some 42 percent in 2013 and is forecasting another 65 percent growth in 2014. However, it only expects to add about 20 more staff. Safe to say, if Navigate achieves these lofty 2014 goals, it'll find itself as one of our 2015 Seven Small Jewels.