FROM THE KC CHAMBER’S PRESIDENT AND CEO
Small businesses are the heart of Greater Kansas City. They create jobs, bring new ideas to life, invest in our neighborhoods and give our communities their unique character. Behind each one are entrepreneurs and dedicated teams whose hard work, determination and commitment help our regional economy thrive. At the KC Chamber, we believe those contributions deserve to be celebrated. That’s why we’re inviting you to help us recognize our 2027 Small Business Superstars.
You know who these Superstars are. They’re the neighborhood favorites you recommend to friends, the entrepreneurs turning great ideas into successful businesses and the companies that consistently go above and beyond for their customers and communities. They’re also the businesses finding innovative ways to grow, overcoming challenges and creating opportunities for others. They may be small in size, but their impact is anything but.
And we need your help recognizing them! Eligible businesses must be headquartered in the Greater Kansas City area, employ 250 people or fewer, have been in operation for at least one year and maintain a website and/or social media presence. KC Chamber membership is not required, and you can submit as many deserving businesses as you’d like.
Superstars receive special recognition, promotional resources and an invitation to our Superstar Soiree on January 14, where we’ll celebrate the businesses helping make Greater Kansas City such a great place to live, work and do business. Small businesses do big things for our region every day. Let’s make sure they get the recognition they deserve. Submit your 2027 Small Business Superstars today!
NEIGHBORHOOD NETWORKING AT KC CURRENT LANDING
Start your Friday with great conversations, new connections and beautiful riverfront views! Join us for Neighborhood Networking at KC Current Landing on Friday, October 30, from 8:30 to 10 a.m., hosted at River’s Edge Residences (1400 E Riverfront Dr., KCMO).
Located within Current Landing, River’s Edge Residences bring luxury apartment and townhome living to Kansas City’s riverfront. Enjoy a morning of networking with fellow business and community professionals while exploring this exciting new residential development, designed around comfort, connection and stunning views of the Missouri River.
The morning includes opportunities to build relationships, brief remarks, a raffle and tours of the property. Whether you’re reconnecting with familiar faces or expanding your professional network, Neighborhood Networking offers a welcoming way to start your day. KC Chamber members and nonmembers are welcome, so register today and make plans to join us!
THE CAREGIVER LENS: BUILDING EMPATHY IN THE WORKPLACE
Creating a workplace where everyone can thrive means recognizing the responsibilities employees carry beyond the office. Join the KC Chamber and the Center for Disability Inclusion (CDI) on Tuesday, November 3, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the KC Chamber Board Room (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO) for The Caregiver Lens: Building Empathy in the Workplace, the fourth and final session of the 2026 Foundations of Disability Inclusion workshop series.
Through interactive, game-based activities, case studies and a panel discussion featuring Sharon Cummings of American Century Investments, Emma Benezette of Hallmark and Juli Grace of Commerce Bank, participants will explore how caregiver perspectives can help organizations strengthen employee retention, workplace flexibility, innovation and belonging.
Designed for professionals across industries and organizations of all sizes, this workshop offers practical strategies for building more supportive, inclusive workplaces. The session takes place in the KC Chamber Board Room at Union Station. Register today and discover how empathy can make your workplace stronger!
CENTURIONS | INFORMATION SESSION
Great leaders never stop learning, and some of the most valuable lessons happen beyond the office. If you’re ready to deepen your understanding of Greater Kansas City, expand your professional network and make a difference in our community, the KC Chamber’s Centurions Leadership Program may be your next step.
Join us Wednesday, November 4, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at Equal Minded Café & Event Center (4327 Troost Ave., KCMO) for a Centurions Information Session and learn what makes this immersive, two-year leadership development program so impactful. Discover how Centurions connects emerging leaders with the people, places and issues shaping our region through hands-on learning, community engagement and lasting relationships.
Whether you’re considering applying or simply curious about the program, this session is an opportunity to ask questions, connect with program representatives and explore how Centurions can help you grow personally and professionally. Register today!
PUT AI TO WORK FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS
Artificial intelligence can be a powerful tool for small businesses, but knowing where to start can feel like one more thing on an already full to-do list. The KC Chamber is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to bring Small Business B(AI)sics back to Kansas City on Wednesday, November 4, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the KC Chamber Board Room at Union Station (30 W. Pershing Rd., KCMO). This national initiative, supported by Google, offers free, practical AI training to help small businesses grow and remain competitive.
In this in-person session, participants will learn to use accessible AI tools to tackle real business challenges, from improving marketing and customer engagement to streamlining operations, boosting productivity, and making informed decisions. Topics include customer service, scheduling, content creation, data analysis and more. Designed for small business owners and entrepreneurs across industries, the training requires no previous AI or technical experience. Bring a laptop or tablet and questions about your business challenges. The training is free, but space is limited, so register today!