Small Business Celebration Candidates' Showcase Returns to Union Station; Welcomes 60+ Small Businesses

For the first time in three years, KC’s small businesses will be back in person for the Small Business Celebration Candidates’ Showcase. The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome candidates at the Candidates’ Showcase, Thursday, April 21, 5 – 7 p.m. in Union Station’s Grand Plaza.

More than 60 small businesses will participate and have a display table to showcase their products and services as they compete for Small Business of the Year and the coveted Mr. K Award. This is the first in-person Showcase since 2019. Candidates took part in a virtual showcase the past two years because of COVID.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Small Business Celebration candidates back,” said Vicky Kulikov, Director of Small Business. “Small businesses have faced unprecedented challenges since 2020. Being able to be in person again is a great way the community can show their support, for businesses to connect with each other."

This event is open to the public. Tickets can be purchased here for $10, and include food, two drink tickets, and complimentary parking in the four-story Union Station Parking Garage.

This event is the first of several events that are part of the Small Business Celebration, which is recognized as one of the largest chamber small business celebrations in the country. On April 29, the KC Chamber will announce the Top 10 Small Businesses. The Small Business of the Year will then be named June 15 at the Small Business Awards Luncheon, along with the specialty awards: the Emerging Business Award, the Small Business Equity Award, the Weida Award for International Small Business of the Year, and the Legacy of Kansas City Award.

2022 Small Business Programming Presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City and Evergy. Our CEO Sponsor is Honeywell. Our Candidates’ Showcase Presenting Sponsor is American Century Investments. Our Top 10 Announcement Presenting Sponsor is UMB Bank. Our Top 10 Reception Presenting Sponsor is Bank Midwest. Our Awards Luncheon Presenting Sponsor is Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Our Executive Sponsor is CommunityAmerica Credit Union. Our Partner Sponsor is H&R Block. Our Associate Sponsors are Arvest Bank, Country Club Bank, Enterprise Bank & Trust, Mazuma Credit Union, Menlo and US Bank.