That question is answered as the finale to the annual Small Business Celebration and follows a months-long process that includes a detailed questionnaire, interviews, and business showcase.
The Top 10 Small Businesses are selected based on the criteria of success exemplified by famed KC entrepreneur Ewing Kauffman: stability/profitability in business; strong employee relations; a commitment to community service; and diversity.
The Luncheon highlights all Top 10 Small Businesses, culminating with the announcement of the Mr. K Award winner as the Small Business of the Year. In addition to the Mr. K Award, there are now five additional small business awards presented at the Luncheon.
2024 – Walz Tetrick Advertising
2023 – Parrish & Sons Construction
2022 – Chicken N Pickle
2021 – Charlie Hustle
2020 – Pro Athlete
2019 – TREKK Design Group
2018 – Lead Bank
2017 – Alpha Energy & Electric
2016 – k12itc
2015 – BNIM
2014 – Bishop McCann
2013 – Copaken Brooks
2012 – Boulevard Brewing Company
2011 – SFP
2010 – Athletic Rehabilitation Center (now ARC Physical Therapy⌿)
2009 – Kansas City Internal Medicine
2008 – Sunlighten™ (formerly Sunlight Saunas™)
2007 – ViraCor
2006 – Hoefer Wysocki Architects
2005 – S&M NuTec, LLC
2004 – LaserCycle InkCycle, Inc.
2003 – Datacore Marketing
2002 – Strickland Construction
2001 – CommuniTech.Net
2000 – SKC Communication Products Inc.
1999 – Missouri Bank & Trust Company of Kansas City
1998 – Marketing Associates International
1997 – Gould Evans Affiliates
1996 – Worth Harley-Davidson
1995 – Robert D. O’Byrne & Associates Inc. (now CBIZ)
1994 – Phelps Tool & Die Co., Inc.
1993 – Bagel & Bagel Inc. (now Einstein Bros. Bagels)
1992 – OTR Express Inc.
1991 – Big Bob’s Used Carpet Shops of America Inc. (now Big Bob’s Outlet)
1990 – PB&J Corporation
1989 – Kansas City Valve & Fitting Co.
1988 – Cerner Corporation
1987 – Nicholson Kovac
1987 – Blankinship Distributors Inc.
Legacy of KC Award – Pro Athlete
Small Business Equity Award – Taliferro & Browne
Emerging Small Business Award – Cyphr
Weida International Business Award – Shark OFF
Luminary Arts & Creative Small Business Award – Wandering Bud
Legacy of KC Award – Quantum Resource Professionals
Small Business Equity Award – Resolve Counseling and Wellness
Emerging Small Business Award – NvisionKC
Weida International Business Award – J. Rieger & Co.
Legacy of KC Award – DEMDACO
Small Business Equity Award – Parrish & Sons Construction
Emerging Small Business Award – Bliss Books & Wine
Weida International Business Award – KENZEN
Legacy of KC Award – Sunlighten
Small Business Equity Award – The Next Paige Agency
Emerging Small Business Award – The Market Base
Weida International Business Award – Sunlighten
Legacy of KC Award – BNIM
Diverse Small Business Award – Cherry Co.
Emerging Small Business Award – BMG Advisors
Weida International Business Award – UltraTech Aerospace
Legacy of KC Award – The Roasterie
Diverse Small Business Award – Weave Gotcha Covered
Emerging Small Business Award – Üdo
Weida Internaitonal Business Award – DataLocker
Legacy of KC Award – The Robert E. Miller Group
Diverse Small Business Award – Veracity Consulting
Entrepreneur – Chicken N’ Pickle
International – Orbis Biosciences
Legacy of KC Award – Andrews McMeel Universal
Diverse Small Business Award – Webb Technology Group
Entrepreneur – J. Rieger Co.
International – Alpha Energy & Electric
Legacy of KC Award – Newmark Grubb Zimmer
Diverse Small Business Award – DuBois Consultants, Inc.
Entrepreneur – blooom
International – Doodlekit
Legacy of KC Award – Curry Real Estate Services
Diverse Small Business Award – Whitley Construction Company
Entrepreneur – ClaimKit
Legacy of KC Award – Ace Imagewear
Diverse Small Business Award – Alpha Energy and Electric
Entrepreneur – Snow & Co.
Legacy of KC Award – IDD InStore Design Display
Diverse Small Business Award – Technology Group Solutions
Entrepreneur – Centric Projects
Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
30 West Pershing Road, Suite 301
Kansas City, MO 64108-2423
Membership in the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce aligns your company with the region’s largest and most influential Chamber and immediately strengthens your ability to succeed.