The KC Chamber’s Small Business Celebration is a series of events that supports and celebrates the small business community within the Kansas City region. It is recognized as one of the largest Chamber small business celebrations in the United States.
Nominate your favorite small business by Wednesday, November 5.
Our Celebration is a series of events where people and companies show support for the small business community within the Kansas City region, resulting in a highly competitive selection of Top 10 Small Businesses. One of these Top 10 companies is judged to be Small Business of the Year and receives the coveted Mr. K Award, named for Ewing Kauffman, entrepreneur and philanthropist, at the Small Business Awards Luncheon. To be named Small Business of the Year signifies that a company has shown growth or sustainability of their business, with strong employee relations, a commitment to diversity and a record of giving back to the community.
Apply by February 18, 2026!
Apply by Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Including the Small Business Spirit of Inclusion Award, Weida Award for International Small Business, and Legacy of Kansas City Award.
For businesses three years old or less.
Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 9-10 a.m.
Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 3-4 p.m.
Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 5-7:30 p.m.
Friday, May 5, 2026, 9-10 a.m.
Last week of May 2026. (Exact date TBD.)
Joe Reardon, President and CEO of the KC Chamber; Amber Reed, Owner, Resolve – Counseling & Wellness, with the Mr. K Award; Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, President and CEO of Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.
Leonard Graham, Co-Owner, Taliaferro & Browne LLC, holding the Legacy of Kansas City Award; Hagos Andrebrhan, Co-Owner, Taliaferro & Browne; Peter Flynn, Senior Director, Investor Relations and Insurance, Evergy, presenting.
Curtis Herrera, Co-Owner, Cafe Corazon; Miel Herrera, Co-Owner, Cafe Corazon; Dulcinea Herrera holding the Small Business Spirit of Inclusion Award, Co-Owner, Cafe Corazon; Karis Harrington, KC G.I.F.T. presenting.
In order to be a Top 10 or Small Business Award candidate, your company must meet the following criteria:
Your application responses will determine your eligibility for any of our additional Small Business Awards and will trigger additional questions for Legacy, Spirit of Inclusion, or International, if applicable.
Learn more and find a FAQ about the KC Chamber’s Business Awards.
Contact Vicky Kulikov to learn more about the KC Chamber’s Small Business Celebration.