Small Business Celebration

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.

2026 Small Business Superstars

Nominate your favorite small business by Wednesday, November 5.

See Our Superstars

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!

Five additional awards are presented at this Luncheon including:

The KC Chamber Emerging Business Award (< 3 years in business)
The KC Chamber Small Business Spirit of Inclusion Award
The KC Chamber Weida Award for International Small Business of the Year
The KC Chamber Legacy of Kansas City Award (15+ years in business)
The Luminary Arts & Creative Small Business Award

Dulcinea Herrera, Café Corazón; Miel Herrera of Café Corazón holding the Mr. K Award; Curtis Herrera, Café Corazón

Elizabeth Danforth, Evergy, presenting; Melissa Morley of encompas holding the Legacy of Kansas City Award; Amy Wright; Julie Sayers; Susan Kidd

Dan Smith, Porterhouse KC, presenting Vu Radley, Alex Harris, Mark Launiu, and Jesse Phouangphet of MADE MOBB with the Small Business Spirit of Inclusion Award

Rachel Crabb, KCNSC, presenting Bret Brooks, Gray Ram Tactical, with the Weida Award for International Small Business Of The Year

Annie McGinnis, Vine Street Brewing, presenting Isaac Collins & Rachel Collins of Fifth & Emery Frozen Yogurt & Chocolate with the Emerging Small Business Award

Dana Knapp, Artskc, presenting Ricardo Alvarez and Isaac Tapia of IT-RA ICONS with the Luminary Arts & Creative Small Business Award

Award Applications:

Apply by Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

Small Business of the Year Award

Including the Small Business Spirit of Inclusion Award, Weida Award for International Small Business, and Legacy of Kansas City Award.

GUIDE

APPLY

EMERGING BUSINESS AWARD

For businesses three years old or less.

GUIDE

APPLY

THE LUMINARY ARTS & CREATIVE SMALL BUSINESS AWARD

GUIDE

APPLY

The exposure a small business gains from participating in the Small Business Celebration is unequaled in the KC region. Everyone wants to support thriving small businesses!

Events Include:

VIRTUAL Small Business Celebration Application Workshop

Learn more about applying for the Small Business Awards

Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 9-10 a.m.

Small Business Application Workshop

Learn more about applying for the Small Business Awards

Tuesday, March 11, 2025, 3-4 p.m.

Small Business Candidates’ Showcase

Expo of candidates for Small Business Awards

Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 5-7:30 p.m.

Virtual Top 10 CEO Panel

Meet the Top 10 and learn from their experiences 

Friday, May 5, 2026, 9-10 a.m.

Small Business Awards Luncheon

Help us honor the winners of the 6 awards

Wednesday, May 27, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Candidate Criteria:

In order to be a Top 10 or Small Business Award candidate, your company must meet the following criteria:

Must be a for-profit business headquartered in the Greater Kansas City area
Employ no more than 250 full-time equivalent employees
Be committed to good business practices
Have grown or sustained employee count and/or sales
Have a good history of employee relations
Must be a member of the KC Chamber by the time of application.

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.

Learn More

Questions About Small Business Celebration

Contact Vicky Kulikov to learn more about the KC Chamber’s Small Business Celebration.

Email Vicky