One of our favorite things to do at the KC Chamber is give regional businesses the public kudos, recognition and encouragement that they deserve. We do this every year for amazing small businesses, companies that serve as role models in diversity and inclusion, and businesses that are going the extra mile to create a healthy workplace.
The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 2024 Small Business of the Year is Walz Tetrick Advertising! President & CEO Charlie Tetrick accepted the award June 13 at the Chamber’s Small Business Celebration Awards Luncheon.
Each year at the POWER of Diversity Breakfast, the KC Chamber presents the Champion of Diversity Award, recognizing a regional business that has made an impactful commitment to embrace diversity in their workplace, diversity supplier partnerships, and the community. This Champion of Diversity business will be able to demonstrate their organizational practices are inclusive of all people. The 2024 Champion of Diversity is H&R Block.
The Small Business Equity Award recognizes a small business who exemplifies diversity, equity and inclusion in their workforce, business practices, and efforts in the community.
We are Taliaferro & Browne (T&B), an award-winning, multi-disciplinary professional service firm specializing in civil & structural engineering, landscape architecture, survey, and inspection. For over 56 years, we have taken pride in providing work that strengthens urban connectivity and improves the overall quality of life. How do we do it? It’s simple: our people are invested, our partnerships are valued, and our projects are proven.
This award recognizes a company that is less than three years old and demonstrates a high level of entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, perseverance, innovation and determination.
We are driven by a relentless commitment to our vision of a world without funding barriers. As a pioneering force in small business lending, we specialize in delivering turnkey lending and credit solutions tailored to fintechs, lenders, and SaaS companies so that they can deploy capital to those that need it, when they need it.
This award will go to a small business that recognizes the importance of entering the international marketplace and succeeds in creating a global footprint for our region.
Shark OFF takes proven, effective shark repellent technology and embeds it in attractive, affordable wearable safety devices.
The Legacy of Kansas City Award honors longevity of 15 years or more in business within the KC region, with a proven record of providing quality products and/or services in the greater Kansas City metro.
Pro Athlete fosters a dynamic workplace by blending passion for sports with a vibrant culture. They encourage teamwork, innovation, and creativity, integrating fun in the workplace while being renowned for their product expertise and customer service. Pro Athlete creates an engaging environment where employees thrive and enjoy their work.
The Luminary Arts & Creative Small Business Award celebrates artist-founded and/or artist-run businesses that produce original work and products and who maintain individual ownership of its intellectual property.
Wandering Bud is a ceramic design and production studio that focuses on bringing highly aesthetic smokeware into the home. Made by hand for the design-conscious cannabis consumer, our ceramic wares compliment home decor, hit like a dream and clean easily.
This award goes to a company that has shown growth or sustainability of their business with strong employee relations and a record of giving back to the community.
In addition to the Small Business of the Year Award, the KC Chamber now presents four additional awards for small business excellence. These awards are announced at the conclusion of the Small Business Celebration, the KC Chamber’s Small Business Awards Luncheon, each May.
Legacy of Kansas City Award: This award is directed towards honoring longevity, quality products and/or services, and community service in small businesses more than 15 years old in the Kansas City region.
Small Business Equity Award: The Small Business Equity Award recognizes a small business who exemplifies diversity, equity and inclusion in their workforce, business practices, and efforts in the community.
Emerging Small Business of the Year Award: This award recognizes a company that is less than three years old and demonstrates a high level of entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, perseverance, innovation and determination.
Paul Weida Award for International Small Business of the Year: This award will go to a small business that recognizes the importance of entering the international marketplace and succeeds in creating a global footprint for our region. (first awarded in 2016)
In order to be a Top 10 or Small Business Award candidate, you must meet the following criteria:
In order to be a part of this opportunity, you will need to prepare a few items for your award application:
The application is available now. For questions regarding the Small Business Awards Application, call (816) 374-5458 or email kulikov@kcchamber.com
The exposure your company gains from participating in the Small Business Celebration is unequaled in the KC region including a complimentary exhibit table at the Candidates’ Showcase event, features in various media outlets, and visibility in KC Chamber publications and website. The Top 10 Small Businesses also participate in a CEO panel discussion to share best practices and insights on successes, obstacles, and company achievements with KC leaders. Additionally, you’ll become well connected with fellow nominees and Small Business Award alumni.
Overall, the small business awards process provides your company the opportunity for brand exposure, access to key business leaders, team camaraderie, and strategic planning. Be sure to give the application a look. Even if you don’t think you’d qualify for Small Business of the Year, you may find yourself in the running for one of our additional awards. The Candidates’ Showcase networking alone and Chamber connections you’ll make through the process can be most valuable.
Legacy of Kansas City Award: This award is directed towards honoring longevity, quality products and/or services, and community service in small businesses more than 15 years old in the Kansas City region.
Emerging Business Award: This award recognizes a company that is less than three years old and demonstrates a high level of entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, perseverance, innovation and determination.
Small Business Equity Award: This award recognizes a small business who exemplifies diversity, equity and inclusion in their workforce, business practices, and efforts in the community.
Paul Weida International Small Business Award: This award will go to a small business that recognizes the importance of entering the international marketplace and succeeds in creating a global footprint for our region. (first awarded in 2016)
The Luminary Arts & Creatives Small Business Award: This award will go to an artist founded and/or artist-run businesses that produce original work and products and who maintain individual ownership of its intellectual property.
The KC Chamber loves to help small businesses make important connections and find appropriate resources to help their companies grow. You can start by contacting Vicky Kulikov, Director of Small Business, at (816) 374-5458 or kulikov@kcchamber.com.
The 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.
Small businesses who align with the KC Chamber will find their voice amplified in Washington D.C., Jefferson City, Topeka, and KCMO City Hall. You can browse our Public Policy Agendas to learn more about the Chamber’s specific small business priorities.
Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
30 West Pershing Road, Suite 301
Kansas City, MO 64108-2423
(816) 221-2424
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.
