Mr K contenders: KC chamber reveals 10 finalists for Small Business of the Year award

Ten Kansas City companies — ranging from tech startups, apparel and experience brands to standout, hands-on small businesses — are officially in the running for the Chamber’s top honor: the prestigious Mr. K award.

The finalists were announced Friday morning on social media with surprise reveals filmed Thursday alongside media sponsor Startland News, following a two-day virtual showcase this week that saw 40 entrepreneurs presenting their ventures to a panel of judges.

Click here to watch Friday’s announcements on the Chamber’s Twitter feed.

“Small businesses are the backbone of Kansas City. It has been an incredibly challenging year and it’s so exciting to see these great small businesses thriving,” said Joe Reardon, president and CEO of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. “We were so impressed and wowed by all of our candidates this year, across all industries.”

Menufy team Zoom photo

Among the finalists (listed in order of their reveals): 

• Love to Smile Dentistry
• Menufy
• Chicken N Pickle
• Parrish & Sons Construction
• Swell Spark
• Crux
• Midwest Recovery Centers
• Charlie Hustle
• Hartline Construction
• Artisan Technology Group

Two additional companies — Appliance 911 and NetStandard — were recognized Wednesday as Honeywell Fan Favorite Winners following the 40-business showcase. As honorees, the duo will be awarded the opportunity to do an Instagram takeover on the Chamber’s account, as well as be featured in a member spotlight.

Click here to watch Day 1 of the Chamber showcase or here to watch Day 2.

Up next: An even bigger reveal arrives during the June 24 Small Business Celebration Awards Luncheon, at which the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is set to announce the winner of the Small Business of the Year “Mr. K Award” — named for Ewing Marion Kauffman, known widely as “Mr. K.” 

To be selected as Small Business of the Year signifies that a company has shown growth or sustainability of their business with strong employee relations and a record of giving back to the community, while prioritizing diversity and inclusion, according to the Chamber.

Click here to read about the 2020 Mr. K Award winner, ProAthlete.

The luncheon at the Downtown Marriott will be in-person for candidates and sponsors, and live-streamed to the public.

Click here to register for the 2021 Small Business Celebration virtual event.

In addition to Small Business of the Year, the following specialty awards are set to be presented:

• Emerging Business Award
• Small Business Equity Award
• Weida Award for International Small Business of the Year
• Legacy of Kansas City Award

Editor’s note: Startland News is a non-financial partner of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, and a nonprofit member of the business organization.