Strength in numbers: Chamber’s Superstars bench surges to 2,500 KC small businesses

Editor’s note: The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is a non-financial partner of Startland News, which serves as the media partner for the Small Business Superstars program.

A new round of nominations and submissions have brought the KC Chamber’s roster of Small Business Superstars to more than double its initial size — further amplifying the work of Main Street and startup entrepreneurs to overcome a slew of obstacles, said Vicky Kulikov.

“The response to the Small Business Superstars program has been tremendous since Day 1,” said Kulikov, small business director for the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. “The challenges haven’t let up for these small businesses, but their resilience and creativity continue to stand out with their customers, clients, and the Chamber. It’s incredible to see them grow and find continued success in our community.”

Click here to read how the Small Business Superstars effort plays into the KC Chamber’s strategic imperative on inclusive prosperity — through the eyes of entrepreneur Tamara McConnell and her private bartending business, Breathe Beverages.

Now in its third year, the Superstars program not only highlights the 2,500 businesses recognized for 2023, but also opens access to exclusive Chamber resources, digital marketing tools, and networking opportunities. A private reception for this year’s Superstars is planned for late February at lightwell.

The 2023 Superstars come from a mix of community nominations and self submissions.

Click here for a full list of 2023 Superstars, a group that ranges from restaurants and design firms to high-tech startups and makers, and all industries and verticals in between.

“It’s hard to feel like a startup after nine years, but apparently time flies when you’re having fun,” said Laura Steward, founder and CEO of VideoFizz, in a LinkedIn message announcing her video content creation company’s inclusion in the Superstars program. “We are honored to have been nominated by our clients and customers alike.”

Click here to learn more about VideoFizz.

Vicky Kulikov, Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce

“Superstardom” can be a path to the KC Chamber’s Top 10 Small Businesses or even Small Business of the Year, Kulikov noted. (In 2022, three Superstars went on to be named to the Top 10.)

The next steps for a Superstar to continue on in the Chamber’s celebration season would be to update their membership status and then submit a Small Business Awards application before March 15. 

Click here to apply for the KC Chamber’s Small Business of the Year Award or here to apply for the Emerging Business of the Year Award.

The KC Chamber Small Business Celebration has been a business community mainstay for more than 30 years. It’s recognized as one of the largest Chamber small business celebrations in the United States. The Small Business of the Year receives the coveted Mr. K Award, named for Ewing Kauffman, entrepreneur and philanthropist.

Click here to read about the 2022 Small Business of the Year.

To be named Small Business of the Year signifies that a company that has shown growth or sustainability of their business with strong employee relations, a record of giving back to the community, and prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion.