KC Chamber’s Superstars celebration empowers everyday small business heroes
March 1, 2024 | Nikki Overfelt Chifalu
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.
The Blueprint KC has come a long way, said Sheraz Pompey, emphasizing the meaningful impact of being showcased as one of the KC Chamber’s Small Business Superstars.
Victoria Campbell Osborne, The Scented Webb; Rickey Leathers, Savvy Salon KC; Vicky Kulikov, Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce; and Jannae Gammage, Foresight; at the KC Chamber’s Small Business Superstars reception; photos by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News
“I’ve come through a lot of hurdles with managing time and finances,” Pompey, co-owner and designer of the Grandview boutique, explained Thursday evening at a celebration event for the 2024 Superstars. “It’s amazing being recognized because of all that I went through: us opening during COVID, coming out of it, still having a business today. It’s amazing. So for me, it’s a humbling experience.”
The Blueprint KC is one of about 2,000 Small Business Superstars — all for-profit businesses with fewer than 250 employees, headquartered in Greater Kansas City — honored this year in the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s initiative for emerging, Main Street, and startup ventures.
Check out photos from the event below.
“I think it’s empowerment for me,“ said Kenyata Gant, owner of Pink Lipps Cosmetics, about the importance of being recognized as a Superstar, especially as a woman. “No hate, no woman left behind, pull them up, encourage them in everything every day.”
About 500 entrepreneurs attended a reception — complete with networking, remarks from Chamber executives, several local vendors, a DJ, and a 360-degree photo booth — Thursday night at Town Pavilion in downtown Kansas City.
“It’s really important to set aside time just for celebrating small businesses,” noted Vicky Kulikov, small business director for the KC Chamber and lead coordinator of the Superstars program, now in its fourth year. “Nothing else is expected of these business owners, other than to let them know that we as an organization know they’re doing great work and the small business community is here to support them in whatever way we can.”
Small Business Superstars in the 2024 class are now eligible to become Chamber members if they currently aren’t, and able to apply for the 2024 Small Business of the Year “Mr. K” Award or one the Chamber’s specialty awards, such as emerging business or the first-time Luminary Arts and Creative Small Business Award.
RELATED: KC Chamber adds honor for artists, creatives to its awards lineup
Award applications are open now through March 20, culminating with the Chamber’s 2024 Small Business Celebration in June, where winners are announced.
Click here to learn more about the 2023 Small Business Celebration winners.
Featured Business
2024 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Fund Me, KC: Brewkery hopes to tap support for healthy Kombucha
Editor’s note: Startland News is continuing its new segment to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses. This is an opportunity for entrepreneurs to share their stories to gain a little help from their supporters. If you or your startup is running a crowdfunding campaign, let us know by contacting news@startlandnews.com Who are you?…
Setting global record, more than 200 celebrate KC Coworking Day (with photos)
Coworking hard? Or hardly coworking? That was the question I asked myself amongst a crowd of about 200 local entrepreneurs, artists, government officials, nonprofit workers and community members who gathered Wednesday at the spacious Plexpod: Westport Commons to set the world record for the most people coworking in one place at the same time. As…
VIDEO: Startup leaders talk KC Startup Foundation (plus bloopers)
So, what exactly is the Kansas City Startup Foundation? For one, it is a foundation. Secondly, it involves startups. And last but not least, it serves Kansas City. If you have ever found yourself confused about what exactly the Kansas City Startup Foundation does and which programs it offers, then the video below is for…
Survey: KC small businesses lack action on diversity, inclusion efforts
For many small business people and entrepreneurs, working outside the corporate world has its perks. Some like the nimble nature of a small team, as well as the death of the cubicle. Others appreciate the adrenaline that comes with taking risks. Aside from the benefits, a recent study suggests that smaller businesses in Kansas City…