The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is looking for “America’s Top Small Business” of 2023. The awards program, hosted in partnership with CO—, the Chamber’s digital resource center for small businesses, celebrates America’s small business owners who are making a meaningful contribution to the economy and job creation and embody the spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship, and initiative.
The opening of the applications was announced during today’s CO— Strategy Studio: Small Business Day event, which featured small business leaders and experts sharing insights and expertise on today’s most pressing topics for small business owners.
Ten small businesses will be named as semi-finalists for each of seven U.S. regions (see list below) and recognized at a local ceremony and across media. The highest-scoring business in each region will be named a regional finalist and go on to compete for the title of “America’s Top Small Business” and win a $25,000 cash prize. Small businesses will be evaluated on their answers to 10 questions about their business growth, contribution to the local economy, innovation, successful business strategies, and community engagement.
All 70 regional finalists will receive a one-year paid membership to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and be featured on the CO— website, which serves 20,000 business owners per day and over six million people a year from across the U.S. and around the world. In October, the finalists will be celebrated at an award ceremony at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's historic headquarters in Washington, D.C. and America’s Top Small Business will be announced.
Eligible small business owners can apply for the awards online here through July 7, 2023.
“Small business owners across the country embody the values of America, including a strong work ethic, a commitment to innovation, and a spirit of service. Their entrepreneurship and resilience contribute immeasurably to our local communities and national economy,” said Suzanne P. Clark, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “In addition to serving small businesses through policy advocacy, convening entrepreneurs to strengthen their networks and share best practices, and providing valuable resources to help people start, run and grow their business, the Chamber is also proud to recognize and celebrate their accomplishments and inspire the next generation of America’s entrepreneurs.”
The top small businesses will be chosen from the following regions:
Eastern Region
- Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Washington D.C.
Great Lakes Region
- Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania
Midwest Region
- Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin
Northwest Region
- Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming
Southeastern Region
- Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia
Southwest & South Central Region
- Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Western Region
- Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah
The deadline for applications is Friday, July 7, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. There is no fee to apply. More information on contest rules, regulations, and eligibility can be found here.
photo: Getty Images