Please note: The application period for the 2024 CO—100 is now closed. Good luck to all applicants! Be the first to receive information and updates about the program as well as the upcoming October event by subscribing to our newsletter.
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The CO—100 is an awards program run by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that recognizes and celebrates America’s Top Small Businesses.
This exclusive list honors businesses that excel and stand out in 10 categories: Growth Accelerators, Community Champions, Micro-Business Leaders, Champions of Adaptability, Customer Champions, Global Stars, Digital Innovators, Enduring Businesses, The Disruptors, and Culture Champions.
From exciting networking opportunities to brand exposure, read on for the top 10 reasons why businesses all over the country are vying for a place on our exclusive list.
[Click here to submit your application for CO—100!]
1. $25K award for one business
Ten finalists will be chosen from the CO—100, and each will receive a $2,000 award. One business will receive $25,000 and the title of “America’s Top Small Business of the Year.”
2. Additional awards (+ free U.S. Chamber of Commerce membership!)
Each of the 100 businesses that make the CO—100 list will receive a one-year paid U.S. Chamber of Commerce membership (valued at $250), providing resources, advocacy, and support, as well as recognition at our awards ceremony.
America’s Top Small Business of the Year will also receive a promotional video played during the award ceremony and a feature article on CO—.
3. Nationwide recognition
Being part of the CO—100 means being on our exclusive list of the top 100 small and mid-sized businesses in America. It is a chance to showcase your company’s excellence to countless viewers, as well as gain opportunities for networking and brand recognition.
4. Networking opportunities
Completing your application opens doors to valuable networking opportunities—connecting with industry experts, thought leaders, and fellow entrepreneurs. You’ll also meet and learn from the most successful small business owners in the nation, including winners from past years’ award programs like America’s Top Small Business and Dream Big Awards, also hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
5. Media and brand exposure
Businesses that make the CO—100 list could be featured across hundreds of print, radio, and broadcast news outlets. Each of the 100 businesses will also receive a dedicated business listing on CO—, and have opportunities to be featured, quoted, and included in published articles on our website.
Ten finalists will be chosen from the CO—100, and each will receive a $2,000 award. One business will receive $25,000 and the title of “America’s Top Small Business of the Year.”
6. An exclusive invite to Washington, D.C.
Our CO—100 awards ceremony and gala will take place at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters in Washington, D.C. this fall. At the event, the CO—100 will enjoy a night of food, drinks, and networking with guests, including previous winners, Chamber executives, members of our distinguished judging panel, as well as our celebrity guest, three-time Olympian and gold medalist, mom, and small business owner, Dominique Dawes.
To stay on top of updates pertaining to CO—100 and the awards gala, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter, Midnight Oil.
7. Exclusive meet and greet with Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes
The CO—100 will have an exclusive meet and greet with Dominique Dawes, the three-time Olympian and gold medalist, mom and small business owner who will share her story of grit and perseverance and how those qualities pushed her to the top of her sport and, later, led to the launch of the successful Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academies.
8. Exposure to our elite judging panel of 30+ leaders and influencers
You don’t even need to be named to the CO—100 to gain exposure and publicity for your business! Just by entering, your company will gain the attention of our judging panel, which consists of a wide range of small business experts, influencers, and journalists, as well as startup founders, distinguished C-suite executives, and U.S. Chamber leadership. Click here to view the full list of judges.
9. Exclusive perks from our sponsors
CO—100 is presented by T-Mobile, with additional sponsorship from Dell Technologies, FedEx, Square, Iron Mountain, and Walmart Business. CO—100 honorees will potentially have access to exclusive offers and benefits from our sponsors, as well as opportunities to network with them and learn more about how their offerings are designed to help small businesses succeed.
10. Opportunity to appear in U.S. Chamber of Commerce events
In addition to the invitation to attend our premier event and awards gala, CO—100 businesses will also receive opportunities to participate in future events as part of our small business panel. Experts on this panel share insights and learned experiences on topics ranging from hiring, technology, and supply chain, to customer service, employee satisfaction, and community engagement.
Additional information pertaining to CO—100
Please note that the deadline to submit your application for CO—100 is Monday, July 22, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Click here for the terms and conditions, awards, and program rules. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter, Midnight Oil, where we will be announcing all updates, including the date of the awards ceremony.
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