Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce

Mr K finalists: Diversity is a strength, but the vibes defining these Top 10 businesses don’t stop there

Yes, 80 percent of the finalists for this year’s Small Business of the Year Award are ventures run by women, Karen Crnkovich acknowledged, but it’s not just their owners’ gender that put them in the top-tier of contenders for the coveted “Mr. K” honor. “There are eight really brilliant, smart ladies on the stage,” said…

Meet the Small Biz of the Year finalists: KC Chamber surprises Top 10 Mr K contenders

The Kansas City Chamber just unveiled its hotly anticipated Top 10 finalists for the 2024 Small Business of the Year honor — surprising leaders from a wide range of industries with their tickets to the next round of the city’s most prestigious business competition. “This year, 60 candidates applied for awards, and we were awed…

Showcase showdown: KC Chamber rallies ‘Mr. K competitors, but small biz owners say it feels more like family

The husband-wife duo behind Kansas City-based Shark OFF appreciate the local entrepreneurial ecosystem so much that they actually list it as one of their startup’s co-founders, Geoff Geist shared. “We would not exist if it weren’t for this community,” said Geist, the co-founder and COO of Shark OFF, which offers shark repellent bracelets that are…

Empowered belonging: KC Chamber celebrates inclusive workforce efforts with diversity honors

Diversity is a strength; equity is the objective; and inclusion is the path that unites individuals together, said Amy Lee Sewell. The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce awarded Lockton Companies its 2023 Champion of Diversity award at the annual POWER of Diversity Breakfast. The event brings together the region’s diverse business community to celebrate…

Votes are in: ‘Fan favorite’ winners bake in support at KC Chamber showcase; Top 10 coming April 21

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. Two Black- and women-owned ventures were named “fan favorites” Tuesday in a public vote that followed this week’s Small Business Showcase at Union Station. The honors are…