Applications are now closed
Stay tuned for updates regarding the 2024 CO— 100
The Premier Awards Program for Small Business
Applications for the 2024 CO— 100 are now closed. The CO—100 is an exclusive list of the 100 best and brightest small and mid-sized businesses in America. These are businesses to watch — driving innovation, growth, and ingenuity in their communities and around the world. Our awards program celebrates more than just your business’s bottom line; we care about your ideas, challenges, community, company culture, customers, and overall growth.
Be the first to receive information and updates about the program as well as the upcoming October event by subscribing to our newsletter.
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.
Our Expert Panel
We’ve carefully selected a distinguished panel of business and media experts to judge the CO—100. Learn more about our judges here.
10 Categories Honoring the Best Small Businesses in America
Each applicant will have the opportunity to opt into up to five categories.
Growth Accelerators
Awarded to the business that demonstrates the most creative and effective strategy for growth. This could involve unique marketing tactics, product innovation, or exceptional customer service strategies.
Community Champions
This category honors businesses that have not only grown but have also positively impacted their local community. This could be through job creation, community service projects, or by fostering a strong community around their business.
Micro-Business Leaders
This award recognizes small businesses with 1-5 employees that have built a profitable and thriving business while remaining small and nimble.
Champions of Adaptability
Honoring businesses that have overcome significant challenges or adversity in the past. This category celebrates grit and determination.
Customer Champions
This category focuses on businesses that have shown exceptional customer service or have significantly increased their customer base through unique engagement strategies.
Global Stars
Awarded to a business that has successfully entered new international markets or significantly increased its global footprint over the past year.
Digital Innovators
Recognizes businesses that have effectively incorporated new technologies or automated solutions to scale their operations, improve the customer experience, or innovate their product/service offerings.
Enduring Businesses
For businesses that have shown long-term growth and sustainability over many years. Should be for companies in business for more than 10 years.
The Disruptors
For businesses that have introduced or created a brand-new product or service or have built a company that innovates beyond traditional business structure or typical ways of doing business. The business itself or how the business is structured should be ground-breaking, new, or creative in nature.
Culture Champions
For businesses that have built a vibrant and rewarding company culture and leveraged it to attract and retain employees who have together built a profitable and successful company through hard work, dedication, and commitment to the business’s goals and growth.
10 Reasons to Apply for the CO— 100
The CO— 100 is the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s expanded small business awards program. Read on to find out more about the program and how to apply.
CO— 100: Terms & Conditions, Awards, and Program Rules
A complete guide to the terms and conditions, awards, and program rules surrounding the 2024 CO— 100.
2024 Presented By:
Thank You to Our Sponsors:
The annual list of CO— 100 includes thriving, successful companies that are committed to growing the American economy and supporting their local communities.
2023 Winners and Finalists
Our 2023 small business awards highlighted seven finalists, including one grand prize winner, among a notable group of 70 honorees from across the United States. These businesses, all evaluated on characteristics such as business growth, ability to overcome challenges, innovative strategies for success, and community engagement, have distinguished themselves as trailblazers in the small business community.
Elderly Instruments
Elderly Instruments, the grand prize winner of our 2023 America’s Top Small Business awards contest, not only sells musical instruments but strives to make music more accessible.
2023 Finalists
Our seven finalists of 2023 stood out among a robust group of applicants as small businesses that represent innovation, resilience, determination, and a commitment to creating jobs and supporting their communities.
Highlights from the 2023 Award Gala
Read the Stories of the 2023 Finalists
Latest Content
The CO— 100 is the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s expanded small business awards program. Read on to find out more about the program and how to apply.
A complete guide to the terms and conditions, awards, and program rules surrounding the 2024 CO— 100.
Two of the 2023 America’s Top Small Business finalists share tips for small business owners who want to build a team of employees who love what they do.
Is artificial intelligence the great equalizer? Google’s Matt Madrigal discusses how AI can transform small businesses at the America’s Top Small Business Summit.
At the 2023 America’s Top Small Business Summit, Cory Kampfer, Co-President of Small Business Lending at Enova, explored some of the myths and realities of applying for small business loans online.
A panel of small business owners at our America's Top Small Business Summit share how they've built trust, connections, and, as a result, have loyal communities supporting each of their businesses.
Small businesses nationwide are grappling with how to pivot for inflation, combat retail crime, and navigate the workforce shortage.
Two of the 2023 America’s Top Small Business finalists share how they successfully pivoted their operations to grow and thrive.
During the 2023 America’s Top Small Business Summit, Walmart and Meta heads discussed digital advancements to accelerate small business growth.
U.S. Chamber CEO Suzanne Clark lauds small business champions and advocates for trade opportunities in her inspiring keynote at America’s Top Small Business Summit.
