The U.S. Chamber of Commerce seeking small businesses who are change-makers, innovators, and problem solvers are invited to apply to their 20205 CO—100 award program. Selected small businesses doing big things to drive growth and ingenuity, both locally and globally, can earn their spot on the CO—100 list of America’s top small businesses. Your business can be nominated for up to five award categories spanning a broad range of specialties, including tech innovation, marketing excellence, global expansion, longevity, and company culture. The deadline to apply for the 2025 CO—100 award program is July 7, 2025.
This awards list honors small businesses that excel and stand out in the following 10 categories — Growth Accelerators, Community Champions, Micro-Business Leaders, Champions of Adaptability, Customer Champions, Global Stars, Tech Innovators, Enduring Businesses, The Disruptors, and Culture Champions.
From exciting networking opportunities to brand exposure, read on for the top 10 reasons why small businesses all over the country are vying for a place on the US Chamber’s CO— Top Business 2025.
1. $25K award for one business
Ten businesses (titled “Top Honorees”) 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 “CO— Top Business 2025.”
2. Additional awards (+ free U.S. Chamber of Commerce membership!)
Every business that submits an application for the CO—100 will receive a one-year paid U.S. Chamber of Commerce membership (valued at $250), providing resources, advocacy, and support.
All CO—100 honorees will receive a business profile on CO—. Our top 10 honorees, as well as the CO—100 Top Business 2025, will receive special recognition at our award ceremony in the fall and will be featured in articles 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.
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, and members of our distinguished judging panel.
To stay on top of updates pertaining to CO—100 and the awards gala, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter, Midnight Oil.
7. Be a part of the CO—100 community
Join last year’s CO—100 in an exclusive community of business owners who help craft CO— content and events and get exclusive opportunities to be features in articles and at CO— events. This community grows every year and you’ll meet new businesses as each new CO—100 cohort joins the group.
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.
9. Exclusive perks from our sponsors
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.
Visit the 2025 CO—100 award program webpage for the terms and conditions, awards, and program rules.