Honoring the Success of America's Leading Local Enterprises
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world's largest business organisation and network, has announced that applications for the 2025 CO-100 are now open. This prestigious awards program, which celebrates the contributions of small businesses across America, is another way the U.S. Chamber supports these vital enterprises.
The CO-100 recognises 10 businesses as best in class across 10 different categories: Growth Accelerators, Community Champions, Micro-Business Leaders, Champions of Adaptability, Customer Champions, Global Stars, Tech Innovators, Enduring Businesses, The Disruptors, and Culture Champions. Honorees will receive a one-year membership to the U.S. Chamber, media exposure, networking opportunities, and VIP access to a premier event in October at the historic headquarters of the U.S. Chamber in Washington, D.C.
To be eligible for the 2025 CO-100 program, applicants must be a legal resident of the United States, operate as a for-profit entity, have been operational for at least one year prior to May 4, 2024, have fewer than 250 employees or less than $20 million in gross revenue, and not have previously been named to the CO-100.
The application process involves several steps. First, applicants must check their eligibility by answering a few questions about their business. Next, they will share basic details about the business and provide information about their 2023-2024 revenue. Applicants can then select three to five categories from a list of ten that best represent their business's strengths and answer a mix of multiple-choice and open-response questions related to these categories. Finally, they will complete the online application.
The rewards for the CO-100 are substantial. Semi-finalists will receive a one-year paid U.S. Chamber of Commerce membership (a $250 value). Finalists will receive a $2,000 cash prize, and the grand winner will receive $25,000. Honorees will also participate in a gala dinner where special guests will help recognise America's Top 100 Small Businesses.
Small businesses employ nearly half of the entire American workforce and represent 43.5% of America's GDP. America's small businesses are celebrated for their contributions to innovation, growth, and ingenuity locally and globally. The U.S. Chamber represents the full spectrum of the American business community, with 90% of its members being small businesses and state and local chambers of commerce.
For more details and FAQs about the CO-100, visit the U.S. Chamber's website. Applications for the CO-100 are currently open, and the deadline for submissions is July 25, 2025. Chambers of commerce and trade associations are encouraged to refer businesses to the program.
- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, being the world's largest business organization, has opened applications for the 2025 CO-100, an awards program that honors small businesses across America for their contributions.
- The CO-100 recognizes 10 businesses as best in class across various categories, offering winners benefits such as a one-year membership to the U.S. Chamber, media exposure, networking opportunities, and VIP access to a premier event.
- To be eligible for the CO-100, businesses must meet specific criteria: they must be legal residents of the United States, for-profit entities, operational for at least a year prior to May 4, 2024, have fewer than 250 employees or less than $20 million in gross revenue, and not have previously been named to the CO-100.
- The application process for the CO-100 involves several steps, including checking eligibility, sharing business details, selecting categories, answering questions, and completing the online application.
- Small businesses, which employ nearly half of the American workforce and account for 43.5% of the country's GDP, are celebrated for their significant role in innovation, growth, and the economy. The U.S. Chamber, representing 90% of its members as small businesses and state and local chambers of commerce, supports these enterprises.
