The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's CO-100 branding is prominently displayed and signage outside the Chamber headquarters building.
The entrance to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters was transformed with CO—100 branding to welcome attendees. — U.S. Chamber of Commerce

The CO—100 is an awards program recognizing the most innovative small businesses across the country. Each year, that recognition is brought to life in Washington, D.C., where Honorees are celebrated through a multi-day VIP experience filled with exclusive sessions, curated experiences, and evening events. Take a look at the highlights from our 2026 event—and imagine what it could look like for your business.

[Looking to learn more about the CO—100? Click here to learn more!]

A grand arched entrance features blue wall panels with the text "America's Top 100 Small Businesses" and "U.S. Chamber of Commerce CO-100."
CO—100 branding was prominently displayed inside and outside the U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters over the course of the event. — U.S. Chamber of Commerce

October 19, 2026: An Evening at the Decatur House

Our signature CO—100 event kicked off with a night of good food, cocktails, and networking at the historic Decatur House in Washington, D.C.

A group of people socialize under a large, transparent tent adorned with string lights, surrounded by brick flooring and comfortable seating.
CO—100 Honorees celebrating and mingling on the patio at the Decatur House. — U.S. Chamber of Commerce
A CO-100 Store display featuring tote bags, jewelry, and other merchandise arranged on shelves and tables under warm lighting.
The CO—100 store featured curated swag items donated by a range of businesses, including past CO—100 Honorees and event sponsors. — U.S. Chamber of Commerce

October 20, 2026 (AM): Master Classes & Tours of the Capitol 

For the daytime portion of October 7, Honorees got to experience exclusive master classes as well as a chartered tour that took them to the Capitol.

A speaker addresses an audience in a formal setting, with large screens displaying "CO-100" and a quote about storytelling.
Attendees explored how to craft and communicate a compelling brand story that resonates with customers and sets their business apart. — U.S. Chamber of Commerce
A speaker presents at a conference titled "Small Business bAIscics: AI for Small Businesses," with attendees seated at tables in a formal room.
Attendees were able to train in Small Business bAIsics—an AI training presented by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and Google geared toward small business owners. — U.S. Chamber of Commerce

[Curious about our free AI training for small business owners? Click here to learn more and enroll!]

A speaker stands before an audience in a conference room, addressing attendees at an event presented by The Juilliard School and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce CO-100 program.
This master class focused on building clear, confident communication skills to better connect with customers, teams, and partners. — U.S. Chamber of Commerce
A large group of people poses for a photo on the steps of the U.S. Capitol Building under a clear blue sky.
CO—100 Honorees were taken on a private tour of the United States Capitol, including visits to the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. — U.S. Chamber of Commerce

October 20, 2026 (PM): Night of 100 Stars Awards Gala

The evening brought attendees together at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters for a gala honoring the CO—100 and their standout accomplishments.

An elegant banquet hall with round tables set for a formal event, illuminated by ornate chandeliers and a stage displaying "Night of 100 Stars" with American flags.
The "Night of 100 Stars" gala celebrates the CO—100 Honorees as a whole, as well as announces the 10 Top Honorees and the Top Small Business of the Year. — U.S. Chamber of Commerce
A speaker stands on a stage at a formal event called "Night of 100 Stars," addressing an audience seated at banquet tables in an ornate hall with chandeliers and large arched windows.
The gala took place in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Great Hall, where a central stage anchored the room and hosted a lineup of programming, including fun, interactive games. — U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Six individuals pose on stage at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce CO-100 awards ceremony, holding a large ceremonial check for $25,000 awarded to Trade Design Build.
New York-based Trade Design Build was awarded the CO—100 Top Business of 2026. — U.S. Chamber of Commerce

October 21, 2026: CO—100 Daytime Forum 

The CO—100 Forum featured a day of expert-led panels, with executives and business owners sharing insights and answering audience questions.

Two individuals in suits are engaged in a discussion on a stage, with one gesturing while speaking, an American flag visible to the left, and a blue backdrop displaying "10-100" text.
U.S. Chamber Chief Policy Officer Neil Bradley and David Feinberg, SVP of Risk and Insurance at Justworks, take the stage to share insights and perspectives during a panel discussion. — U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Two individuals are seated on a stage, engaged in a discussion during the Small Business Forum CO-100 event.
Neil Bradley also joined CO—’s Jeanette Mulvey for a Small Business Update to discuss key issues impacting small businesses. — U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Two individuals engage in a discussion on a stage at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce CO-100 Small Business Forum.
Bill Jewell, Chief Technology Officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, sat down for a discussion with Walter Jackson, Executive Vice President of U.S. Merchant Services at American Express. — U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Two individuals engage in a discussion on a stage at the Small Business Forum, with branding for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce CO-100 event visible behind them.
Christa Pitts, Co-Founder of The Lumistella Company, joined Elizabeth Peterson, Executive Director of Marketing at CO— by U.S. Chamber of Commerce, to discuss the company's journey and the lessons entrepreneurs can apply to their own businesses. — U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Two individuals are seated on a stage at the Small Business Forum CO-100 event, engaged in a discussion with a green backdrop featuring tree imagery.
Barbara Thau, Senior Editorial Director of Features at CO— by U.S. Chamber of Commerce, sat down with Cris Turner, Global Head of Knowledge & Information Products at Google, to discuss how AI is reshaping the marketing playbook. — U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Two individuals in suits are seated on a stage, engaged in a discussion during the Small Business Forum CO-100 event.
Tom Sullivan, Senior Vice President of Small Business Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, sat down with Cui Arroyo, Vice President of Customer Acquisition & Commercialization at Walmart Business, for a discussion. — U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Two individuals engage in a discussion on a stage at the Small Business Forum, with branding for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and its CO-100 program visible behind them.
Joseph Carr, Founder of Josh Cellars, joined Jeanette Mulvey, Editor-in-Chief of CO— by U.S. Chamber of Commerce, to discuss the experiences behind his success and the lessons entrepreneurs can apply to their own businesses. — U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Learn more about the CO—100

Inspired by what you see? Click here to learn more about the CO—100 and apply to become part of a community of forward-thinking small businesses recognized for their impact, innovation, and growth. Applications for for next year will open in spring 2027.

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