Updated
September 09, 2026
Published
May 08, 2026
CO—100 is the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s premier awards program recognizing the top 100 small businesses in America. Each year, we identify and honor companies that are driving innovation, strengthening communities, and redefining what’s possible for small businesses.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and CO— have announced the 2026 CO—100, recognizing 100 outstanding small businesses from across the country. Selected from more than 12,000 applicants, this year's honorees represent the best of American entrepreneurship, demonstrating exceptional growth, innovation, resilience, and commitment to their customers and communities.
Honorees are selected across ten categories, ranging from tech innovation and company culture to community impact and global expansion. This program goes beyond growth alone — CO—100 recognizes the ideas, leadership, and resilience behind truly exceptional businesses.
The CO—100 honors small businesses that are driving innovation, creating opportunity, and strengthening communities across America. Explore the full list of this year's honorees and learn more about the businesses shaping what's next.
The 2026 CO—100 By the Numbers
Collectively, this year's honorees:
- Generate more than $340 million in annual revenue
- Employ more than 2,500 workers
- Represent 36 states and Washington, D.C.
- Span 15 industries
- Include members of more than 40 local chambers of commerce
These businesses showcase the innovation, optimism, and growth that continue to drive the American economy forward.
What’s Next
Honorees will gather in Washington, D.C., from October 19-21 for the CO—100 VIP Experience. During the celebration, 10 category winners will receive $2,000 awards and one company will be named the CO—100 Top Business of the Year and receive a $25,000 award.
CO—100 Honoree Benefits
All 100 small businesses selected for the CO—100 receive:
- A free U.S. Chamber small business membership
- Expanded visibility
- Community-building and networking opportunities
- A business listing and content placements on CO— , the Chamber's award winning digital platform
- VIP access to the CO—100 awards experience in Washington, D.C.
10 Businesses Will Be Named Top Honorees
Ten of the CO—100 businesses will be recognized as best in class across 10 categories of business excellence.
Small business owners can enter in up to five award categories, from innovation and marketing to global expansion and company culture. The ten categories are:
- Growth Accelerators
- Community Champions
- Micro-Business Leaders
- Champions of Adaptability
- Customer Champions
- Global Stars
- Tech Innovators
- Enduring Businesses
- The Disruptors
- Customer Champions
The 10 businesses each will receive $2,000 and a feature article on the CO— website, visited by over 4.7 million people a year for guidance to run and grow their companies.
One Business Will Be Named CO—100 Top Business
One company will be named the “CO—100 Top Business” and receive $25,000, a feature article on CO—, dedicated social posts, newsletter spotlights, and priority access to national media opportunities.
CO— Small Business Day
The 2026 applications were announced at CO— Small Business Day, which featured experts and entrepreneurs sharing their best insights on accelerating growth, including Dwayne Myers of Dynamic Automotive, the 2025 CO—100 Top Business.
Applications for next year’s CO—100 will open in Spring 2027.
The U.S. Chamber serves and supports more than 5 million small businesses through membership, our nationwide federation of state and local chambers, and digital platforms—giving small businesses representation, resources, and a powerful voice at national scale.
The CO—100 is part of the U.S. Chamber’s robust portfolio of programs for small businesses. Learn more here.
Small Business at the U.S. Chamber
About the author
Lindsay Burton
Lindsay (Cates) Burton is a director on the communications team. She leads strategic communications for member marketing partnerships and small business advocacy programs. She previously worked as a writer and editor at U.S. News and World Report.
