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.
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.
How to Apply for the CO—100 List
The U.S. Chamber is looking for America’s top small businesses to apply for the CO—100. The exclusive list of the 100 best and brightest small businesses in America is chosen by a panel of esteemed judges, backed by the world’s largest business organization and network.
The CO—100 comprises the nation’s most successful small businesses that are driving innovation, growth, and ingenuity in their communities and around the world. We are looking for America’s top digital innovators, customer champions, growth accelerators, disruptors, and global stars.
The CO—100 honors the small businesses doing big things — driving innovation, growth, and impact locally and globally. Small business owners can enter in up to five award categories.
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.
Details and Eligibility
To be eligible for the CO—100, a business must have fewer than 250 employees or gross revenues of less than $20 million for both 2024 and 2025.
Eligible small business owners can apply for the CO—100 online here through July 23, 2026.
More details and FAQs can be found here.
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.
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.
