The chamber prides itself on an independent judging panel that includes small business stakeholders, corporations, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, KCSourceLink and the previous year’s winner. The CEO panel and on-site visits help determine the final winner.

This year's Top 10 Small Businesses are: 

• Amply Media
• Cherry Co.
• Chicken N Pickle
• J. Rieger & Co.
• McLain’s Markets Inc.
• Messenger Coffee
• Prairie Elder Care
• Pro Athlete, Inc.
• Signal Theory
• Traders Insurance