TOPEKA (KSNT) – Finalists for this year’s Small Business Awards contest selected by area residents are being revealed Thursday.

People living in Shawnee County and Topeka were asked to share what small businesses they thought were the best of the best. The contest, hosted by GO Topeka and the Greater Topeka Partnership (GTP), is the 43rd edition for the area.

The 2024 Small Business Awards, covering seven different categories, will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 9 in the Townsite Avenue Ballroom in downtown Topeka. Guests will listen to presentations on the impact and successes of the area’s small businesses and find out which finalists head their respective categories.

To be eligible for this contest, the businesses had to be nominated, be located in Shawnee County and have 100 or fewer employees. Award categories and their respective finalists include:

  • Emerging Innovation Award
    • Bloomfield Physical Therapy
    • LifeTech Sciences
    • Love Life Sciences
  • Micro Enterprise Award
    • AO NOLA Praline Candy
    • Flying Fish Divers
    • Whaynes Herbs and Natural Products
  • Young Entrepreneur Award
    • Circle Coffee Co.
    • EcoFresh Power Wash
    • H&H Designs
  • Woman-Owned Small Business Award
    • Cohort.Digital
    • Onyx Salon and Wellness Spa
    • The Brownstone
  • Minority-Owned Small Business Award
    • King Auto Glass
    • Milk & Honey Coffee Co.
    • Patterson Family Child Care Center
  • Veteran-Owned Small Business Award
    • 8 Iron Therapy
    • Curb Appeal
    • Once Upon a Party KS
  • Small Business Manufacturer Award
    • Automation Controls
    • Stevenson Company

“We’re thrilled to be able to recognize some of the innovative small businesses and entrepreneurs who call Topeka/Shawnee County ‘home,’” said Stephanie Norwood, director of entrepreneurship and small business for GO Topeka. “Our 20 finalists are local examples of small businesses excelling in their industries and putting Topeka on the map along the way. We can’t wait to announce the winners and know this is going to a Small Business Awards to remember. Congratulations to all!”

To attend the 43rd annual Small Business Awards ceremony, buy tickets using this link. Tickets start at $60.

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