About the 25 Under 25 ® Awards
Awards Criteria & Selection Process
Nominated companies must meet the following criteria:
- Employ fewer than 25 full-time employees (or full-time equivalents)
- Operate a for-profit business for three or more years
- Be located within the Greater Kansas City area
Nominations are accepted from the business community from August to mid-October each year. Qualified nominees complete an application and provide additional support materials that are reviewed by a panel of third-party judges from the business community. The panel of judges reviews the applicants and selects the final 25 honorees according to the following:
- Financial stability
- Ability to overcome obstacles/adversity/challenges
- Community involvement/service
- Distinguishing or defining characteristics/qualities
- Company vision
Nominations for the 2011 awards will open on August 2, 2010.
The 25 finalists are announced in mid-December, and events are scheduled throughout the following February and March to honor the finalists. Honorees are profiled in a special 25 Under 25® supplement in the February issue of KC Small Business and invited to be guests on the “Smart Companies” radio show. In addition, a pre-gala dinner is held for the honorees in mid-February. The events will culminate in a black tie optional awards dinner and gala held in February 2011, featuring a cocktail reception, Wall of Fame, dinner and awards presentation.
Special Print Supplement
KC Small Business will print a special 25 Under 25® supplement in the February 2011 issue of its monthly magazine.
For information about placing congratulatory ads or messages to the honorees, please contact an account executive at (913) 432-6690 or send an e-mail to
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.
Pre-Gala Recognition Dinner
A pre-gala recognition dinner for the 25 honorees, sponsors, judges, and the 25 Under 25® advisory committee is held in mid-February each year. This dinner is an opportunity for the 25 finalists to meet fellow honorees and others associated with the 25 Under 25® event. By invitation only.
Click here for photo highlights of the 2010 pre-gala dinner hosted by Missouri Bank.
Awards Dinner & Gala
The evening extravaganza will feature a networking reception, Wall of Fame, sit-down dinner and a choreographed awards ceremony highlighted with music and video featuring the honored companies. In addition to honoring the 25 winners, we will also be presenting the 2011 Entrepreneurial Legacy Award. The Legacy award is presented to an individual in the community whose contributions have created an environment in which entrepreneurs can thrive. This year we are also introducing the Innovator of the Year Award.
Dress: Black tie optional; formal business attire
For more information or to register to attend this exciting event recognizing the achievements of small business, call (913) 432-6690.
