GO TOPEKA ANNOUNCES FINALISTS IN SEVEN CATEGORIES FOR THE 43RD ANNUAL SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS

Topeka, KS — GO Topeka is excited to announce 20 local businesses have been named finalists for recognition at Topeka and Shawnee County’s 43^rd annual Small Business Awards.

Covering seven different categories, the 2024 Small Business Awards, put on by GO Topeka and the Greater Topeka Partnership, will be held downtown Thursday, May 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Townsite Avenue Ballroom. At the awards ceremony and luncheon, attendees will hear about the impact and successes of the community’s thriving small-business scene, and they’ll learn which finalists rose to the tops of their respective categories to receive awards.

Awards will be presented in the following categories, with the 2024 Top City Small Business of the Year being selected from among category winners: Emerging Innovation Award, Micro Enterprise Award, Young Entrepreneur Award, Woman-Owned Small Business Award, Minority-Owned Small Business Award, Veteran-Owned Small Business Award, and Small Business Manufacturer Award.

“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!”

Finalists by category are listed here:

• 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
  • 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

Tickets for the 43^rd annual Small Business Awards may be purchased online here, or at TopekaPartnership.com under the “Events” tab. To be eligible for an award, small businesses had to be nominated, located within Shawnee County, and maintain 100 or fewer employees, including the owner(s). Evaluation included review of each business’ vision, staying power, growth, innovativeness, response to adversity, and community engagement.