2015 Small Business Celebration Award Application Checklist 5 pages total DEADLINE FEBRUARY 6, 2015

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1 2015 Small Business Celebration Award Application Checklist 5 pages total This is not the application. This is a guide to help you prepare to complete your online application more effectively and efficiently. *Application must be completed in full to be considered for the Small Business of the Year DEADLINE FEBRUARY 6, 2015 Don t forget! You must be a member of the KC Chamber in good standing at the time of application. Contact Information Business name Name and title of owners(s)/principal(s) % of ownership Complete contact information Web address Provide a designated contact person for Small Business Celebration publicity purposes Business Information Year established Provide NAIC Code(s) Type of business (i.e. manufacturing, retail, service) Main product(s) and/or service(s) Number of employees, Full-time and Part-time (not eligible over 250): Number of employees in metropolitan Kansas City Number of employees in: 2015 Small Business Celebration Award Application Checklist, page 1

2 Certification Women Business Enterprise (WBE) Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE) Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Disabled Business Enterprise (DBE) Annual revenue % Revenue growth % Profitability growth % Employee growth Those applicants advancing to the Top 10 shall be asked to submit additional financial statements and legal background information to validate information provided on the application. This review shall be conducted by an independent accounting firm and will remain confidential. Failure to comply may result in disqualification from the Top 10 award. Recent economic conditions should not deter any qualified applicant, they will be taken into account when judging employee and revenue growth. What percentage of your current business comes from the following areas: Greater Kansas City area Rest of the U.S International Specify countries Provide 3 customers contact info: Name/Business name Address Telephone Employee Relations Be able to identify the programs and benefits you offer to your employees using the checklists below. Be able to indicate percentage or amount provided by employer where applicable Small Business Celebration Award Application Checklist, page 2

3 Benefits Health insurance* Dental insurance* Vacation time Sick time Personal time Employee assistance programs Flexible work schedules Life insurance* insurance* Training & empowerment Leadership training Computer training Tuition reimbursement* Reimbursement /training for certifications (i.e. CPA, PHR)* Company loans for continuing education* Other personnel benefits Stock option programs* Profit sharing programs* On-site day care services Cafeteria plan* Personal concierge service for employees 401(k)* Employee recognition programs Team bonuses Other (be able to provide details) Other (be able to provide details) *Include percentage/amount provided by employer Number of Employees Diversity Percentage of Workforce Percentage in Management Community Service Be able to identify the programs and benefits you offer to your employees. Indicate percentage or amount provided by employer where applicable. Paid time off for community service 2015 Small Business Celebration Award Application Checklist, page 3

4 Company-wide or team community service projects Pro Bono service or products to benefit nonprofit organizations Financial support of nonprofit organizations Employer matching program for charitable giving Board Involvement Business Culture & Values Be able to answer questions as they relate to your business culture and philosophies. Please share your company history. How would you describe the culture within your business? How does your company make a difference in Greater Kansas City through community service? How do you engage your employees? How do you differentiate yourself from your competitors? Where do you see your company in 10 years? How will you get there? Business References Be able to provide a list of your attorney, banker and accountant, in addition to three business references. Include company name, contact name, address, and telephone numbers. Attorney contact Information Bank contact information Accountant contact Information 2 (two) Business reference contacts Additional Awards The Greater Kansas City Chamber has added three new award categories which we believe provide our members additional opportunities to receive community recognition and exposure. While your business may not qualify for the Mr. K Award criteria, the KC Chamber believes all small business members should qualify for one of these notable awards. Legacy of Kansas City Award: The Legacy of Kansas City Award it is geared to honor longevity, quality products and/or services and community service in smaller businesses in the greater Kansas City metropolitan region. Be the founder, owner, CEO or President of a for-profit company(ies). Demonstrate a high level of community involvement and support. Must be in business in Kansas City for 15 or more years. Demonstrated evidence that company has delivered high-quality products and/or services over a long period of time. Diverse Small Business of the Year Award: The Diverse Small Business of the Year Award is geared towards certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Woman-owned Business Enterprise (WBE), Veteran-owned Business or Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business with 250 employees or less that have demonstrated vision, leadership and courage by achieving business success while overcoming obstacles and maintaining a strong sense of service for the community. Be the founder, owner, CEO or President of a Diverse Small Business as defined above. Must be in business in the Kansas City Metro Area for over three years. MBE or WBE certification is not an award requirement Small Business Celebration Award Application Checklist, page 4

5 Entrepreneur Award: The Entrepreneur Award geared towards companies less than three years old that have been built on ideology, values, and the goal to make change through enrichment. Be the founder, owner, CEO or president of a company(ies). Demonstrate a high level of entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, perseverance, innovation and determination to be successful. Company(ies) must be less than three years old. Must provide evidence of success as measured by sales or capital raised throughout business life. You will be able able to decline to release your corporate description (50 words or less) for publicity purposes in association with The Chamber s Small Business Celebration (only applicable if application returned by February 6). You will be able to decline receiving additional media promotional opportunities in association with The Chamber s Small Business Celebration through the release of your business reference information. The information provided on and with this application will be considered confidential and will be used only by The Chamber and the panel of judges. Important Deadlines/Dates Please keep in mind the mandatory deadlines/dates the CEO and/or Senior Leadership should plan to be available if selected as a Top 10 or other award recipient. *Dates for events are subject to change. Friday, January 9, :30-9 a.m. KC Chamber Small Business Awards:101 Workshop, Chamber Board Room, Union Station. Do you want to know what makes your Small Business of the Year application stand out to the judge s panel and how your company will benefit from participating in this awards program? Come hear application tips and best practices from past participants, a Mr. K winner and judge to learn about the benefits for simply applying for one of our Small Business Awards. Join us for a continental breakfast and let us help you be successful in your 2015 award application! Friday, February 6, :00 p.m. Final deadline to submit application *Thursday, March 26, :00 p.m. Candidates Showcase, Union Station This is the kick-off event of the Celebration and we do it big!! All Small Business Award applicants who meet the application deadline, will receive a complimentary table upon reservation to display their product or service to 500+ attendees in a high energy networking event. *Thursday, April 9, :00pm-7:00 p.m. Top 10 Announcement Reception, Boulevard Brewing Company. The Top 10 Small Business of the Year candidates will be announced at this executive event. This is an invitation only event. All qualified candidates will receive an invitation. April 13-22, Two days during this period will be set aside for the judges to conduct site visits to the Top 10 candidates companies. The CEO/owner must be present for their scheduled site visit. This is when your application comes alive! Show our judges your daily operations and introduce your team during a 75 minute visit. Let your company personality shine! *Thursday, April 23, :30-9 a.m. Top 10 CEO Panel Breakfast, Location TBD The Top 10 CEO s will be part of a highly intriguing moderated panel discussing small business best practices and how to run a successful small business in the KC region. *Thursday, May 7, :30 am-1:00 p.m. Small Business Awards Luncheon, Location TBD The Mr. K Award and specialty award winners will be announced at this event attended by 600+ small business, Chamber and community leaders Small Business Celebration Award Application Checklist, page 5