Showcase Showdown: Mr. K Competitors Rally at KC Chamber, Small Biz Owners View it as Family Gathering
The entrepreneurial spirit was alive and flourishing in the Kansas City Chamber’s Small Business Showcase on April 12, 2024. The event, held at Union Station’s Grand Hall, saw local ‘Mr. K’ competitors coming together, not just for competition, but with a sense of family unity.
Enthusiastic Local Entrepreneurs Shine at the Chamber’s Showcase
The duo behind Kansas City-based Shark OFF— Geoff and Shea Geist, founders of the innovative shark repellent bracelet— were among the entrepreneurs who praised the local startup scene. “This community has helped us so much. We want to say, ‘Hey, what can I do for you? What did you come here for? We’ve met all these fantastic people, dude, let me hook you up. You gotta go talk to that person,” exclaimed Geoff Geist.
Boosting Visibility and Connections Through the Small Business Showcase
Vicky Kulikov, the KC Chamber’s small business director, discussed the objectives of the showcase as a platform for small businesses to increase their visibility, make connections, and potentially, find new clients and partnerships. It brought together business leaders, nonprofits, and community members. It also served as an observation platform for judges of the Chamber’s Small Business of the Year “Mr. K Award,” which will announce its Top 10 finalists on April 19.
A Celebration of Small Businesses
The Small Business Celebration, scheduled for mid-June, will recognize Kansas City’s thriving small business community. Anticipated awards to be presented at the event include the Emerging Business Award, Legacy of Kansas City Award, Small Business Equity Award, Weida International Award, and the inaugural Luminary Arts and Creative Award.
Exchange of Ideas and Inspiration
For Just Play Sports Solutions co-founder Austin Barone, the event served as a powerful reminder of Kansas City’s vibrant business milieu. “We’ve got a couple of people who are not from Kansas City — but have moved here for Just Play — and I think it’s been really rewarding to also see their excitement over having an event like this and to see how active people are in the community,” he remarked.
Fostering Connections and Outreach in the Community
Event attendees found the showcase an excellent opportunity to connect with potential clients. Corey McCartney, from AGA Productions, noted it was rewarding to give small businesses the platform to share their stories. “I’m just trying to grow my business,” stated McCartney.
A Platform for Recognition and Reward
All showcase participants are eligible to contend for the Honeywell (Kansas City National Security Campus) Fan Favorite Award, to be announced on April 16 via Facebook Live on the Chamber’s page. As the city awaits yet another entrepreneurial accolade, the event has indeed rallied the ranks, fostering unity amid competition. The true winners, undoubtedly, will be Kansas City’s small businesses, and in essence, the community itself.
