Myranda and Avery traveled to Washington, D.C., to represent our team at the 2025 CO—100 Small Business Awards, hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This incredible event brought together 100 of the nation’s most inspiring small businesses for three unforgettable days of celebration, learning, and connection—and we were deeply honored to be recognized as one of this year’s Culture Champions. Here is a recap of their experience!
From the moment we arrived at the historic Sofitel in downtown D.C., the energy was electric. The city was buzzing with excitement as honorees from across the country gathered to celebrate entrepreneurship, innovation, and the positive impact small businesses make in their communities.
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The festivities began with an elegant welcome reception at the Decatur House, just steps away from the White House. Built in 1818 for naval hero Commodore Stephen Decatur, this historic residence is one of the oldest homes in Washington, D.C., and has witnessed more than two centuries of American history—from presidential gatherings to defining moments that helped shape the nation’s capital. Today, it stands as part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and houses the White House Historical Association, making it a fitting venue to honor America’s most dynamic small businesses.
Under the twinkle of string lights and surrounded by fellow honorees, we were greeted by Stewart D. McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association, and Jeanette Mulvey, Editor-in-Chief of CO— by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It was a truly magical evening—an opportunity to connect, share stories, and toast to the hard work and heart that drive small businesses every day.
Tuesday kicked off with breakfast at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, an institution that has supported American enterprise for more than 113 years. Founded in 1912, the Chamber is the world’s largest business federation, representing companies of every size and industry while advocating for policies that help them grow and thrive. Being welcomed into its historic headquarters—a building that has stood at the heart of pro-business progress for over a century—set the tone for a day filled with insight and inspiration.
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The morning continued with a series of workshops and master classes designed to spark new ideas and strengthen leadership. Eric Schurenberg, former CEO of Inc. and Fast Company, shared insights on the power of storytelling—encouraging businesses to craft authentic narratives that build trust and connection with their audiences and investors. Stasia Kudrez, lead trainer with Grow with Google, followed with a dynamic session on harnessing the potential of AI, including how to perfect your prompts and integrate new Google AI tools to work smarter and more efficiently in your business.
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The day continued with an unexpected twist of creativity—two interactive leadership workshops led by The Juilliard School. These sessions blended performance, communication, and mindset training in ways that encouraged everyone to step out of their comfort zone and connect with purpose and confidence.
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Later that afternoon, we visited the U.S. Capitol and the People’s House Interactive Museum for an inside look at the nation’s legislative history and civic leadership. Due to the government shutdown, the organizers acted quickly and adjusted the programming so that honorees could still experience the full spirit of Washington, D.C.—and they absolutely delivered. It was a thoughtful and seamless change that made the afternoon both memorable and meaningful.
That evening, we returned to the Chamber for the Night of 100 Stars, a glamorous celebration hosted by Broadway’s Christopher J. Hanke. The ballroom was beautifully adorned with stunning floral designs by Karin’s Florist, one of our incredible customers and a fellow small business that was recognized in last year’s CO—100. Their elegant arrangements added the perfect touch of artistry and warmth to an already unforgettable evening.
Surrounded by fellow finalists, we toasted to the top ten honorees—Dynamic Automotive, Cranky Carrot LLC, Golden Heart Waste Management, Jamie’s Farm, Mosaic Makers Collective, Privacy4Cars, ProsperityEHR, Red Rooster Coffee, Rehab 2 Perform, and Sprout Labs—and cheered as Dynamic Automotive was announced as the overall 2025 CO—100 Top Small Business.
The night closed with desserts, cocktails, and dancing—a perfect finale to an event that celebrated passion, perseverance, and purpose.
The final morning brought even more opportunities to connect and learn during the Small Business Forum. This event gathered small business leaders from across the nation—including many not part of the CO—100 honoree list—creating a vibrant mix of ideas, experiences, and entrepreneurial energy. It was inspiring to meet so many passionate founders who are making a difference in their communities and industries, each with their own story of resilience and innovation.
The forum also featured a series of impactful conversations with Suzanne P. Clark, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and leaders from Coinbase, Walmart Business, and Google—each sharing valuable insights into the future of small business growth and technology.
One of the most memorable moments came during an exclusive conversation with Daymond John, entrepreneur, investor, and star of ABC’s Shark Tank. As a business owner himself, Daymond shared how he’s always seeking knowledge, building a sturdy team, and adapting to the evolving marketplace. He emphasized that the future of buying is happening online through what he called live selling—platforms like TikTok and Whatnot, where entrepreneurs are earning significant revenue by engaging directly with a community of followers eager for both unique and everyday products.
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He explained that success in this space comes from building a loyal community of buyers who are genuinely interested in your product and your story. Daymond also reminded us to keep our why at the center of everything we do—because if your why is wrong, your goals will be too. His authenticity, humility, and energy reminded everyone in the room that success is built not only on innovation but also on perseverance and purpose.
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Our time in Washington, D.C. was one we’ll never forget—filled with inspiration, connection, and the reminder that when passion and purpose come together, anything is possible. Being part of the CO—100 community and recognized as a Culture Champion reaffirmed our belief in the power of people-first leadership and the importance of cultivating a strong, supportive culture that helps everyone thrive.
We also left with a deep appreciation for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the vital work they’re doing to uplift small businesses nationwide. They are truly moving mountains to advocate for entrepreneurs and strengthen the backbone of our economy. We encourage every small business owner to get involved with their local Chamber of Commerce and support the U.S. Chamber’s ongoing efforts—because when we work together, we help create the conditions for all small businesses to succeed.