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The U.S. Chamber Just Opened Three Programs for Small Businesses. Here's What's Available.

Small business owner working in a woodworking shop

National Small Business Week came with more than recognition this year. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce used the occasion to launch several programs designed to put real resources in the hands of small business owners — free training, national recognition, and direct funding. Here's what's available and why it's worth a closer look.


The CO—100: It's Not Just for Tech Startups


The U.S. Chamber opened applications for the CO—100, its annual program recognizing the 100 best small businesses in America. Applications are open through July 23.

The first instinct for many Wyoming business owners will be to skip past this. National awards programs can feel like they're built for Silicon Valley startups or high-growth coastal companies. The numbers tell a different story.


Last year's program drew 12,500 applicants from 35 states across 15 industries. 100 made the list. The top business overall was Dynamic Automotive — an auto repair shop that started with three mechanics and a handshake philosophy of treating customers like family. It won in the Enduring Businesses category, not for being the biggest or fastest-growing, but for building something that lasted.


The program spans 10 categories including Community Champions, Micro-Business Leaders, Enduring Businesses, and Culture Champions. Businesses can apply in up to 5 categories. The criteria go beyond revenue and growth — the program is specifically looking for businesses that reflect strong ideas, resilience, community impact, and the kind of leadership that doesn't always get national attention.


To be eligible, a business must have fewer than 250 employees or gross revenues under $20 million in both 2024 and 2025.


What does making the list actually mean? All 100 honorees receive a business profile on CO—, a platform visited by more than 4.7 million people annually. The top 10 each receive $2,000 and a feature article. The top business receives $25,000, national media placement, and a seat at the table in Washington, D.C. Even without winning, the application process itself forces a business owner to articulate what makes their company exceptional — which has value regardless of the outcome.



Free AI Training — 30 Minutes, No Cost


The U.S. Chamber and U.S. Chamber Foundation, with support from Google.org, launched Small Business B(AI)sics — a free on-demand AI training program built for small business owners, not IT departments.


The training runs about 30 minutes and covers how to write effective prompts, streamline workflows, and apply AI to practical business tasks like customer service and sales. Participants receive a certificate and digital badge when they finish.

The program aims to reach 40,000 small business owners over three years. The reason that target matters: businesses that understand and use AI are pulling ahead of those that don't, and the gap is widening. Getting familiar with the basics now is a lower lift than catching up later.


We covered the B(AI)sics launch in depth earlier this spring — if you missed that piece, it's worth reading alongside this one. The training is available now at no cost.



Grants for Veteran and Military Spouse-Owned Businesses


The U.S. Chamber Foundation's Hiring Our Heroes program awarded five military-connected small businesses grants during Small Business Week through its Small Business Grant Program, powered by the FedEx Founder's Fund. The program has now awarded more than $160,000 to 15 military-connected businesses since launching.


Wyoming has one of the highest concentrations of military-connected residents in the country. Veteran and military spouse-owned businesses contribute significantly to local economies — and this program exists specifically to support their growth. Watch for the next grant cycle to open and bookmark the program now.



WY It Matters


These programs exist because small businesses are the majority of Wyoming's economy — and because competing nationally requires access to the same tools, recognition, and networks that larger companies take for granted. The CO—100 deadline is July 23. The AI training takes 30 minutes. Neither requires a trip to Washington or a team of consultants. They just require showing up.

©2026 Wyoming Chamber of Commerce

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