Small Business Conference and Celebration

Come Together. Learn Together. Celebrate.

Chamber’s Choice Small Business Conference and Celebration

New This Year! Be part of something truly special—the first-ever Chamber’s Choice Small Business Conference and Celebration, hosted by the Southwest Michigan First Chamber in partnership with Varnum LLP. This signature event brings together small business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to hear from national and state business leaders and celebrate the impact of small businesses in the greater Kalamazoo region. Join us on Thursday, September 18, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Dalton Recital Hall on the campus of Western Michigan University.

Be part of the excitement as the winners of the 2025 Chamber’s Choice Awards, presented by LMCU, will be announced live!

The voting process is now open. Cast your vote in each of nine categories:

Entrepreneur of the Year, in partnership with Can-Do Kalamazoo
Nonprofit of the Year
Alumnus/a of the Year, in partnership with WMU Alumni Association
Woman-Owned Business of the Year, in partnership with YWCA Kalamazoo
BIPOC-Owned Business of the Year
LGBTQIA+-Owned Business of the Year
Veteran-Owned Business of the Year
Chamber Member Business of the Year, Small Business Category (<50 employees)
Chamber Member Business of the Year, Mid/Large Category (>50 employees), in partnership with People Forward

Watch the inspiring stories from the 2024 winners in every category here. These are the people who are truly making a significant difference in the greater Kalamazoo region.

CAST YOUR VOTE

Program Agenda

Welcome + Networking
Two Inspiring Keynote Presentations
Chamber’s Choice Awards Ceremony
Closing Happy Hour Awards Celebration

Purchase your ticket now, as this event is expected to sell out.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsors of the 2025 Chamber’s Choice Small Business Conference and Celebration will show their support of the small business community and gain valuable exposure with key potential partners.

Interested in sponsoring? Email eschultz@southwestmichiganfirst.com or chamber@southwestmichiganfirst.com.

BECOME A SPONSOR