To The Stars: Nomination Form

Be a part of the celebration!

We are excited to announce that nominations are open for the 2025 To the Stars: Kansas Business Awards. This is your chance to recognize outstanding businesses and individuals who are doing great things in Kansas! Nominations will be accepted until Monday, July 7.

2025 award categories:

AgriBusiness – Companies that stand out in the agribusiness industry – including agricultural production, products and services, and agri-tourism
Apprenticeship Champion – Companies and other entities that excel providing registered apprenticeship programs in Kansas
Business Innovation – Companies from any sector incorporating innovative technologies in their business
Healthcare/Nonprofit – Noteworthy services provided by either healthcare facilities or nonprofit organizations
Main Street Momentum – Businesses revitalizing main streets or neighborhood commercial districts through growth or engagement
Manufacturing/Distribution – Outstanding achievement for companies of all sizes involved in manufacturing and distribution
Non-Traditional Talent Pools – Companies that have gone above and beyond to hire those with prior involvement in the justice system, youth, seniors or individuals with disabilities
Retail/Service – Exceptional performance by businesses selling goods, products and/or services
Small Business Champion – Corporate Partner Award (State-Level Only) – Honors a corporation that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to small business growth in Kansas through investment and partnerships
Under 30 Entrepreneur – Young entrepreneurs under the age of 30 who are achieving business success
Welcome Back – Entrepreneurs and businesspeople who once left Kansas but have returned to make their mark in the Sunflower State

To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards 2025 Nomination Form

Nominator Information

Your Name(Required)

First Last

Organization (if applicable)

Nominator Email(Required)

Phone(Required)

Relationship to Nominee

Nominee Information

Full Legal Name of Nominee or Business Name(Required)

Business Owner(s) Name(s)

Address(Required)

Street Address Address Line 2 City ZIP Code

County(Required)

The Kansas county the business/nominee is located in.

Business Phone Number(Required)

Business Email Address(Required)

Website and/or Social Media Link(s) (if available)

Year Business Was Established

Primary Industry Sector

Nomination Details

Current Annual Revenue Range

Number of Full-Time Employees

Number of Part-Time Employees

Brief Description of Business/Product/Service (250 words)(Required)

*This information may be found on the nominee’s website or social media page.

Please upload business logo

Drop files here or

Max. file size: 50 MB.

Photos/Video of Business, Products, and Owners

Drop files here or

Max. file size: 50 MB.

Award Category You Are Submitting For(Required)

Why are you nominating this business/individual?

Key Achievements or Milestones

Community Impact and Engagement

How has the nominee demonstrated resilience, innovation or leadership?

Has the nominee previously won a To The Stars award?

Yes

Business Innovation

Companies from any sector incorporating innovative technologies in their business.

What innovations has the company implemented to make them worthy of this award?

Does the company own any patents?

How have these innovations positively impacted the business and/or community?

Please provide any additional/unique information that makes this nominee worthy of this recognition. IMPORTANT QUESTION

Under 30 Entrepreneur

Young entrepreneurs under the age of 30 who are achieving business success.

What impressive things has this person done from a business ownership or operations standpoint?

How has this person positively impacted your community?

What area(s) of business has this person been involved in?

Please provide any additional/unique information that makes this nominee worthy of this recognition. IMPORTANT QUESTION

Apprenticeship Champion

Companies and other entities that excel providing registered apprenticeship programs in Kansas.

When did the company become involved in an apprenticeship program?

How many employees completing the apprenticeship program have remained with the company?

How has the apprenticeship program positively impacted the company and employees?

Please provide any additional/unique information that makes this nominee worthy of this recognition. IMPORTANT QUESTION

Non-Traditional Talent Pools

Companies that have gone above and beyond to hire those with prior involvement in the justice system, youth, seniors or individuals with disabilities.

What non-traditional talent pools is the business utilizing?

How have these new employees positively impacted the business?

Are other businesses in your community pursuing these labor pools as a result?

Please provide any additional/unique information that makes this nominee worthy of this recognition. IMPORTANT QUESTION

AgriBusiness

Companies that stand out in the agribusiness industry – including agricultural production, products and services, and agri-tourism.

Describe the product or service offered by the agribusiness.

How has this business positively impacted the agriculture sector in the community/region/state?

Please provide any additional/unique information that makes this nominee worthy of this recognition. IMPORTANT QUESTION

Welcome Back

Entrepreneurs and businesspeople who once left Kansas but have returned to make their mark in the Sunflower State.

Is this person a native of Kansas?

Yes

Unsure

When did they return to the state?

How has this person positively impacted your community? And in what capacity (i.e. business ownership, community involvement, etc.)

Please provide any additional/unique information that makes this nominee worthy of this recognition. IMPORTANT QUESTION

Retail/Service

Exceptional performance by businesses selling goods, products and/or services.

What year was the business established?

How long has the business been in Kansas?

Please describe the growth or expansion of services the business has achieved within the last 10 years.

What makes this business a leader in their industry and/or community?

How does the business support local activities or give back to the community? (Please list examples)

Please provide any additional/unique information that makes this nominee worthy of this recognition. IMPORTANT QUESTION

Small Business Champion – Corporate Partner Award (State-Level Only)

Honors a corporation that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to small business growth in Kansas through investment and partnerships.

Describe how this corporation has supported small businesses in Kansas through partnerships or investments.

What measurable outcomes or impacts have resulted from the corporation's efforts?

Please provide any additional/unique information that makes this nominee worthy of this recognition. IMPORTANT QUESTION

Manufacturing/Distribution

Outstanding achievement for companies of all sizes involved in manufacturing and distribution.

What year was the business established?

How long has the business been in Kansas?

Has the business undergone any expansions in Kansas within the last ten years? If yes, briefly describe the expansion(s), including the year(s).

What makes this business a leader in their industry and/or community?

How does the business support local activities or give back to the community? (Please list examples)

Please provide any additional/unique information that makes this nominee worthy of this recognition. IMPORTANT QUESTION

Main Street Momentum

Businesses revitalizing main streets or neighborhood commercial districts through growth or engagement.

How has this business contributed to revitalizing a main street or neighborhood commercial district?

Describe this business's community engagement efforts in the district.

Please provide any additional/unique information that makes this nominee worthy of this recognition. IMPORTANT QUESTION

Healthcare/Nonprofit

Noteworthy services provided by either healthcare facilities or nonprofit organizations.

What year was the healthcare/nonprofit established?

How long has the healthcare/nonprofit been in Kansas?

Describe any growth or expansion of services achieved in Kansas within the last ten years.

What makes this organization a leader in their industry and/or community?

How does the organization support local activities or give back to the community? (Please list examples)

Please provide any additional/unique information that makes this nominee worthy of this recognition. IMPORTANT QUESTION

English