Commerce Opens Nominations for 2026 To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the Kansas Department of Commerce is accepting nominations for the 2026 A las estrellas: Premios Empresariales de Kansas. The increasingly popular annual award program recognizes companies and individuals around the state for the positive impact they make on the Kansas economy and on their local communities.

During the event, Commerce also will announce the prestigious Governor’s Award of Excellence, the 2026 Governor’s Exporter of the Year, The Randi Tveitaraas Jack International Business Award and two new inductees of the Kansas Business Hall of Fame. This year’s gala will be held Oct. 8 at the Fiorella’s Event Space in Overland Park.

“Kansas businesses are fueling real economic growth — creating jobs, opening new markets, and building communities worth investing in and calling home,” El Vicegobernador y Secretario de Comercio, David Toland, declaró. “Our state’s continued economic success isn’t possible without them, and To The Stars is the highlight of my year because it puts a spotlight on the companies and individuals leading the charge. Nominate the businesses that are moving Kansas forward — they’ve earned it.”

Companies, organizations and individuals can be nominated in the following award categories:

• Agronegocios – Companies that stand out in the agribusiness industry – including agricultural production, agri-tourism or products and services
• Apprenticeship Champion – Companies and other entities that excel in providing registered apprenticeship programs in Kansas
• Innovación empresarial - Empresas de cualquier sector que incorporen tecnologías innovadoras a su negocio
• Sanidad/Sin ánimo de lucro - Servicios destacados prestados por centros sanitarios u organizaciones sin ánimo de lucro
• Main Street Momentum – Businesses revitalizing main streets or neighborhood commercial districts through growth or engagement
• Fabricación/Distribución - Logro destacado para empresas de todos los tamaños dedicadas a la fabricación y distribución
• Talentos no tradicionales - Empresas que han ido más allá para contratar a personas con antecedentes penales, jóvenes, mayores o discapacitados.
• Comercio/Servicios - Resultados excepcionales de las empresas que venden bienes, productos o servicios
• Small Business Champion – Corporate Partner Award – Honors one corporation statewide 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
• Bienvenido de nuevo - Emprendedores y empresarios que abandonaron Kansas pero han regresado para dejar su huella en el Estado del Girasol.

“Businesses are investing in Kansas at unprecedented levels statewide — and small businesses play a leading role in how our communities are growing and building for the future,” Commerce Deputy Secretary Joshua Jefferson said. “It’s local businesses that keep our state attractive and vibrant, and their momentum sets the stage for even more business wins throughout Kansas.”

Award nominations will be accepted until Monday, June 15. To learn more, view past winners and submit nominations, click aquí.