The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recently completed an analysis that may provide valuable insights to help manage your business.
They reviewed more than 12,500 applications to identify America’s top 100 small businesses. The selected honorees represent 15 different industries across 35 states. The result? A compelling picture of what separates high performers from everyone else, regardless of sector.
Understanding the Numbers
Here’s what the data showed. Seventy-three percent of these top-performing businesses generate over $250,000 in annual revenue. Twenty-six percent have crossed the $2.5 million threshold. But the real insight isn’t primarily about the revenue figures. It’s what these businesses actually do to achieve this performance.
Success Isn’t Random
The highest performers share six deliberate practices. They invest in experienced teams. They build deep community relationships. They practice disciplined financial planning. They embrace adaptability and evolve when markets shift. They cultivate strong workplace cultures. And they maintain an unwavering focus on solving problems that matter to their customers.
These aren’t secrets. They’re practices. Concrete choices about how you build your team, manage your finances, stay connected to your community, and respond to change.
Recognition Across Multiple Types of Excellence
The U.S. Chamber recognizes that business success takes different forms. The honorees were selected across 10 excellence categories: growth accelerators, community champions, culture champions, customer champions, tech innovators, global stars, disruptors, enduring businesses, micro-business leaders, and adaptability champions.
This diversity shows that top performance isn’t defined by one narrow definition. It’s measured through innovation, adaptability, market disruption, longevity, and community impact. Success looks different depending on your business, but the underlying practices remain consistent.
Why This Matters for You
Only 0.8% of applicants made the top 100 list, yet they span 15 industries across 35 states. That exclusivity and diversity reveal an important insight: business success requires intention. The gap between average performers and top performers isn’t luck or sector. It’s the deliberate decisions you make every single day about your team, your finances, your community connections, and your commitment to change.
What You Can Do
Start by evaluating your business against these six success factors:
- Experienced teams
- Deep community relationships
- Disciplined financial planning
- Adaptability and willingness to evolve
- Strong workplace cultures
- Problem-solving focus on customer needs
Your roadmap to stronger performance likely sits within this list.
Download our Small Business Success Assessment Checklist to identify which areas represent the highest opportunity for your business. This diagnostic tool will provide insight into where you stand against the practices of America’s top performers and where to focus your efforts first.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
The assessment is just the first step. We can help you strengthen the areas you want to focus on. Our team works with business owners to strengthen strategy, improve financial readiness, and stay lender-ready through shifting conditions. Connect with us today. Schedule a Consultation or Learn More About Our Services