Athena Printing opened its doors with a mission to give artists a local place to produce work without giving up control of the process. Just months later, the fine art printing studio is already making an impression — finding itself among hundreds of Kansas City businesses recognized as Small Business Superstars.
Such affirmation of the business’ place in the region’s economic ecosystem was a welcome surprise for a venture still fresh off the press, said co-founders Toni Gates and Jennie Hanna.
Athena Printing co-founders Toni Gates and Jennie Hanna during the “Small Business Superstar Soiree” hosted by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce at the Zhou B. Art Center; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News
“We 100 percent didn’t anticipate something like this happening this soon, so it’s really exciting,” Gates said Tuesday evening during a “Small Business Superstar Soiree” event hosted by the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce at the Zhou B. Art Center.
Athena Printing focuses on fine art printing, large-scale pieces and archival reproductions, serving artists who want to stay closely involved in proofing and production rather than sending work out of state. By keeping the process close to home, the studio gives artists the final say, said Hanna.
The duo’s decision to open the business was shaped by confidence in the city’s small business infrastructure and support network, she added.
“We are brand new. We’re three months old,” said Hanna. “But we are lifelong Kansas Citians, and we knew there’s good infrastructure for new businesses within the city and with the Chamber, so we knew we would be supported in making this leap.”
The studio plans to host hands-on sessions to help artists navigate practical steps like preparing gallery proposals, presenting work and building sustainable income streams, Gates added.
“We want to give artists real tools they can use,” she said. “And we want to build community while we do it.”
Check out a photo gallery from the Small Business Superstars Soiree below, then keep reading.
Recognition powered by local support
Athena Printing’s community-first approach aligns with how the recognition itself is earned.
The KC Chamber’s Vicky Kulikov and Dani Bennett share a laugh at the Zhou B. Art Center during the Small Business Superstar Soiree; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News
Honorees celebrated Tuesday evening represented industries ranging from food and retail to professional services, media and manufacturing. Each business was selected after being nominated by customers, clients and community members.
About 1,400 businesses across the region ultimately received the Small Business Superstar distinction for 2026, and more than 300 entrepreneurs attended the celebration.
“This evening is for you,” said Vicky Kulikov, small business director at the KC Chamber, as she welcomed the crowd. “Your clients and community told us just how amazing all of you are. That’s truly something special.”
The event marked the culmination of this year’s recognition process while also encouraging businesses to remain engaged with the chamber moving forward, Kulikov noted.
“We know the last few years have been challenging, and you’ve shown grit and determination,” she said. “Tonight we celebrate you, and we look forward to what’s next.”
The KCSourceLink team poses together for a photo at the KC Chamber’s Small Biz Superstars Soiree; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News
Validation across industries
The list of honorees reflects a wide range of business models, including retail shops, service providers, creative studios and media ventures. Among them was the Enterrupt KC Podcast, which spotlights local entrepreneurs and community voices.
“For me, it feels like there’s some type of recognition,” said Daniel “D.Rod” Rodriguez, co-host of Enterrupt KC. “There’s people that are seeing it. You never know who’s watching. The type of recognition, I feel gratitude over it, like the hard work is kind of paying off.”
The acknowledgment stood out because podcasts are not often included in traditional small business awards, Rodriguez said.
“Somebody recognized us and voted us to be here. I don’t know if any other podcast has been involved in this, but just recognizing our content and our platform, and then for them to invite us here, I think it was phenomenal,” he said.
Daniel “D.Rod” Rodriguez and Jose “JL” Leon Jr., co-hosts of the Enterrupt KC podcast, at the Small Biz Superstars Soiree; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
The KC Chamber’s recognition, Rodriguez added, validated two years of consistent work behind the mic.
“We’ve been doing this for two years, and I had no idea that whoever’s watching, they’re watching,” he said. “It means a lot. I’m humble about it, but I just know that it’s going in the right direction.”
Podcast co-host Jose “JL” Leon Jr. said the designation reflected the effort behind every small business represented at the event.
“I think it solidifies your work,” said Leon. “It solidifies all the sweat and tears you put into it, and not just for us, for everybody here. Without the KC Chamber, we couldn’t have recognitions like this. We’re one of many, obviously, but we’re really proud.”
Casie Murff, founder of The BeVel Barber Lounge, said being selected again as a Small Business Superstar continued to provide motivation. Murff has received the recognition multiple years in a row.
“It feels great being noticed as a business owner. It gives you encouragement to keep moving forward,” said Murff. “The KC Chamber’s been awesome. They really support businesses by bringing us the resources to make things happen.”
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