The U.S. Chamber of Commerce selected Liz Lidgett Gallery and Design in Des Moines and Hands Up Communications in Cedar Rapids as two of America’s top 70 small businesses. More than 15,000 applications were submitted and were evaluated on their business growth, ability to overcome challenges, smart strategies for success and community engagement. The top 70 small businesses will receive a one-year paid membership to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and will be featured on the “CO-” website, a platform that provides information and tips to 20,000 business owners daily and over 6 million individuals annually. Seven of the top small businesses will go on to be named finalists, and the winner of the America’s Top Small Business award will receive a $25,000 cash prize. The top 70 small businesses and seven finalists will be recognized at the America’s Top Small Business Summit: Ready, Set, Scale on Oct. 19 at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters in Washington, D.C. The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony after the summit.