Representing Kentucky, Louisville Metro, and the Beauty Industry on the National Stage — October 2025, Washington, D.C.
In October 2025, Louisville Beauty Academy proudly represented Louisville, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and the entire beauty education and industry sector as one of America’s Top 100 Small Businesses, selected by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for its prestigious CO—100 list.
Louisville Beauty Academy was chosen from more than 12,000+ applicants nationwide — standing as the only honoree from the state of Kentucky, the only beauty education institution, and the sole representative of the beauty industry among this elite group of 100 small businesses across 35 states and Washington, D.C.
This recognition celebrates businesses driving growth, innovation, and workforce development in their communities and beyond. Honorees were selected by an esteemed panel of judges for their impressive growth, innovative strategies, and strong workplace culture.
🏛 Representing Kentucky and the Beauty Industry in Washington, D.C.
Founder & CEO Di Tran and CFO Rick Dye represented Louisville Beauty Academy on the national stage in Washington, D.C., joining 99 other honorees for three days of events at the historic U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters (1615 H Street NW).
The agenda included:
- 🧠 Small Business Forum featuring AI implementation training from Google, psychology and stress management strategies, and investment & collaboration sessions.
- 🤝 Networking and learning exchanges with top entrepreneurs from across the country.
- 🌟 The Night of 100 Stars Gala at the historic Decatur House (748 Jackson Pl NW), celebrating the small businesses that are the backbone of the U.S. economy.
Louisville Beauty Academy’s presence underscored Kentucky’s rich legacy, known worldwide for Bourbon and the Kentucky Derby, and now rising to national prominence for its beauty industry leadership.
💼 Small Business: The Foundation of America
The CO—100 honorees exemplify the heartbeat of the U.S. economy: small business owners who, day in and day out,
- Pay employees and contractors,
- Deliver critical services to clients,
- Navigate operations, marketing, inventory, payroll, hiring, regulations, and more —
often wearing multiple hats to keep their businesses thriving.
Louisville Beauty Academy, through its state-licensed vocational programs, has graduated nearly 2,000 students, many of whom have become salon owners, entrepreneurs, and licensed professionals. These graduates contribute an estimated $20–50 million in annual economic impact to Kentucky and neighboring states, through employment, business creation, and essential beauty services.
🌍 A Unique Advocate for Workforce Development
Louisville Beauty Academy’s model focuses on accessible, multilingual, affordable beauty education, offering both short- and long-term state-licensed programs. Di Tran and Rick Dye advocated for the critical role of short-term state-licensed vocational programs in America’s workforce pipeline — particularly the need to allow Pell Grants and federal loans to be used for shorter programs under 600 hours, which are currently excluded by federal policy despite being state-certified and regulated.
Di Tran also proudly represented and thanked Greater Louisville Inc. (GLI) — representing over 1,800 businesses — for years of partnership in state-level advocacy, including efforts for multilingual licensing exams and vocational fairness. He also recognized the Louisville Independent Business Alliance (LIBA), representing over 700 local independent businesses, as another strong local partner.
“GLI and LIBA are powerful local forces for good. Together with the U.S. Chamber, we can align local, regional, and national advocacy to truly uplift small businesses and workforce development,” said Di Tran.
✍️ From Washington Back to Louisville — Knowledge Sharing
Di Tran emphasized that this experience was not just about receiving recognition, but bringing knowledge back home. From AI implementation strategies for small businesses (through Google’s U.S. Chamber Foundation sessions) to stress management tools and investment insights, Louisville Beauty Academy intends to share and apply these lessons locally to strengthen small businesses in Louisville and across Kentucky.
As a former board member of LIBA and an active advocate through GLI, Di Tran continues to play a dual role: listening and learning nationally, while amplifying Kentucky’s voice at the federal level.
🏅 Prestige, Certification, and Opportunity
Graduating from Louisville Beauty Academy is not only a milestone — it’s an achievement that carries prestige, credibility, and real economic value. Each student receives state-regulated and state-certified beauty licenses and certificates overseen by the Kentucky State Board of Cosmetology, considered among the most respected credentials in the field.
Louisville Beauty Academy is the only (or one of the very few) beauty colleges in Kentucky that offers all beauty license and certificate programs, including short-term and full programs — fully regulated and approved by the state.
And now, as one of America’s Top 100 Small Businesses on the national stage, the Academy shines a spotlight on beauty education as a pillar of workforce development and entrepreneurship.
📲 Enroll Today
Text 502-625-5531 or email study@LouisvilleBeautyAcademy.net to begin your journey in one of Kentucky’s most respected beauty education institutions, now nationally recognized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
🌟 A Proud Moment for Louisville and Kentucky
Louisville Beauty Academy stands proudly as a national representative of Kentucky’s growing beauty industry — adding a new dimension to Kentucky’s reputation, alongside Bourbon and the Derby.
Their work, supported by state, city, chamber partners, and community, reflects a modern vision:
- Empowering immigrants, working parents, and career changers through short, affordable, multilingual education.
- Building sustainable beauty businesses that employ and serve locally.
- Advocating for policy changes that open federal funding to more Americans seeking vocational pathways.
📢 About the CO—100 Program
Each CO—100 honoree receives a one-year paid membership to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, national brand exposure, and exclusive access to expert insights, networking opportunities, and a vibrant community of fellow business leaders.
“Small businesses are the heartbeat of our economy, and their stories are nothing short of extraordinary,” said Jeanette Mulvey, Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of CO— by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “The CO—100 honorees exemplify what it means to lead with purpose, adapt with agility, and build with vision.”
Learn more at www.co100.com
📝 Contact
Louisville Beauty Academy
📍 Louisville, Kentucky
🌐 https://louisvillebeautyacademy.net
📧 study@louisvillebeautyacademy.net
📲 Text: 502-625-5531
