Following a tough year for the nation's small businesses, Topeka leaders this week celebrated local businesses that weathered the storm and demonstrated excellence throughout 2020. At the Greater Topeka Partnership's 40th Annual Small Business Awards ceremony Tuesday, six local businesses were chosen from among 18 finalists in six categories as award winners: • Dialogue Coffee House was recognized as the "Emerging Entrepreneur of Distinction." • The Capper Foundation was honored with the "Nonprofit Award of Distinction." • TLJ Consulting was recognized as the "Woman Business of Distinction." • Evergy Plaza, which is owned and operated by the Downtown Topeka Foundation, received the "Innovation Award." • And Dobski & Associates Inc., which owns and operates 19 McDonald's throughout northeast Kansas, including nine in Topeka, was awarded the "Capital City Business of Distinction."