WABASH,Indiana – Like many Midwestern towns, one Indiana county seat has seen good times come and go – but its residents have never lost their commitment to each other,nor their community spirit. Now, that town – Wabash – has been named one of three finalists in the Small Business Revolution on Main Street, a national contest that will award one lucky small town a $500,000 revitalization.
The Small Business Revolution on Main Street was created by small-business marketing services provider Deluxe Corporation, which received nearly 10,000 nominations from small towns across America. The contest has now been narrowed to just three finalists. Fans can go to SmallBusinessRevolution.org today and watch mini-documentaries about the finalists and vote for their favorite. The Wabash video explores the city’s can-do spirit — and shows how despite problems, like vacant storefronts and crime, its most committed citizens are making a stand and betting on the power of small businesses and community action to turn a corner.
The city that receives the most votes between May 3 and 10 will receive $500,000 worth of marketing services, business advice, and other support and improvements. The winning town will also be featured in an online video series debuting on SmallBusinessRevolution.org in the fall of 2016. The series will star dynamic entrepreneur and Shark Tank leading investor Robert Herjavec – and each person who votes for their favorite finalist will have a chance to win a trip for two to the winning town and lunch with Herjavec.
“Wabash immediately stood out to us a small town that embodied the spirit of the Small Business Revolution – passionate entrepreneurs, a strong community spirit and a long history of banding together,” said Amanda Brinkman, chief brand and communications officer for Deluxe. “We were so moved by the stories of these finalist towns, and we encourage everyone to view these compelling stories and cast their vote for which town should win the $500,000 revitalization.”
Deluxe debuted the Small Business Revolution in 2015 to celebrate a century of providing marketing and other services to small businesses and financial institutions. The campaign started by telling 100 stories of small businesses across the country. In doing so, Deluxe found a need to support and celebrate small towns, which inspired the Small Business Revolution on Main Street and its $500,000 boost. Learn more at SmallBusinessRevolution.org.
“The nominations we received were compelling, passionate and, sometimes, heartbreaking. It is humbling to see the connection and love Americans have for their small towns,” Herjavec said. “Small-business owners in small towns everywhere are the cornerstone of their communities and the backbone of the national economy. The Small Business Revolution on Main Street project will capture the true essence of community bonds that towns have with their small businesses.”