FRANKLIN
Deluxe Corporation, a Minnesota-based marketing and financial services company, and entrepreneur Robert Herjavec, an investor of ABC’s hit show “Shark Tank,” are looking to revitalize one small town’s main street by infusing $500,000 into its businesses, store fronts and public spaces. Which town depends on the nominations it solicits now through Thursday, Jan. 28, at http://smallbusinessrevolution.org/main-street-revolution/.

“Small business owners in towns across America are the foundation of their communities and of our national economy,” Herjavec said. “Working with entrepreneurs is my passion, and I cannot wait to roll up my sleeves and help Deluxe bring a Small Business Revolution to Main Street.”

Herjavec will give one-on-one guidance to the town’s business owners, while Deluxe will provide marketing and business services. The latter will also capture and showcase the town’s transformation in a web series that debuts in the fall.

“Nowhere is the impact of small businesses more apparent than in small towns and local communities across our country,” said Amanda Brinkman, chief brand and communications officer at Deluxe. “This year, we are excited to continue the Small Business Revolution movement by bringing it to main street America and celebrating the passion and drive behind these communities.”

Candidates will be judged on criteria such as, but not limited to, challenges faced by local small businesses and the town as a whole and the potential impact of winning the award. Herjavec and a panel of judges from Deluxe will select the finalists during National Small Business Week, May 1-7, and then the public can vote online for their favorite town.

“This looks like an amazing opportunity and could be transformational to downtown,” said Amanda Jarrett, president and CEO of Franklin-Southampton Economic Development Inc.

Teresa Beale, executive director of the Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce, added, “This certainly seems worth a shot, and I believe we could make a compelling case.”