Company recognizes 100 small businesses to mark 100th anniversary

Award-winning documentarians and “Shark Tank” star Robert Herjavec join the movement

SHOREVIEW, Minn. - Deluxe Corporation is marking its 100th anniversary with a year-long celebration that shines a spotlight on the small businesses that are the backbone of our nation’s economy. In its 100 years as a powerful growth engine for businesses of all shapes and sizes, Deluxe has evolved from one of the largest check printers to a leading provider of small business marketing and financial services.

Deluxe kicked off the “Small Business Revolution” storytelling campaign to rally consumers and celebrate small businesses. The campaign sparked the interest of “Shark Tank” star and dynamic entrepreneur Robert Herjavec, who will lend his expertise to the documentary series and support Deluxe in sharing the Small Business Revolution story. During National Small Business Week, May 4-8, Herjavec will also help Deluxe kick off a contest that invites people to join the revolution – giving them an opportunity to reward their favorite small businesses in a big way.

At the center of the campaign are 100 compelling stories – 12 short films and 88 photo essays – highlights of which will be compiled into a 22-minute documentary in late 2015. Deluxe commissioned award-winning filmmakers and photojournalists to capture these entrepreneurs’ stories from across the country, which are showcased on SmallBusinessRevolution.org.

“The stories of the business owners featured in Deluxe’s Small Business Revolution capture the essence of what it means to be an entrepreneur. I’ve been in their shoes and can relate to their struggles and successes,” Herjavec said. “I’m glad to be part of the Small Business Revolution because each subject has a unique story to tell, and this project will help people understand the diversity and power of small businesses across the country.”

The Small Business Revolution has thus far shared intriguing stories of everything from a sustainable chef in Minneapolis, to a Texas ranch whose “equine therapy” helps heal traumatized children. Future stories will include an old-fashioned barbershop in Chicago, a laundromat/bar in Portland and a plumbing and mechanic shop in the Pacific Northwest.

“Deluxe is a proud champion of small businesses, and the Small Business Revolution is our way of celebrating those people who work tirelessly to follow their dreams,” said Amanda Brinkman, chief brand and communications officer for Deluxe.

Deluxe invites small-business owners and consumers to join the revolution by telling stories of their favorite small businesses using the hashtag #smallbusinessrevolution, and the company will be rewarding consumers with surprises along the way. The campaign is supported by a nationwide television and online media buy.