One of my favorite times of the year is January, when I embark on an epic road trip to visit the Top 10 towns in the running for Small Business Revolution – Main Street. This year, we got a whopping 12,000 nominations for towns across America, and it was harder than ever to narrow the list to the top 10 that were in the running for a $500,000 revitalization and a starring role in season four of the hit show.
I’m writing this from Manhattan, where we just wrapped a packed media tour, in which we announced the six finalists that are now up for a public vote. But as I shared in the Facebook Live announcing those finalists, this program is about much more than a show or one “winning” town. It’s about communities banding together. Because if a town’s small businesses thrive, an entire community thrives.
In the wake of the excitement around the finalist announcement, I’m taking this moment to reflect on all 10 of the amazing communities I visited in January, and give you a small glimpse of the type of excitement, passion and energy I found in each place. We were met with “Small Business Revolution Day” proclamations, marching bands, cheerleaders, and much more. The people in these towns had such enthusiasm for their small businesses that they nearly lifted me right off the ground.
Camas, WA
Searcy, AK
Washington, NC
Cañon City, CO
Corsicana, TX
Arlington, WA
Biddeford, ME
Pageland, SC
Durant, OK
Marinette, WI; Menominee, MI
