The red carpets rolled out at Aria Minneapolis Wednesday night for a special documentary premiere showcasing the ultimate grit and originality of The Small Business Revolution. The small business movement began with Amanda Brinkman, Chief Brand Officer at Deluxe Corporation, who sought to highlight the stories and people behind small businesses across the country. She wanted to tell their story, spread their word, share their American charm and tenacity to create – because there is nothing “small” about Small Business; there is nothing ill-hearted. After months of hard work, Brinkman and her team at Deluxe Corporation captured the tale of dedication and human connection behind the lens, thus creating The Small Business Revolution Documentary.
(Photo above courtesy of Small Business Revolution)
Dozens gathered to view the documentary’s premiere on Wednesday night including Robert Herjavec of ABC’s Shark Tank and Minnesota Governor, Mark Dayton, himself. Local business owners featured in the documentary roamed the crowd before the premiere and enjoyed local meats and cheeses from Red Table Meat Company and The Lone Grazer Creamery. The walls surrounding Aria’s moody, brick-clad space were decked with photos of inspiring entrepreneurs from across the country. A saucy jazz band played Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake. People bustled amongst swanky purple couches, faux brick-and-mortar storefronts and awaited the premiere with excitement.
(Photo courtesy of Small Business Revolution)
Prior to airing the documentary, Mark Dayton welcomed the buzzing audience and proclaimed September 30th the official ‘Small Business Day’ of Minnesota. Ultimate proof the Small Business Revolution is making tasteful waves within the community. Amanda Brinkman joined him on stage and expressed her excitement, “We love working with small businesses because they have such good work ethic, passion, tenacity. We want to celebrate them.”
The documentary was absolutely superb. Raw, inspirational and simple. The first small business owner featured was Kim Bartmann of Tiny Diner, Barbette and Red Stag Supper Club. The entire crowd cheered during her on-screen appearance and the community support would make your heart grow 10 sizes. The 22-minute documentary received a standing ovation from an invigorated crowd. We won’t give much else away, you’ll have to watch it first.
Robert Herjavec (featured many times in the documentary; strong advocate for small businesses feeding America’s economy) joined Brinkmann on stage to answer questions. His most prominent message? The people. “The founder is always the best reflection of a small business,” he stated. “People don’t start businesses to make money. They start them to create something greater than themselves.”
You can view the full documentary here:
“The one thing that always stands out in entrepreneurship is the person. Always bet on the jockey.” @robertherjavec #SmallBusinessRevolution
— The Social Lights® (@TheSocialLights) October 1, 2015
What an incredible night – for every small business there is someone who made a courageous decision @deluxecorp pic.twitter.com/9Z8Cem1T6o — Robert Herjavec (@robertherjavec) October 1, 2015
“Its your responsibility to find something interesting about everyone you meet” advice @robertherjavec @AKBrinkman #smallbusinessrevolution
— Stephanie Hansen (@weeklydish) October 1, 2015
“Every time you see a successful #smallbiz, someone made a courageous decision” @robertherjavec #smallbusinessrevolution @SCOREMentors — David Bobbitt (@DavidBobbitt) October 1, 2015
#smallbusinessrevolution = more inspiring than I can explain in a tweet. Check out Deluxe’s documentary!
— Kim Johnson (@MSPBJkim) October 1, 2015
