For many of us, the holiday season is when we do the bulk of our shopping for the year. From Black Friday to Cyber Monday, there’s no shortage of ways to pick out the perfect gift.

But before you cross too much off your holiday shopping list, don’t forget one other holiday shopping tradition — Small Business Saturday. Held every year on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday is a day to support small businesses for everything they bring to our communities.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, there are more than 30 million small businesses around the country employing 59 million people — nearly half the U.S. workforce.

The Cenex® brand is proud to support the achievements of small business owners everywhere and is committed to showing that it’s invested in them.

Cenex recently partnered with Main Street Iowa, an organization devoted to supporting Iowa’s small businesses, by co-hosting a spirited grant competition. Small business owners each made their case for how additional funds would invigorate their business and their community.

During the final round, four small business owners presented before a panel of expert judges. At the end of the night, Carver’s Ridge, a small business specializing in custom engraved gifts, rose to the top. Still, all the competitors went home winners, thanks to a special surprise from Cenex.

For many small business owners, their vehicles are an extension of their office. Between deliveries, supply runs and more, these miles add up to a major expense for a small business owner. To help offset the burden of transportation costs for every finalist, we surprised each of them with fuel cards good for use at any Cenex location.

Not many things are still Powered Locally® these days, but your community’s small businesses — and your local Cenex — are. This Small Business Saturday, consider supporting your local small businesses, because when you support small business, you’re supporting your community. To find a locally owned Cenex near you, visit our LOCATIONS FINDER.
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