Small businesses make a big economic impact on American communities, and Chrysler Group says it’s committed to meeting their transportation needs.

The automaker has announced its support and sponsorship of Independent We Stand, a nationwide movement of independent businesses that promote the importance of small businesses to local communities and the economy as a whole.

By providing perks and programs that help small businesses reduce total cost of ownership on their for-work vehicles, Chrysler is growing its commercial dealer network, BusinessLink.

The BusinessLink dealer network has almost doubled in size over the last 15 months, to nearly 800 dealers. These dealers serve as advocates for small business owners, Chrysler said, by providing free shuttles, first in bay service, no charge towing, free loaners on most vehicles and dedicated sales and service personnel.

BusinessLink also offers cash allowances for graphic skins, upfits, no-charge oil changes and Bosch Toolkits through the On The Job program.

“The independent dealers who sell and service Chrysler Group vehicles are the foundation of our company, and our commercial dealer network is committed to helping small businesses stay on the road to success,” said Michael Ring, head of small business sales and operations at Chrysler.

“Whether you’re buying one vehicle or 15 for your business, we’re going to go the distance to save you time and money, reducing costs to your bottom line.”

Bill Brunelle, executive director of Independent We Stand, said, “The support of national manufacturers such as Chrysler Group and STIHL Inc. make our work to help independent businesses possible. Our free resources for small businesses help thousands of restaurants, retailers, landscapers and more promote the value they bring to their communities. We’re excited about this sponsorship and thrilled about the support Chrysler Group is providing to the buy local movement.”

In celebration of National Small Business Week — which began Sunday and runs through Friday — you can view a video created by Chrysler Group’s BusinessLink dealer network and Independent We Stand, featuring facts and figures about the impact of small businesses, at http://youtu.be/6HGUw3krlYc.

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