Hello Seller Community — I'm excited to share American Express and Main Street America's plans for grant opportunities in 2023!
Who
American Express and Main Street America are partnering for the second year on the “Backing Small Businesses” grant program to support economically vulnerable U.S. small business owners as they navigate current economic challenges.
What
This year, American Express is increasing the number of grants awarded and total funding to more than $2.3 million to further support U.S. small business owners in addressing critical needs.
When
Starting today, eligible business owners can apply for $5,000 grants to cover costs, such as marketing expenses, capital improvements, and physical and technological upgrades. American Express and Main Street America will select 350 grantees who will be announced in June 2023.
In the fall of this year, 25 of the grantees will also receive additional enhancement grants of $25,000 to fund innovative revitalization projects such as business expansion, capital improvements, or investment in technology that would further improve their businesses, while providing goods or services that address cultural, environmental, and/or access needs in their local community.
Applications for the Backing Small Businesses grant program are open now through 11:59 p.m. CT on April 7, 2023. Small business owners can see eligibility requirements and apply here.
Why
American Express and Main Street America created a small business grant program in 2021 to support U.S. small business owners as they recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic and looked to grow their businesses. To date, the program has provided $1.65 million in grants to 330 small business owners nationwide.
Backing Small Businesses is part of American Express’ Backing Small initiative, which was created to provide financial support and other resources to help small businesses address critical needs. With a pledge of $17 million in funds through 2024, the initiative will offer continued support to economically vulnerable small business owners and entrepreneurs through grant programs, mentoring support, and technical assistance through established community partnerships.
This article is for information purposes and does not constitute legal, financial, or grant advice. Block, Inc. is not the owner of this grant program. We do not control the application process for the grant program nor do we make the decisioning in the application process. For specific advice applicable to your business, please see the American Express Newsroom: American Express and Main Street America Announce “Backing Small Businesses” Grants.
