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Supporting economically vulnerable and under-resourced small businesses with community reach.
In partnership with American Express, the Backing Small Businesses grant program supports economically vulnerable and under-resourced small businesses with community reach and/or cultural significance. This year, eligible small business owners can apply for $10,000 grants for projects that grow or improve their businesses by building community, supporting their economic viability, or bolstering meaningful change.
In 2021, American Express and Main Street America created the Backing Small Businesses* grant program to help under-resourced and economically vulnerable small business owners recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and grow their businesses. In its first year, the program awarded $1.65 million in grants to 330 small business owners nationwide, and in its second year the program awarded over $2.3 million in grants to an additional 350 businesses.
Now in its third year, the program will increase grants awarded and double total funding to more than $5.7 million to further support under-resourced and economically vulnerable small business owners in building their economic vitality and fostering a thriving community. In March 2024, applications will open for 500 small business grants of $10,000 to eligible businesses in the U.S. and U.S. territories.
Of the 500 recipients selected for $10,000 grants, a limited subset of 25 recipients will be awarded $30,000 Enhancement Grants, which will allow those business owners the opportunity to create transformative change within their business and in their community (for example, by giving back, partnering with community members, addressing cultural, environmental and/or access needs in their community, opening a new location and/or adding staffing). Recipients of the $10,000 grant will be required to submit a final grant report using a template provided. In addition to questions regarding the completed project, the report will include prompts on how the business would use the $30,000 Enhancement Grant. Enhancement Grant project proposals can be related to the $10,000 grant proposal or they may constitute a separate project.
Please note that project proposals for the $10,000 grant application should be feasible to complete with only the $10,000 award. The $30,000 Enhancement Grants are available only to recipients of the initial $10,000 grant who successfully complete their projects. Enhancement Grant project proposals are completed separately, through the final grant report for the initial $10,000 grant.
Applications are now closed.
This program marks the latest effort in American Express’ “Backing Small” initiative to provide financial support and resources to independent small business owners who are serving their communities. Other Backing Small programs include Backing Historic Small Restaurants and Backing International Historic Small Restaurants. Backing Small complements American Express’ Shop Small, a global year-round movement to champion small, independent businesses.
Backing Small Businesses is one of many grant programs administered by Main Street America that are designed to enhance economic vitality and foster entrepreneurship in historic neighborhoods and commercial districts. For more information about funding opportunities through Main Street America and its partner organizations, please see our other funding opportunities here.
A small business with community reach is involved in and critical to the surrounding community or serves a cultural- or ability-specific need. These businesses are often long-standing or legacy businesses that provide continuity and a sense of identity to a neighborhood or specific cultural group. Businesses with community reach have also been intentional about developing core values and a business model that supports their communities or addresses an acute community need. For example, a business that regularly hosts free concerts featuring local artists, or a shop that provides goods or services that uniquely serve a customer base in the community.
Businesses must meet the following criteria to apply:
Eligible grant expenses include but are not limited to:
Note that payroll expenses are not eligible.
Applications will be reviewed based on:
The application period is now closed.
As of 6 p.m. CT on Sunday, April 7, 2024, the Backing Small Businesses grant program received 5,000 applications so the application portal is now closed.
La página de solicitud en Submittable, nuestra plataforma de envío para este programa, también debe poder traducirse a varios idiomas a través de Google Translate.
This document is intended to make the application available to a wide array of applicants, including those for whom English is not their first language.
Sarah Cole, owner of Abadir’s in Greensboro, Ala., was a 2023 Backing Small Businesses grantee. Abadir’s is a pop-up eatery specializing in seasonal and wholesome baked goods influenced by Egyptian traditions and flavors combined with inspiration from true Southern cuisine.
Tylisya Gober, owner of Barbie Behavior Boutique in Oak Park, Mich., was a 2023 Backing Small Businesses grantee. Barbie Behavior is a women’s clothing boutique specializing in celebrity-inspired attire.
In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt sits down with Tiffany Fixter, owner of Brewability, an inclusive craft brewery and pizzeria that employs adults with disabilities based in Englewood,
Meet the 2023 recipients for the Backing Small Businesses grant program, presented by American Express, to provide financial support to small business owners to address critical needs and make a positive impact in their local communities.
Meet Backing Small Businesses grantees Kim and Chris Casteel of Anew Life Prosthetics and Orthotics based in Detroit, Michigan.
Meet the latest recipients of the Backing Small Businesses Program from American Express!
Learn about the innovative ways that Main Street businesses have overcome adversity, whether it’s starting a new enterprise or keeping a multi-generation business alive, and the advice they have for others on how to keep their businesses on track.
Main Street America offers virtual and on-demand small business training through the Small Biz Digital Trainers program.
To use this tool, simply answer a series of questions. Based on your answers, you will receive a customized list of tools and resources on everything from POS systems, website platforms, and content creation software to help your business succeed.
This training from Indiana Main Street explains the best practices for getting to know your downtown business owners and getting them engaged in the Main Street organization.
Use this self-guided training to understand how to build a robust environment to support small business creation and sustainability.
A comprehensive guide to local small business support to encourage entrepreneurs and create a vibrant downtown commercial district.
CARE works to save lives, defeat poverty, achieve social justice, and fight for women and girls. Learn about CARE.
The Center for Community Progress is the only national nonprofit dedicated to comprehensively tackling vacant properties. Since 2010, Community Progress has provided urban, suburban, and rural communities battling systemic vacancy with the policies, tools, and resources needed to address the full cycle of property revitalization. Learn about the Center for Community Progress here.
Disability:IN is the leading nonprofit resource for business disability inclusion worldwide. Learn about Disability:IN.
EAF provides refugee entrepreneurs access to financial products and services that promote economic opportunity. Learn more.
Hispanic Federation is the nation’s premier Latino nonprofit membership organization that empowers the Hispanic community. Learn more.
National ACE serves as a strong advocate for AANHPI small business owners across the country. Learn more.
The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development assists Native American tribes and businesses with business and economic development. Learn about NCAIED here.
Small Business Majority is a national small business organization that empowers America’s diverse entrepreneurs to build a thriving and equitable economy. Learn more.
Bunker Labs provides community, programs, and courses to help military veterans and military spouses start and grow successful businesses and startups. Bunker Labs was acquired by Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans & Military Families January 1, 2024. The strategic endeavor brings together two organizations dedicated to supporting veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs with the goal of enhancing the overall reach and impact of entrepreneurial success within these communities. Learn more.
The largest advocacy organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBTQ people, and the exclusive certifying body for LGBTQ-owned businesses. Learn more.
Contact SmallBizGrant@mainstreet.org
or call 312−610−5613 and leave a voicemail with any other questions. Please allow up to two (2) full business days to respond to all inquiries.
Main Street America (the National Main Street Center) has partnered with American Express to launch the “Backing Small Businesses (the “Backing Small Businesses grant program”) which is administered by Main Street America. All Applications become the sole property of the Sponsor and information from the Applications may be provided to American Express. Please review the Main Street America privacy policy here.
Through our Small Business Support work, Main Street America is equipping both small business owners and economic development leaders with tools, resources, and opportunities to build stronger and more resilient local economies.
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