American Express® Backing Small Businesses
The Backing Small Businesses grant program, presented by American Express, offers funding to small business owners.
Quincy, Illinois © The District Quincy
Building Stronger Local Economies
At Main Street America, we believe that supporting entrepreneurs, small businesses, and small-scale development builds community wealth and creates meaningful investment in communities.
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.
Use the buttons below to quickly navigate to the resources you’re looking for.
Subscribe For Small Business Emails
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Small Business Grants & Funding
We are committed to providing grant and funding opportunities to support Main Street business owners and economic development leaders.
Tools & Education
Main Street America is committed to providing tools, resources, and education for enhancing economic vitality and fostering entrepreneurship in historic neighborhoods and commercial districts.
Small Biz Digital Trainers
Main Street America offers virtual and on-demand small business training through the Small Biz Digital Trainers program.
Main Street Business Insights Podcast
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 Online Tool
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.
Main Street America Institute
MSAI is the preeminent provider of professional development and network-building opportunities for downtown and commercial district leaders.
American Express® Neighborhood Champions
With American Express, we invite organizations to bring small businesses and shoppers together on Small Business Saturday® and all year long.
Building Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
We are committed to helping revitalization professionals lead and develop initiatives that support innovative entrepreneurship.
Building a Community Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Use this self-guided training to understand how to build a robust environment to support small business creation and sustainability.
The Importance of Inclusive Entrepreneurship Ecosystems
An article from State of Main exploring the impact of entrepreneurship and examining ways to create inclusion in the development of entrepreneurship ecosystems. Published in State of Main.
Metuchen, NJ © Isaac Kremer
Advancing Inclusive Entrepreneurship
Watch this webinar to learn techniques and strategies to support minority entrepreneurs and create a diverse small business ecosystem.
Supporting the Creation & Growth of Businesses in Our Communities
Learn how to connect entrepreneurs of color with resources, grants, and loans to support sustainable economic growth.
Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and the Role of Commercial Districts
A comprehensive guide to local small business support to encourage entrepreneurs and create a vibrant downtown commercial district.
Stories & Insights
Learn from small business owners and entrepreneurs who are thriving on Main Street.
Harvey Williams, Delta Dirt Distillery
In this episode, Matt sits down with Harvey Williams, Co-Founder and CEO of Delta Dirt Distillery in Helena, Arkansas. Delta Dirt Distillery is the only Black-owned farm-to-bottled distillery in the United States.
Derrick Braziel, Owner of Pata Roja Taqueria and MORTAR
In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt sits down with Derrick Braziel, owner of Pata Rojas Taqueria and co-founder of MORTAR, in Cincinatti, Ohio.
2024 Predictions for Main Street Businesses
In our first episode of the season, you’ll hear from host Matt Wagner about his predictions for the small business landscape in 2024.
Janet Hurn, Future Ready Consulting
In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt sits down with Janet Hurn, owner of Future Ready Consulting in Cincinatti, Ohio.
Cincinnati, Ohio © Janet Hurn
© Pexels / Rachel Claire
Small Business Knowledge Hub
Find tools and resources here to help you ensure your small business support strategies leverage the distinct sense of place that makes your commercial district unique.
Dive into the Knowledge Hub