Announcing the 2025 Backing Small Businesses Grant Recipients
We are thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2025 Backing Small Businesses grant program, supported by American Express.
To help small businesses grow, innovate, and support their local communities, Main Street America and American Express® are teaming up to launch the Amex Shop Small Grants Program.
The Program will provide an initial $5 million to fund 250 grants of $20,000 each to eligible small business owners across the U.S. Plus, every time an American Express Card Member shops with their eligible Card at a qualifying U.S. small business on November 29, American Express will donate an additional $1 to the grant program.1
The Amex Shop Small Grants Program reflects the shared commitment of American Express and Main Street America to champion small businesses that strengthen communities and help local economies thrive.
Questions?
Contact smallbizgrant@mainstreet.org or call 708−515−4889 and leave a voicemail with any other questions. Please allow up to five (5) full business days to respond to all inquiries.
Stay up-to-date about announcements regarding this program, sign up for our Small Businesses Resources email list.
1For every transaction made at a qualifying U.S. small business using an eligible American Express Card on Small Business Saturday, Nov 29, $1 will be donated to provide grants to small businesses. Small businesses must be on the Shop Small Map for transactions at that business to qualify. Donations will go to Main Street America to be distributed through the Amex Shop Small Grants Program. Excludes transactions made using American Express Debit Cards.
Related News and Stories
Main Spotlight: Eight Trends for Small Businesses in 2026
Chief Innovation Officer Matt Wagner, Ph.D., shares his annual predictions for the trends that will impact Main Streets and small businesses in 2026.
Main Spotlight: Appreciating the Reality of a Storefront Business Owner
This conversation between Main Street America's Director of Research and the owner of a plant shop in Tacoma, Wash., reveals the unique struggles of today's storefront business owners.