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.
Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams
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We are proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Backing Small Businesses grant program, supported by American Express. This nationwide initiative has awarded 400 grants of $10,000 to locally significant small businesses across the country, helping them fuel growth and continue to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
The 400 grant recipients demonstrated both resilience and a strong local impact and vision for the future in their applications.
*** = Located in Main Street America Accredited Member Community
** = Located in Main Street America Affiliate Member Community
* = Located in Main Street America General Member Community
This program marks the latest effort in American Express’ “Backing Small Businesses” work to equip small businesses with the resources to grow and innovate today, prepare for tomorrow, and overcome everyday challenges big and small. Other Backing Small Businesses programs include Backing Historic Small Restaurants and Backing International Small Restaurants.
Since launching, Backing Small Businesses has provided more than $14 million in grants to over 1,600 small business owners nationwide.
Receive information about future grant rounds, as well as other small business resources and opportunities, by joining Main Street America’s Small Business Hub or by subscribing to our “Small Business Resources, Information, and Updates” list.