Learn data-based solutions to complex challenges at the 2025 Community Transformation Workshop in Columbia and Hartsville, South Carolina, October 13 – 15.
Learn More.png)
Main Street America is pleased to announce 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. Grants of $5,000 have been awarded to 350 U.S. small business owners.
In 2021, American Express and Main Street America created the Backing Small Businesses* grant program to support U.S. small business owners as they recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic and looked to grow their businesses. In its first year, the program provided $1.65 million in grants to 330 small business owners across the country.
Now in its second year, the program increased the number of grants awarded to 350 and total funding to more than $2.3 million to further support small business owners. In partnership with Bunker Labs, CARE, Center for Community Progress, Disability:IN, HIAS, Hispanic Federation, National ACE (National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship), NGLCC (National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce), and Small Business Majority, grantees were selected based on feasibility of project implementation; how the grant would help improve the viability of the business; and the extent to which the grant will help address an acute business need or help a business owner implement innovative solutions to build economic vitality and foster a thriving community.
This program marks the latest effort in American Express’ “Backing Small” initiative to provide financial support and resources to U.S. small business owners. Other Backing Small programs include the Coalition to Back Black Businesses and Backing Historic Small Restaurants. Backing Small complements American Express’ Shop Small, a global year-round movement to spotlight small, independent businesses.
Click here to download the list of grantees.
To learn more about the Backing Small Businesses grant program and hear from previous grantees, click here or the image below.
Generously sponsored by U.S. Bank, this live, three-week course centers the real challenges of entrepreneurs and equips Main Street leaders with invaluable insights and practical tools to respond. Register today!
Oregon City, Oregon. Photo by Adam Wickham.
Applications are now open for the broader round of the Backing Small Businesses grant program, supported by American Express, which will award 400 grants of $10,000 to help locally significant small businesses overcome economic hardship, invest in growth, and make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Main Street Morgantown leveraged strategic partnerships to create a retail incubator that supports downtown, the local university, and the local arts community.
