The Backing Small Businesses grant program, supported by American Express, supports locally significant small businesses facing economic hardship.
The Backing Small Businesses Disaster Recovery Grant supports locally significant small businesses impacted by natural disasters. Through this program, eligible businesses affected by FEMA-declared disasters may qualify for a $10,000 grant to aid in their recovery efforts.
2025 Applications are now closed.
The broader round of Backing Small Businesses grants will offer 400 $10,000 grants for locally significant small businesses facing economic challenges. The grant funding is for projects that improve small businesses by building community, supporting growth and viability, or nurturing positive change. More details on the application process for these 400 grants will be announced in June. To receive emails updates about the Backing Small Businesses grant program and other small business resources and opportunities, please subscribe to receive“Small Business Resources, Information, and Updates” here. >
Of the 500 recipients selected for both rounds of $10,000 grants in 2025, 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 must describe 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 Enhancement Grants cannot go towards funding initial project proposals. Initial proposals should only require $10,000 to complete. The $30,000 Enhancement Grants are available only to recipients of the initial $10,000 grant who successfully complete their initial projects, and who have not previously received an Enhancement Grant from MSA. Enhancement Grant project proposals are completed separately, through the final grant report for the initial $10,000 grant.
The 25 small businesses receiving enhancement grants represent 25 states across the country. Earlier this year, each of these recipients also received an additional $10,000 as part of a 500-member cohort.
American Express and Main Street America announced the 500 small business owners who have been awarded $10,000 through the Backing Small Businesses grant program.
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!
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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