To back underrepresented small business owners as they navigate the pandemic and plan for long-term success and resilience, American Express partnered with Main Street America on a $1.65M grant program called Backing Small Businesses*. Launched in 2021, this program builds on American Express’ ongoing Backing Small initiative to provide economically vulnerable small businesses with financial support and other resources to address their critical needs and challenges. More than 300 grants of $5,000 each were awarded in four cycles over 12 months to small businesses located in older or historic commercial districts across the country, with priority given to businesses that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and preference given to businesses owned by underrepresented groups, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, Veterans, women and people of color. Read about the latest grant recipients here.
The application period is now closed.
*Formerly known as Inclusive Backing