Funding Opportunities

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

If you were a Neighborhood Champion, fill out our short Neighborhood Champion Innovation Contest form by March 31, 2023 for an opportunity to win. This year, our judging panel is looking for the most creative and innovative ways you engaged with younger, “next generation” shoppers (think Gen Z and Millennial) in your community. The Main Street program that had the best celebration and promotions will receive $5,000; one second-place winner will receive $2,500, and three third-place winners will receive $1,000 in recognition of their Small Business Saturday innovation. Winners will be announced and receive their awards in May. Applicants must have signed up and been approved to be a Neighborhood Champion in 2022 and be members of Main Street America to be eligible to enter or win. For Official Rules, click here. 

The application period for the Neighborhood Champion Innovation Contest is now closed.