In partnership with American Express, the Backing Small Businesses grant program supports economically vulnerable and under-resourced small businesses with community reach.
This year, eligible small business owners can apply for $10,000 grants for projects that grow or improve their businesses by building community, supporting their economic viability, or bolstering meaningful change.
Applications will be accepted now through April 7, 2024, at 11:59 pm CT. The application period will end once 5,000 applications have been submitted, even if that occurs before the deadline.
Please help us spread the news by sharing this opportunity with small businesses in your community!
Meet a 2023 Backing Small Businesses Grantee Tiffany Fixter, Owner of Brewability in Englewood, Colorado. Read Tiffany’s Story >You can also listen to an interview with Tiffany on our Main Street Business Insights podcast – click here to listen now.
About the Program Since 2021, American Express and Main Street America have worked together to support U.S. small business owners as they navigate a variety of economic challenges, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the supply chain crisis to global labor shortages and more. Throughout all of this, millions of small business owners across the country have worked tirelessly to continue providing their goods and services, while also building local economies, fostering a sense of identity, and enhancing quality of place in the communities they serve. We recognize that our small business owners can’t do this work alone. Through the Backing Small Businesses grant program, we are committed to supporting economic vitality for small businesses across the country.
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.
Backing Small Businesses is one of many grant programs administered by Main Street America that are designed to enhance economic vitality and foster entrepreneurship in historic neighborhoods and commercial districts. For more information about funding opportunities through Main Street America and its partner organizations, please visit our Funding Opportunities webpage.
How can small business owners apply?
Applications will be accepted from 9 a.m. CT on March 14, 2024, through April 7, 2024, at 11:59 pm CT. The application period will end once 5,000 applications have been submitted, even if that occurs before the deadline. Apply here.
What types of businesses are eligible for these grants?
For a list of eligibility requirements, visit the program webpage.
What do you mean by “Community Reach”?
A small business with community reach is involved in and critical to the surrounding community or serves a cultural- or ability-specific need. These businesses are often long-standing or legacy businesses that provide continuity and a sense of identity to a neighborhood or specific cultural group. Businesses with community reach have also been intentional about developing core values and a business model that supports their communities or addresses an acute community need. For example, a business that regularly hosts free concerts featuring local artists, or a shop that provides goods or services that uniquely serve a customer base in the community.
Have additional questions?
Check out our webpage and review additional grant FAQs.
Contact SmallBizGrant@mainstreet.org. |
