American Express: Shop Small Business Grants

Amex Shop Small Grants - Program Overview
To help small businesses grow, innovate, and support their local communities, American Express is teaming up with Main Street America this Small Business Saturday® to launch the Amex Shop Small Grants Program. The Program will provide an initial $5 million to fund 250 grants of $20,000 each to eligible small business owners across the U.S. Plus, every time an American Express Card Member shops with their eligible Card at a qualifying U.S. small business on November 29, 2025, American Express will donate an additional $1 to fund additional grants.
 

The Amex Shop Small Grants Program reflects the shared commitment of American Express and Main Street America to champion small businesses that strengthen communities and help local economies thrive. 
 

Applications will be open from Small Business Saturday, November 29, 2025, to Friday, January 16, 2026 at 11:59 CT.
 

Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses and communities across the country and is part of the larger Shop Small Movement. Founded by American Express in 2010, this day is celebrated each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving in the U.S. Since its launch in 2010, U.S. consumers have reported spending an estimated $223 billion at small businesses on Small Business Saturday.

Applications are open from Small Business Saturday, November 29, 2025, to Friday, January 16, 2026 at 11:59 CT. 
 

Recipients will have a 6‑month period in which to complete their projects, so applicants are encouraged to prepare a ​“ready-to-execute” project plan and a detailed, itemized budget. During that period, Main Street America will provide opportunities for grant recipients to connect and network with each other, complete self-guided e‑learning courses, and share the story of their business and their Amex Shop Small Grants Program project journey with a variety of audiences.

Learn more about this program and apply here!

Program Timeline

QUESTIONS?

Contact smallbizgrant@​mainstreet.​org or call 708−515−4889 and leave a voicemail with any other questions. Please allow up to five (5) full business days to respond to all inquiries.