Amex Shop Small Grants Program: A Major Opportunity for Small Businesses
The Amex Shop Small Grants Program is a powerful funding opportunity designed to help small businesses grow, innovate, and strengthen their local communities across the United States. Launched by American Express in partnership with Main Street America, the Amex Shop Small Grants Program aligns with the annual Small Business Saturday® initiative, reinforcing a long-standing commitment to supporting small, community-based enterprises.
Through the Amex Shop Small Grants Program, eligible small business owners can access significant financial support to implement ready-to-execute projects that improve operations, expand services, or enhance community impact. This opportunity is especially relevant for entrepreneurs seeking non-dilutive funding without repayment obligations.
Amex Shop Small Grants Program Funding Overview
At the core of the Amex Shop Small Grants Program is an initial funding pool of $5 million, which will be distributed as 250 grants of $20,000 each to qualifying small businesses across the U.S. In addition to this initial allocation, the Amex Shop Small Grants Program includes a community-driven funding mechanism tied to Small Business Saturday®.
For every transaction made using an eligible American Express Card at a qualifying U.S. small business on November 29, 2025, American Express will donate $1 to fund additional grants under the Amex Shop Small Grants Program. This innovative approach allows consumers to directly contribute to small business growth while shopping locally.
Amex Shop Small Grants Program and Small Business Saturday
The Amex Shop Small Grants Program is deeply connected to Small Business Saturday, a national movement founded by American Express in 2010. Celebrated annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday® encourages consumers to support local businesses and communities.
Since its inception, Small Business Saturday has driven an estimated $223 billion in spending at U.S. small businesses, highlighting the impact of initiatives like the Amex Shop Small Grants Program. By aligning grant funding with this movement, the Amex Shop Small Grants Program amplifies both economic and community benefits.
Amex Shop Small Grants Program Application Timeline
The Amex Shop Small Grants Program has a clearly defined application and implementation timeline that applicants should carefully follow.
Applications open on Small Business Saturday, November 29, 2025, and close on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT (deadline).
Successful applicants to the Amex Shop Small Grants Program will be notified in March 2026. The grant implementation period will run from April 2026 to September 2026, giving recipients six months to execute their proposed projects. Final grant reports for the Amex Shop Small Grants Program are due by October 15, 2026.
Amex Shop Small Grants Program Eligibility and Project Expectations
While detailed eligibility criteria are outlined in the official FAQs, the Amex Shop Small Grants Program is generally open to qualifying U.S.-based small businesses that demonstrate community impact and growth potential. Applicants are encouraged to submit a “ready-to-execute” project plan alongside a detailed, itemized budget.
The Amex Shop Small Grants Program places strong emphasis on feasibility, sustainability, and local economic impact. Proposed grant expenses should clearly align with business growth, innovation, or community support objectives to increase selection chances.
Amex Shop Small Grants Program Benefits Beyond Funding
Beyond financial support, the Amex Shop Small Grants Program offers additional value to selected recipients. During the six-month grant period, Main Street America will provide networking opportunities, self-guided e-learning courses, and platforms for grantees to share their business journeys.
These non-monetary benefits make the Amex Shop Small Grants Program more than just a funding opportunity. Grant recipients gain access to a national network of small business owners and community builders, enhancing long-term capacity and visibility.
Why the Amex Shop Small Grants Program Matters
The Amex Shop Small Grants Program reflects a shared mission by American Express and Main Street America to strengthen local economies and empower entrepreneurs. Small businesses play a critical role in job creation, innovation, and community identity, and the Amex Shop Small Grants Program directly supports this ecosystem.
By combining grant funding, consumer participation, and educational support, the Amex Shop Small Grants Program stands out as a holistic opportunity for small business sustainability and growth.
How to Apply for the Amex Shop Small Grants Program
Interested applicants can apply directly through the official application portal during the application window.
Those seeking updates about the Amex Shop Small Grants Program are encouraged to subscribe to the Small Business Resources email list for announcements and reminders.
For additional questions regarding the Amex Shop Small Grants Program, applicants can contact Main Street America via email at smallbizgrant@mainstreet.org or leave a voicemail at 708-515-4889, allowing up to five business days for a response.
The Amex Shop Small Grants Program is a timely and impactful opportunity for small businesses ready to scale, innovate, or deepen their community engagement. With substantial funding, structured support, and national visibility, the Amex Shop Small Grants Program remains one of the most attractive small business grant opportunities in the United States for 2025–2026.
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