The Backing Small Businesses grant program, supported by American Express, supports locally significant small businesses facing economic hardship.
The Backing Small Businesses grant program is now accepting applications for a round of Disaster Recovery grants for eligible locally significant small businesses impacted by recent natural disasters. From Wednesday, May 7 at 9 a.m. CT through Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CT, businesses affected by FEMA-declared disasters on or after January 1, 2024, can apply for one of 100 available $10,000 grants to assist in their recovery efforts.
Find more information about eligibility requirements, grant program terms, and the application process below.
Eligible small businesses are those businesses:
Applicants must be an owner of the eligible small business and 18 years of age or older.
The disaster must be declared by FEMA, and includes all categories of Disaster Types and Incident Types. Incident Types include:
The incident date of the disaster must include at least one date on or after January 1, 2024.
The disaster must have at least one county listed as a Designated Area eligible for either Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, or both.
A small business with local significance is involved in and critical to the surrounding community and local culture. These businesses are often long-standing or legacy businesses that provide continuity and a sense of identity to a neighborhood.
Businesses with local significance 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 are unique to the heritage and culture in the community.
No, applicants may only apply on behalf of one business. We encourage you to consider which business is most aligned with the goals of the grant program or has the greatest need for support.
No, but later this year, our broader round of Backing Small Businesses grant program will open to offer 400 $10,000 grants for economically vulnerable small business owners with local significance for projects that grow or improve their businesses by building community, supporting their economic viability, or bolstering meaningful change. Stay tuned for more information on this round coming soon.
Applications will be reviewed based on:
Informational Webinar: Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 1 p.m. CT
Applications Open: Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 9 a.m. CT
Applications Close: Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CT
Grant Recipients Notified in June 2025
Grant Reports Due in October 2025
If you were unable to attend our live webinar, you can still access the recording. The session provides valuable insights on:
- Program overview
- Eligibility requirements
- Eligible grant expenses
- Review criteria
- Application best practices
Of the 500 recipients selected for both rounds of $10,000 grants in 2025, a limited subset of 25 recipients will be awarded $30,000 Enhancement Grants, which will allow those business owners the opportunity to create transformative change within their business and in their community (for example, by giving back, partnering with community members, addressing cultural, environmental and/or access needs in their community, opening a new location and/or adding staffing).
Recipients of the $10,000 grant will be required to submit a final grant report using a template provided. In addition to questions regarding the completed project, the report must describe how the business would use the $30,000 Enhancement Grant. Enhancement Grant project proposals can be related to the $10,000 grant proposal or they may constitute a separate project.
Please note that Enhancement Grants cannot go towards funding initial project proposals. Initial proposals should only require $10,000 to complete. The $30,000 Enhancement Grants are available only to recipients of the initial $10,000 grant who successfully complete their initial projects, and who have not previously received an Enhancement Grant from MSA. Enhancement Grant project proposals are completed separately, through the final grant report for the initial $10,000 grant.
The broader round of Backing Small Businesses grants will offer 400 $10,000 grants for locally significant small businesses facing economic challenges. The grant funding is for projects that improve small businesses by building community, supporting growth and viability, or nurturing positive change. More details on the application process for these 400 grants will be announced in June.
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The 25 small businesses receiving enhancement grants represent 25 states across the country. Earlier this year, each of these recipients also received an additional $10,000 as part of a 500-member cohort.
American Express and Main Street America announced the 500 small business owners who have been awarded $10,000 through the Backing Small Businesses grant program.
Sarah Cole, owner of Abadir’s in Greensboro, Ala., was a 2023 Backing Small Businesses grantee. Abadir’s is a pop-up eatery specializing in seasonal and wholesome baked goods influenced by Egyptian traditions and flavors combined with inspiration from true Southern cuisine.
Tylisya Gober, owner of Barbie Behavior Boutique in Oak Park, Mich., was a 2023 Backing Small Businesses grantee. Barbie Behavior is a women’s clothing boutique specializing in celebrity-inspired attire.
In this episode of Main Street Business Insights, Matt sits down with Tiffany Fixter, owner of Brewability, an inclusive craft brewery and pizzeria that employs adults with disabilities based in Englewood,
Meet the 2023 recipients for the Backing Small Businesses grant program, presented by American Express, to provide financial support to small business owners to address critical needs and make a positive impact in their local communities.
Meet Backing Small Businesses grantees Kim and Chris Casteel of Anew Life Prosthetics and Orthotics based in Detroit, Michigan.
Meet the latest recipients of the Backing Small Businesses Program from American Express!
Contact SmallBizGrant@mainstreet.org
or call 312−610−5613 and leave a voicemail with any other questions. Please allow up to two (2) full business days to respond to all inquiries.
Main Street America (the National Main Street Center) has partnered with American Express to launch the “Backing Small Businesses (the “Backing Small Businesses grant program”) which is administered by Main Street America. All Applications become the sole property of the Sponsor and information from the Applications may be provided to American Express. Please review the Main Street America privacy policy here.
Through our Small Business Support work, Main Street America is equipping both small business owners and economic development leaders with tools, resources, and opportunities to build stronger and more resilient local economies.
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