Main Street America and American Express® are teaming up to help small businesses grow, innovate, and support their local communities. Eligible small business owners across the U.S. can apply for $20,000 grants through the new Amex Shop Small Grants Program.
Applications are open now and will close on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT. Learn more >
Eligibility
- 18 years of age or older
- Owner of an eligible small business; and have been an owner of that small business on or before January 1, 2025.
- Small businesses that are a for-profit, independently owned business
- Have a start date on or before January 1, 2024
- Operate out of a physical “brick-and-mortar” location that is:
- A permanent structure and solely used by that same business operating within it
- Located in one of the 50 U.S. states or Washington D.C.
- Has operated out of that physical location on or before January 1, 2025
- Employ 20 or fewer Full Time Equivalent employees (including the owner)
- Meet all federal, state, and local requirements to legally operate.
Program Timeline
- Applications Open: Saturday, November 29, 2025
- Applications Close: Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT
- Grant Recipients Notified: March 2026
- Grant Period: April 2026 – September 2026 (6 months)
- Grant Reports Due: Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CT