Backing Small Businesses Grant Program

The Backing Small Businesses grant program, supported by American Express and administered by Main Street America (the National Main Street Center), aims to strengthen the economic vitality and long-term resilience of small businesses operating in historically significant commercial districts across the United States. The program provides direct financial assistance to businesses that have faced economic hardship and are committed to growth, community engagement, and sustainable operations. This funding initiative reflects American Express’ broader commitment to supporting the small business sector through programs such as Backing Historic Small Restaurants and Backing International Historical Small Restaurants. For the 2025 cycle, the program offers $10,000 grants to 400 locally significant businesses, supporting projects that are feasible within that budget and can be completed by December 31, 2025. These grants can be used for a wide range of purposes including physical improvements, accessibility upgrades, marketing initiatives, sustainability projects, operational strategies, technology enhancements, and more. However, the grant funds cannot be used for payroll, debt repayment, or payment of invoices, and utilities are capped at $2,000 or 20% of the total grant. Businesses must also submit a final report using a provided template to document the use of funds. In addition to the base $10,000 grants, a competitive subset of 25 awardees will be selected to receive $30,000 Enhancement Grants. Eligibility for these larger follow-up grants is limited to recipients of the initial $10,000 grant who have successfully completed their funded projects and have not previously received an Enhancement Grant. Applicants for the Enhancement Grant must submit a separate proposal within their final report outlining the transformative impact of their proposed projects. To be eligible, businesses must meet several criteria: they must be independently owned for-profits (not part of a franchise or nonprofit), located in a brick-and-mortar space in an older or historic main street, downtown, or commercial district, and have occupied that location by January 1, 2025. Businesses must also have been operational since at least January 1, 2024, employ no more than 20 full-time employees, and be in good standing as a registered business in their operating states. Home-based businesses and those located in malls or office parks are not eligible. Applicants must be the business owners and at least 18 years old. The application period for the 2025 grant cycle opens at 9:00 a.m. CT on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, and closes at 11:59 p.m. CT on Thursday, July 31, 2025. Applications must be submitted online via the program website. All entries must be original and verifiable; automated entries or multiple applications from the same business owner will be disqualified. Grant recipients will be notified in October 2025, and the final report is due by January 15, 2026. Evaluation criteria include the feasibility of the proposed project, the applicant’s financial need and business context, the anticipated impact of the grant on the business's growth and resilience, and the applicant’s community reach. Questions about the grant can be directed to SmallBizGrant@mainstreet.org or by calling 312-610-5613. Detailed terms and conditions are available on the program's website and in the downloadable program PDF.

Refer to webinar and funding restrictions, focus on local impact and project feasibility.