American Express and Main Street America have announced the second year of their Backing Small Businesses grant program with a total of $2.3 million in available funding. 

The two funders and designated community partners will select 350 grantees, to be announced in June, to receive up to $5,000, with a focus on candidates that have the potential to improve, revitalize, or expand an existing small business in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts nationwide. This fall, 25 grantees will also receive additional enhancement grants of $25,000 to fund innovative revitalization projects such as business expansion, capital improvements, or investment in technology that would further improve their businesses, while providing goods or services that address cultural, environmental, and/or access needs in their local community.

“We are proud to work alongside Main Street America to support small business owners as they navigate current economic challenges,” said American Express vice president of community impact Alice Lin Fabiano. “Small business owners are at the heart of local communities, and since the launch of our grant program in 2021, it has been inspiring to see the positive impact they have made in communities across the country.” 

(Photo credit: Getty Images/gorodenkoff)