Program Timeline - Applications will be open from Small Business Saturday, November 29, 2025, to Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11:59 CT.

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

To help small businesses grow, innovate, and support their local communities, American Express is teaming up with Main Street America this Small Business Saturday® to launch the Amex Shop Small Grants Program. The Program will provide an initial $5 million to fund 250 grants of $20,000 each to eligible small business owners across the U.S. Plus, every time an American Express Card Member shops with their eligible Card at a qualifying U.S. small business on November 29, 2025, American Express will donate an additional $1 to fund additional grants.

The Amex Shop Small Grants Program reflects the shared commitment of American Express and Main Street America to champion small businesses that strengthen communities and help local economies thrive.

About Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses and communities nationwide, and it is part of the larger Shop Small Movement. Founded by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday is celebrated each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving in the U.S. Since its launch, U.S. consumers have reported spending an estimated $223 billion at small businesses on Small Business Saturday.

Applications are open from Small Business Saturday, November 29, 2025, to Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11:59 CT.

Recipients will have a 6‑month period in which to complete their projects, so applicants are encouraged to prepare a ​“ready-to-execute” project plan and a detailed, itemized budget. During that period, Main Street America will provide opportunities for grant recipients to connect and network with each other, complete self-guided e‑learning courses, and share the story of their business and their Amex Shop Small Grants Program project journey with a variety of audiences.

https://mainstreet.org/about/partner-collaborations/amex-shop-small-grant-program?utm_campaign=28821628-Amex%20Shop%20Small%20Grant&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-95mZZpFimUIWzsldzzDogQZBGOs65gTWhjxLiHdrsEsV0penlFTn4BcTa9NSdjyPXmZQ4Q8Ff3tj6zZ6ufG0Qw4MjDow&_hsmi=389573989&utm_content=389573989&utm_source=hs_email