AMEX Small Business Grants
To help small businesses grow, innovate, and support their local communities, American Express has teamed up with Main Street America to launch the Amex Small Business Grants Program. The Program will fund 250 grants of $20,000 each to eligible small business owners across the U.S. Applicants are encouraged to have a “ready to execute” project plan and a detailed itemized budget that can be completed in a 6-month period. During that time Main Street America will provide opportunities to connect and network with each other, complete self-guided e-learning courses, and share the story of their business and grant journey with a variety of audiences. The closing date for the application window is on January 16, 2026.
ELIGIBILITY: Eligible applicants are those applicants who (i) are of 18 years of age or older, and (ii) are an owner of an eligible small business, and (iii) have been an owner of that small business on or before January 1, 2025. Eligible small businesses are those businesses (i) that are a for-profit, independently owned business, (ii) that have a start date on or before January 1, 2024, (iii) that operate out of a physical “brick-and-mortar" location, (iv) is located in one of the 50 U.S. states or Washington D.C., (v) is a permanent structure, (vi) is solely used by that same business operating within it, (vii) which has operated out of that physical location on or before January 1, 2025, (viii) that employ 20 or fewer Full Time Equivalent employees (including the owner), and (ix) that meet all federal, state, and local requirements to legally operate. Main Street USA/ Illinois membership is not needed to apply. Nonprofits, franchises, home-based and mobile businesses are ineligible to apply. Additionally, an owner of multiple businesses can only apply with one business.
If you are unsure if your business qualifies you can verify at FAQ’s link: MSA-Amex-Shop-Small-Grants-Program-FAQs-FINAL.pdf
To be connected to the application page as well as to the complete list of terms and conditions: Amex Shop Small Grants Program | Main Street America
If you have further questions or would like to apply but are needing assistance please reach out to Kathleen Weber, the Grants Administrator for the city. She can be reached by email at kweber@cityofkewanee.net or by phone at 309-761-1514.