Amex pledges up to $2 million in grants to help fund small business upgrades

American Express has pledged $1 million in grants to small businesses, with plans to offer another $1 million, as part of its latest Shop Small campaign.

The credit card scheme on Monday announced it will provide up to 50 Australian small businesses with grants of $20,000 to support their growth and innovation.

Eligible projects include shopfront improvements, business fit-outs, digital upgrades, and community outreach projects, among others.

The grant project is delivered in partnership with Mainstreet Australia, an advocacy group representing community business centres across the country.

Reflecting the importance of bricks-and-mortar businesses to local communities, American Express will also offer grants to projects “contributing to the vitality and attractiveness of a local centre or main street”.

Beyond that $1 million in guaranteed funding, American Express will top up the grant scheme by contributing $1 per eligible transaction at businesses taking part in the Shop Small campaign between August 1 and 7.

Businesses can apply for those grants from today until September 6.

“For the past 14 years, Shop Small has celebrated the people behind these businesses and reminded usthat where we choose to spend has a real impact,” said Corrina Davison, managing director, American Express Australia, in a statement marking the campaign launch.

“Every time someone shops small, they’re backing the passion, hard work and ambition of a local business owner.”

Joyce Watts, president of Mainstreet Australia, said local communities and small businesses have mutual interests.

“When our small businesses thrive, our main streets thrive, creating stronger communities for everyone,” she said.

Beyond announcing the new-look grant program, American Express also released research showing which Australian regions have the closest association with small business.

A survey of more than 4,000 respondents put South Melbourne in the top spot, with the Sydney cluster of Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, and Paddington ranking second.

American Express claims to have encouraged $9.8 billion in spending to small businesses participating in its Shop Small campaign between 2013 and 2025.

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