Program Overview
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.1
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.
Applications will be open from Small Business Saturday, November 29, 2025, to Friday, January 16, 2026 at 11:59 CT.
About Small Business Saturday
Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses and communities across the country and is part of the larger Shop Small Movement. Founded by American Express in 2010, this day is celebrated each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving in the U.S. Since its launch in 2010, U.S. consumers have reported spending an estimated $223 billion at small businesses on Small Business Saturday.2
To celebrate, American Express created I SHOPPED SMALL stickers for small businesses to share with their shoppers on November 29. You can order the complimentary stickers here.3
Eligibility
The eligibility information below is a general overview. Additional information about the grant program, including detailed eligibility requirements, FAQs, and Terms & Conditions, will be released on Saturday, November 29, 2025.
To stay up to date about announcements regarding this program, sign up for our Small Businesses Resources email list.
To be eligible for this program, applicants must:
- Own a for-profit, independently owned small business
- Operate out of a physical “brick-and-mortar” storefront
- Be located in one of the 50 U.S. states or Washington, DC (businesses located in U.S. territories
