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 announced on Monday it will provide up to 50 Australian small businesses with $20,000 grants to support their growth and innovation.
Eligible projects include storefront improvements, business fit-outs, digital upgrades and community outreach projects, among others.
The grant project is being delivered in partnership with Mainstreet Australia, an advocacy group representing community business centers across the country.
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Reflecting the importance of brick-and-mortar businesses to local communities, American Express will also offer grants to projects that “contribute to the vitality and attractiveness of a local center or main street.”
Beyond that $1 million in guaranteed funding, American Express will complement the grant plan by contributing $1 per eligible transaction to businesses that participate in the Shop Small campaign between August 1 and 7.
Companies can apply for these grants from today until September 6.
“Over the last 14 years, small store has celebrated the people behind these businesses and reminded us
that where we choose to spend has a real impact,” Corrina Davison, managing director of American Express Australia, said in a statement to mark the launch of the campaign.
“Every time someone buys something small, they support 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,” he said.
Beyond announcing the new grant program, American Express also released research showing which Australian regions have the closest association with small businesses.
A survey of more than 4,000 respondents put South Melbourne in first place, while the Sydney group of Surry Hills, Darlinghurst and Paddington came in second.
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They were followed by:
- Parramatta, New South Wales
- Newtown, New South Wales
- Newcastle, New South Wales
- Cabramatta, New South Wales
- Fremantle, Washington, USA
- Geelong, Victoria
- Fitzroy, Vic
- Hobart, TAS.
American Express claims to have encouraged spending of $9.8 billion among small businesses participating in its Shop Small campaign between 2013 and 2025.