Part of American Express’ Backing Small initiative, the Inclusive Backing Grant Program will provide hundreds of underrepresented small businesses with financial support as well as other resources to address their critical needs and challenges.
Donor Name: Main Street America
State: All States
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 03/01/2022
Size of the Grant: $5,000
Details:
Priority will be given to businesses that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and preference given to businesses owned by underrepresented groups, including People of Color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, veterans, and women.
The second grant cycle will provide grants to personal service-based businesses, including but not limited to dry cleaners, tailors, beauty salons, spas, cobblers, barbers, and nail salons.
Funding Information
More than 250 grants of $5,000 each will be awarded in four cycles over 12 months to small businesses located in older or historic commercial districts across the country.
Eligibility Criteria
Businesses must meet the following criteria to apply:
- The business must be a business entity in good standing in the state in which it was formed and the state in which it does business.
- The applicant’s business has a “brick-and-mortar” location and operates in an older or historic main street, downtown, or commercial district in the United States—businesses in strip malls, residences, and shopping malls are not eligible for this grant program.
- The applicant’s business employs 20 or fewer full-time employees, including the owner.
- The applicant’s business has been in operation since January 1, 2020.
Eligible grant expenses include but are not limited to:
- Physical improvements to business space to meet relevant reopening requirements implemented because of COVID-19
- Equipment to comply with public health and safety guidelines (i.e., touchless payment methods, automatic door open sensors, or disposable menus)
- Fees associated with expanding the business to e-commerce sales and/or other business innovations
- Other professional services, such as business plan modifications
- Rent, payroll, and other operating expenses.
For more information, visit Inclusive Backing Grant Program.