Small businesses are the backbone of Australia’s local economies and communities.
From family-owned retailers and neighbourhood cafés to local makers, service providers and creative enterprises, small businesses play an important role in driving economic activity, attracting visitation, fostering community connection and creating vibrant main streets across metropolitan, regional and rural Australia.
American Express is partnering with Mainstreet Australia to support small businesses through the Amex Shop Small Grants program, offering up to 100 grants nationwide to independently owned small business to help support projects that grow, innovate and support their local communities.
The program has launched with an initial $1M contribution to provide fifty grants of $20K each to eligible, approved small business owners across Australia.
Applications opened on 27 July, and close on 6 September 2026.
