The Amex Shop Small Grants Program is a competitive grant program that awards $20,000 to independently owned small businesses (with a physical shop or store) in the United States and Australia. The program is supported by American Express and managed by Main Street America in the U.S. and Mainstreet Australia in Australia.
Amex Shop Small Grants Program Highlights: US vs. Australia
| Key Detail | United States (Main Street America) | Australia (Mainstreet Australia) |
| Grant Amount | $20,000 USD per business | AUD $20,000 per business (GST inclusive) |
| Total Funding Pool | $10M+ (500+ grants) | Up to AUD $2M (Up to 100 grants) |
| Current Application Status | Closed (Prep for late-Nov opening) | OPEN NOW |
| Application Window | Nov 29 – Jan 23 (Annual Cycle) | July 27 – September 6, 2026 (11:59 p.m. AEST) |
| Project Delivery Timeline | April – September (6 Months) | November 2026 – April 2027 (6 Months) |
| Application Portal | Submittable Portal | SmartyGrants Portal |
In this article, you have discussed everything you need to know about the Amex Shop Small Grants Program application for both the USA and Australia, including eligibility requirements, required documents, how to apply, and more.
What is the Amex Shop Small Grants Program?
The Amex Shop Small Grants Program was launched to support small businesses that support local economies and communities. In the U.S., the program started with a $5 million funding pool, supporting 250 grants of $20,000 each. Additional funding was added based on American Express cardholder spending on Small Business Saturday.
In Australia, the 2026 program provides a total of 2 million Australian dollars for up to 100 grants of $20,000 each.
So these grant funds must be used for ready-to-execute projects that help businesses grow, innovate, and support their local communities.
Who Is Eligible? (U.S. vs. Australia)
The eligibility criteria for the Amex Shop Small Grants Program differ slightly between the U.S. and Australia. To be eligible, you will need the following.
United States Eligibility
To apply for the U.S. program, your business must meet all of the following criteria:
- Owner Age: Applicant age must be18 years or older
- Business Type: For-profit, independently owned (not a franchise or nonprofit)
- Location: One of the 50 U.S. states or Washington, D.C. (U.S. territories excluded)
- Physical Premises: Brick-and-mortar location in a permanent structure, solely used by your business
- Operating Since: Business started on or before January 1, 2024; physical location operational by January 1, 2025
- Employees: 20 or fewer Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) employees
- Legal Compliance: Meet all federal, state, and local requirements; maintain up-to-date licenses and permits
- Registration: If required, registered with the Secretary of State or similar organization and in Good Standing
The following are not eligible: non-profit organizations, franchises, online-only businesses, home-based businesses, businesses operating in shared or temporary locations (such as co-working spaces, pop-ups, or market stalls), mobile businesses, and businesses operating in U.S. territories.
Australia Eligibility
For Australian applicants, the requirements are:
- Owner Age: You must be 18 years or older
- ABN: Hold a valid and active Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Business Type: For-profit, independently owned and operated
- Location: Permanent physical premises in Australia (all states and territories)
- Operating Since: Trading commenced on or before January 1, 2025
- Employees: 20 or fewer FTE employees
- Legal Compliance: Hold all required licenses and approvals to legally operate
- Project Readiness: Have a proposed project and demonstrate capacity to deliver it
- Insurance: Hold or obtain appropriate public liability insurance where relevant
Ineligible: Individuals or unincorporated businesses without an ABN, non-profit organizations, franchises, online-only or home-based businesses, pop-ups, government bodies, political organizations, and gambling-related businesses.
What Documents Do You Need to Apply?
Preparing the right documentation is crucial for a strong application. Here is what you will need.
Document Requirements (U.S. vs. Australia)
| Document Type | United States | Australia |
|---|
| Document Type | United States | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Detailed Project Budget | Required with quotes from suppliers or contractors | Required with finalized budget template upon award |
| Photos or Video | Up to 5 photos or 1 to 2 minute video showing storefront, interior, and workspace | Required to show business premises and project areas |
| Before Photos | Required if planning physical repairs or improvements | Required for renovation or upgrade projects |
| Business Tax Return | Recommended (2024 or 2025) | Not specified |
| Financial Records | Recommended (2024 revenue and 2025 estimates) | Not specified |
| Licenses and Permits | Proof required to legally operate | All required licenses and approvals must be held |
| ABN | Not applicable | Valid and active ABN required |
| Bank Details | Not specified at application | Required upon grant award |
| Media Consent Forms | Not specified | Required upon grant award |
| Public Liability Insurance | Not specified | Required where relevant |
Recommended to Have Ready (May Be Requested Later)
You are advised to have the following ready (they may be requested later):
- Recent business tax return (2024 or 2025 for U.S. applicants)
- Financial records showing actual earnings or net profit for 2024 and projections for 2025
- Proof of licenses or permits required to operate legally
Australian applicants: Upon receiving the grant, you will need to provide bank details, a media consent form, and the finalized budget template.
How to Apply for Amex Shop Small Grants Program Application: Step-by-Step Process
Follow these steps to submit your Amex Shop Small Grants Program application:
Step 1: Create an Account on the Application Portal
- For the USA: Use the Submittable portal (linked from Main Street America’s site)
- For Australia: Go to the SmartyGrants portal.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application Form
- Select the language and fill out the form in English.
- The business owner should complete it (assistants like translators can be listed)
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
You need to upload some required documents such as:
- Required itemized budget with quotes
- Photos or video of your business
- Before images if applicable
Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline
- Review the Application and auto-save on the portal, but keep a backup copy.
- Once submitted, applications cannot be changed.
Step 5: Await Notification
- USA: Applicants notified in March 2026 via email
- Australia: Recipients notified October to November 2026
Application Deadlines
| Region | Application Opens | Application Closes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | November 29, 2025 | January 16, 2026, 11:59 p.m. CT |
| Australia | July 27, 2026 | September 6, 2026, 11:59 p.m. AEST |
Important point: Ensure that late applications are not accepted.
What Can You Use the Grant Money For?
The $20,000 grant should be used for projects that drive business growth, foster innovation, or create an impact on the community.
Eligible Expenses
- Storefront improvements and commercial fixtures
- Accessibility features such as ramps or wide doorways
- Purchase of technology and equipment, such as POS systems or computers
- Development of digital strategies and e-commerce platforms
- Marketing and promotional initiatives
- Support for community events, workshops, or local activities
- Sustainability projects and improvements to operational guidelines
Ineligible Expenses
Grant funds cannot be used for:
- Debt or loan repayment
- Rent, utilities, or insurance
- Payroll or staff wages (except contracted labor from external providers)
- Retrospective expenses (purchases made before grant approval)
- Personal or non-business-related costs
- Purchase of land or buildings
Project Timeline
- U.S.: Projects must be completed between April and September 2026
- Australia: Projects must be completed between November 2026 and April 2027
Upon completion of the project, the recipients must submit an expenditure report and a final impact report.
How Are Grant Recipients Selected?
Applications are competitively assessed based on the following criteria:
- Impact on business: Will this project foster growth, innovation, customer engagement, or resilience?
- Impact on the community: Does this project enhance local community engagement, accessibility, or connectivity?
- Project quality and feasibility: Is the plan clear, realistic, and appropriately budgeted?
- Alignment with program goals: Does this project support program objectives such as growth, innovation, and community collaboration?
Priority: Businesses that are significant at the local level, that is, businesses that are well-known and important in their surrounding areas, may be given priority.
Tax and Legal Considerations
- You are not required to repay the grant funds provided you do not violate the terms of the grant agreement.
- Taxes: Grant recipients are solely responsible for any taxes applicable to the grant amount. In the US, ‘Main Street America’ will report grant details to the IRS in accordance with regulations.
- Grant Agreement: Recipients must sign the grant agreement and fulfill all reporting requirements. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the grant and the recovery of funds.
Contact Information
- U.S. Applicants: Email SmallBizGrant@mainstreet.org or text or call 708.515.4889
- Australian Applicants: Email amexshopsmallgrants@mainstreetaustralia.org.au
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply if my business is online-only?
No, the program requires a permanent physical storefront open to customers. Online-only businesses are not eligible for this Program.
Can I use the grant to pay off business debt?
No, grant funds cannot be used for debt repayment, rent, utilities, insurance, or payroll.
Do I need to repay the grant?
No, this grant does not have to be returned unless you violate the grant agreement or fail to complete the project.
What happens if my project costs more than 20,000 dollars?
You will need to explain how you plan to arrange the additional funds. The grant covers an amount of up to only $20,000.
Conclusion
The Amex Shop Small Grants Program offers a fantastic opportunity for small and independent businesses to secure $20,000 in non-repayable funding for essential improvements. Whether you are upgrading your storefront, investing in technology, or launching a community initiative, this grant can help you grow and contribute to your local area.
Remember: Applications for Australia are currently open until September 6, 2026. Don’t miss the chance to apply.
