American Express pledges £100,000 in grants to support small businesses through champion small initiative

American Express has announced a £100,000 pledge to support small businesses across the UK through the Champion Small initiative, a key part of the company’s Shop Small campaign this fall.

Ten independent businesses will each receive a £10,000 grant, which can be used for various growth-related activities such as purchasing new equipment, improving signage, or enhancing marketing and advertising efforts.

As a long-standing advocate for Main Street, American Express encourages its Cardmembers to nominate their favorite small businesses for the Champion Small Initiative. From October 7 to December 7, 2024, Amex Cardmembers can nominate businesses at Small hero site. Those who submit nominations will be entered into a prize draw for a chance to win a £1,000 credit.

Shortlisted companies will be evaluated by an expert panel of judges based on criteria such as customer reviews, product innovation, societal impact, and the potential positive impacts of the grant on their business. The panel includes Michelle Ovens CBE, Small Business Director at Saturday UK; Actress and small business co-owner Golda Rosheuvel; Andrew Goodacre, Chief Executive of the British Independent Retailers Association; Tony Sophocleides, Director of Strategy, British Hospitality; and Dan Edelman, general manager of merchant services at American Express.

Dan Edelman expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, saying: “Over a decade since its launch, our Shop Small campaign continues to encourage people to get out onto the high street, and we are delighted to expand our support for small businesses this year by offering 10 Little Champions grants. Great value to local communities across the UK and we hope this funding will help these businesses to continue to thrive.

“Small businesses bring so much diversity to the high street and are an important part of my life, not least being the proud co-owner of Imma The Bakery,” said Golda Rosheuvel, who also serves as an Amex Shop Small Ambassador. “It is an honor to be part of the Champion Small judging panel.” I can’t wait to learn more about the nominees and their stories – it will be great to hear how they are making a difference for their clients and local communities.

This initiative is also supported by Small Business Saturday UK, which American Express has supported for over a decade. Michelle Ovens, Director of Small Business Saturday UK, highlighted the importance of the initiative, saying: “Small Business Saturday has always been about celebrating the huge contribution small businesses make to our lives. It’s great to see this new initiative being launched by American Express which will not only encourage recognition will support the UK’s amazing small businesses but will also provide much-needed financial support to help them scale and unleash new innovations.

With the nomination period closing on December 7, 2024, which coincides with Small Business Saturday in the UK, American Express continues its dedication to fostering the growth of independent businesses across the country. To participate in the Champion Small initiative, Amex Cardmembers can visit the website or search “Amex Champion Small.”