Applications for the Amex Shop Small Grants program are now closed.
American Express partnered with Mainstreet Australia to support small businesses to grow, innovate and support their local communities through the Amex Shop Small Grants program, offering up to 100 grants nationwide.
The program has launched with an initial $1 million contribution to provide fifty (50) grants of $20,000 each to small business owners across Australia.
From 1–7 August 2026, every eligible transaction made by Amex Card Members at eligible Shop Small businesses contributed an additional $1 to the Amex Shop Small Grants program, up to $1 million, providing up to fifty (50) additional grants of $20,000 each.
With up to AUD $2 million of Amex Shop Small grants available, eligible small business owners applied for a chance to receive a $20,000 grant. Applications closed at 11.59pm (AEST) on Sunday 6 September 2026.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application in October 2026, followed by the public announcement of successful grant recipients in November 2026.
Read the Program Guidelines and FAQs for full eligibility criteria, Terms & Conditions and additional program information.
Small businesses are the backbone of Australia’s local economies and communities. They create jobs, support local supply chains, provide essential goods and services and contribute to the character, identity and vitality of the places where Australians live, work and connect.
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.
The Amex Shop Small Grants program is designed for independently owned small businesses to help support projects that grow, innovate, and support their local communities.
The program supports projects that help independently owned small businesses grow, innovate and support their local communities.
We’re looking for projects that:
Grant Amount: AUD $20,000 inclusive of any applicable GST per grant
Grants Available: Up to 100
Project Delivery Period: November 2026 – April 2027 (6 months)
Payment Structure: 100% of grant funding paid to award recipients upon execution of a Grant Agreement and completion of onboarding requirements
Key Dates
Questions? We’re unable to provide individual application updates while assessment is underway – see the Program Guidelines and FAQs for what happens next. For support or general enquiries, contact us at amexshopsmallgrants@mainstreetaustralia.org.au
The Amex Shop Small Grants program is a collaborative initiative between American Express and Mainstreet Australia.
American Express has a long-standing commitment to supporting small businesses through its global Shop Small movement. In Australia now in its 14th year, Shop Small encourages consumers to support local businesses and recognise the important role they play in local economies and communities.
Mainstreet Australia is the national peak body supporting the people, organisations and businesses that help create vibrant, prosperous and sustainable main streets, town centres and activity centres across Australia.
Together, American Express and Mainstreet Australia are investing in the small businesses that help communities thrive.
