On Tuesday, June 25, American Express and Main Street America announced the grant recipients for the Backing Small Businesses Grant Program.
Mancuso Foods, doing business as Oasis Fresh Foods Market and Clarity Coffeehouse, was among the winners.
“Bringing a new independent grocery store to Indian Head is a massive financial undertaking, and this grant will help us make it extra special for our town,” said Mark Steele, co-owner of Oasis. “We can use these funds to purchase important equipment for Oasis, as well as for Papaleo’s Ice Cream, which will also operate in the building.”
American Express and Main Street America this week announced the 500 small business owners who have been awarded $10,000 through the Backing Small Businesses grant program. The program’s 2024 grant recipients represent U.S. small businesses across all 50 states, plus D.C. and Puerto Rico. Later this year, grantees will have the opportunity to apply for an additional $30,000 enhancement grant that will be awarded to 25 small businesses.
Since launching in 2021, Backing Small Businesses has provided over $9 million in grants to 1,180 small business owners nationwide. American Express and Main Street America initially created the grant program to help economically vulnerable small business owners recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and grow their businesses.
This program is part of American Express’ “Backing Small” initiative to provide financial support and resources to small business owners experiencing economic hardships. Other Backing Small grant programs include Backing Historic Small Restaurants and Backing International Small Restaurants. Backing Small is an extension of American Express’ longstanding commitment to support small independent businesses globally, including through its Shop Small movement and Small Business Saturday campaign, celebrating its 15th anniversary this year.
To meet the most recent Backing Small Businesses Enhancement Grant Recipients, click here.
To learn more about the Backing Small Businesses grant program and learn about the grantees, click here.