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American Express Offers $5K Grants for Small-Business Recovery

Dry cleaners among businesses eligible to apply by March 1 deadline

NEW YORK — American Express recently unveiled a new grant program designed to support service-based small businesses—including dry cleaners—that have been affected by the pandemic, and there is a limited time to apply.

The “Services that Back Us” program, made in partnership with Main Street America, will grant 75 U.S. personal service industry small businesses $5,000 each. These funds are to be used toward meeting critical company needs, such as physical and digital improvements, new equipment, technology, and training to help support their financial recovery and growth.

Dry cleaners are included among the small businesses to be considered in this round of the grant program, says Colleen Taylor, president of Merchant Services – U.S., American Express.

“Our local dry cleaners have long supported us, helping us look our best for that big interview or a special night out,” Taylor says. “Now it is time for us to support them, especially as they continue to navigate impacts of the pandemic recovery. We’re proud to partner with Main Street America to launch the Services that Back Us grant program and help provide funding for these businesses.”

Applications are being accepted through 11:59 p.m. CT on March 1. For more information or to apply for the grant, visit the program’s website.

It marks American Express’ latest effort in its “Backing Small” initiative to provide financial support and educational resources to businesses throughout the pandemic. Additional programs include Shop Small and Small Business Saturday, and grant programs like the Coalition to Back Black-Owned Small Businesses and Backing Historic Small Restaurants.

Small businesses besides dry cleaners that are eligible to apply for Services that Back Us grants are:

  • Aromatherapy services
  • Barber shops
  • Beauty/day spas
  • Beauty shops
  • Cobblers
  • Cosmetologists
  • Cosmetology/personal hygiene
  • Dressmaker/seamstresses
  • Facial cosmetology
  • Hair salons, stylists and hairdressers
  • Nail salons and manicure/pedicure services
  • Massage parlor and steam bath services
  • Massage therapy
  • Tanning salons
  • Tailors
American Express and Main Street America logos

Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Dave Davis at [email protected].