Turning Hardship Into Hope: Backing Small Businesses Program Helps 100 Owners Recover From Natural Disasters With $10,000 Grants

Main Street America is proud to announce the 100 recipients of the Backing Small Businesses Disaster Recovery Grants, supported by American Express. This special round of funding was introduced in May 2025 to meet the urgent and growing needs of small businesses recovering from natural disasters. Each recipient will receive $10,000 to support their recovery and help restore stability in their communities.

The grantees selected represent a cross-section of locally significant small businesses, from specialty retailers and restaurants to service providers and makers, located in areas impacted by natural disasters since January 1, 2024. These business owners are navigating immense challenges, and this funding is intended to help them rebuild operations, safeguard jobs, and continue serving their communities when they are needed most.

This special round of disaster recovery support marks a new milestone for the Backing Small Businesses grant program, which was launched in 2021 by American Express and Main Street America to support small business owners facing economic hardship. To date, the program has awarded over $10.7 million in funding to 1,280 small businesses nationwide. The Disaster Recovery initiative represents the program’s first dedicated funding program for disaster-affected businesses — responding directly to a need voiced by small business owners on the ground.

“When disasters strike, small businesses often face significant impacts from property damage to loss of revenue, which is why it’s critical to stand with the small business community in the crisis aftermath and beyond,” said Jennifer Skyler, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at American Express. ​“This year, American Express has doubled down on our support for disaster recovery, providing over $16 million in financial support to help impacted small businesses and communities rebuild and recover stronger.”

“Small business owners have long been the backbone of their communities, driving local economies, fostering connection, and anchoring recovery in times of crisis,” said Erin Barnes, President and CEO of Main Street America. ​“This round of disaster recovery grants acknowledges both the scale of the challenges these small business owners face as well as the deep depths of their resilience. We are proud to stand with American Express and show tangible support for those steadfastly rebuilding from the ground up.”

Applications for the broader funding round of the Backing Small Businesses grant program will open on Wednesday, July 16, offering 400 additional $10,000 grants to help small businesses address critical needs and make a positive impact in their local communities.

Of the 500 total recipients selected across both funding rounds, 25 will also receive $30,000 Enhancement Grants to implement high-impact projects that deepen their reach in their communities.

This program marks the latest effort in American Express’ ​“Backing Small Businesses” work to equip small businesses with resources to grow and innovate today, prepare for tomorrow, and overcome challenges big and small. Other Backing Small Businesses programs include Backing Historic Small Restaurants and Backing International Small Restaurants.

Learn more about the Backing Small Businesses grant program and previous grantees.

Find other small business resources through Main Street America.

Learn about additional funding opportunities through Main Street America.