Aims to support independently owned small businesses to invest in projects that help them grow, innovate and support their local communities.

Small businesses are the backbone of Australia's local economies and communities. They create jobs, provide essential goods and services and contribute to the character, identity and vibrancy of the places where Australians live, work and connect.

The Amex Shop Small Grants program celebrates and supports this important contribution. Administered by Mainstreet Australia and supported by American Express, the program will provide up to AUD $2 million in grants to help independently owned Australian small businesses grow, innovate and support their local communities.

The program was launched with an initial $1 million contribution to provide $20,000 grants to 50 small business owners across Australia. Plus, every time an Amex Card Member makes an eligible transaction at participating Shop Small businesses during 1-7 August 2026, Amex will contribute an additional $1 to the program, up to $1 million, which could provide up to 50 additional grants of $20,000 each.

Small businesses across all Australian states and territories, including metropolitan, regional and rural communities, are eligible to apply for one of up to 100 grants of AUD $20,000 each. Applications close 6 September 2026.

The program has two primary objectives:

1. Business Growth and/or Innovation

Helping businesses invest in new ideas, products, services, technology, equipment, accessibility improvements, marketing initiatives and customer-focused enhancements that improve competitiveness, increase visitation, build resilience and support future growth. Projects should demonstrate how the funding will help create positive and measurable outcomes for the business, including increased productivity, improved customer engagement, expanded market opportunities or enhanced business performance.

2. Community Impact

Applicants with established community engagement efforts may use grant funds solely for business growth and innovation. Applicants without existing community-focused programs must dedicate a portion of the grant funds to a community benefit initiative, in addition to proposed growth and innovation activities. Projects should demonstrate how the proposed activity will support local communities and deliver positive outcomes beyond the individual business.

To be eligible to apply, applicants must:

• Be 18 years of age or older 
• Hold a valid and active Australian Business Number (ABN)
• Be a for-profit and independently owned and operated small business
• Operate from permanent physical premises available to customers, located in Australia and in a permanent structure
• Have commenced trading on or before 1 January 2025
• Have no more than 20 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) employees
• Hold all licences and approvals required to legally operate.

Eligible projects include:

• Shopfront improvements and business fittings
• Accessibility upgrades
• Digital strategy development, including technology upgrades
• Equipment purchases
• Online and e-commerce platforms
• Digital marketing and promotion initiatives
• Business diversification projects
• Product development and research and development
• Supporting community activities, events or local causes
• Contributing to the vitality and attractiveness of a local centre or main street.

Eligible expenditures include equipment, technology, professional services, fit-out works, accessibility improvements, sustainability projects, furniture, lighting, security cameras, marketing, project-related contractor costs, community events, workshops, and wayfinding.

Click here to view full funding guidelines on the provider's website.

Smith Thornton subscribes to a grant search provider and can help you prepare your grant application. If you have any questions, our Business Services Advisor, Jenna van Nierop, will be happy to assist. You can email her at jennav@smiththornton.com.au or call her on 9842 5155.