American Express has announced a £100,000 pledge to support small businesses across the UK through its Champion Small initiative, a key part of the company’s Shop Small campaign this autumn.
Ten independent businesses will each receive a £10,000 grant, which can be used for various growth-related activities such as purchasing new equipment, enhancing signage, or boosting marketing and advertising efforts.
As a longstanding advocate of the high street, American Express is encouraging its Cardmembers to nominate their favourite small businesses for the Champion Small initiative. From 7 October to 7 December 2024, Amex Cardmembers can nominate businesses on the Champion Small website. Those who submit nominations will be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win a £1,000 statement credit.
Shortlisted businesses will be evaluated by an expert panel of judges on criteria such as customer reviews, product innovation, community impact, and the potential positive effects of the grant on their business. The panel includes Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK; actor and small business co-owner Golda Rosheuvel; Andrew Goodacre, CEO of the British Independent Retailers Association; Tony Sophoclides, Strategic Affairs Director at UK Hospitality; and Dan Edelman, General Manager of Merchant Services at American Express.
Dan Edelman expressed enthusiasm for the initiative: “Over a decade since its launch, our Shop Small campaign continues to encourage people out onto the high street, and we are thrilled to extend our backing of small business this year by offering 10 Champion Small grants. Small, independent shops are hugely valuable to local communities across the UK and our hope is that this funding helps these businesses continue to thrive.”
Golda Rosheuvel, also serving as an Amex Shop Small Ambassador, said: “Small businesses bring so much diversity to the high street and are an important part of my life, not least as the proud co-owner of Imma The Bakery. It’s my privilege to be part of the judging panel for Champion Small. I can’t wait to learn about the nominees and their stories – it will be great to hear how they are making a difference to their customers and local communities.”
The initiative is also supported by Small Business Saturday UK, which has been championed by American Express for over a decade. Michelle Ovens, Director of Small Business Saturday UK, highlighted the importance of the initiative, saying: “Small Business Saturday has always been about celebrating the phenomenal contribution small businesses make to our lives. It is wonderful to see this new initiative launch by American Express that will not only encourage greater recognition of the UK’s amazing small firms but also provide much-needed financial support to help them to scale and unleash new innovations.”
With the nomination period closing on 7 December 2024, which coincides with Small Business Saturday in the UK, American Express continues its dedication to fostering the growth of independent businesses across the nation. To participate in the Champion Small initiative, Amex Cardmembers can visit the website or search ‘Amex Champion Small’.