October 31, 2024 – American Express, in collaboration with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, today announced the launch of the Small Business Hurricane Recovery grant program to support small businesses impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. American Express has committed over $5 million in philanthropic funding for a grant program to help 1,000 impacted small businesses recover from the hurricanes’ devastating effects and build resilience against future disasters.

In addition to the $5 million in philanthropic funding for the Small Business Hurricane Recovery grant program, American Express will donate $1 for every purchase made on an American Express Card at a qualifying U.S. small business on Small Business Saturday, taking place on November 30, 2024.¹ additional funds raised through this giving pledge will support even more grants through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation for eligible small businesses in affected areas following Small Business Saturday (details forthcoming). You can learn more about Small Business Saturday and find an eligible small business by visiting www.americanexpress.com/SBS15.

“Small businesses are foundational to the communities impacted by these devastating storms,” said Jennifer Skyler, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer. “American Express is committed to providing small businesses in the region with the resources they need to recover, rebuild, and thrive.”

"Local businesses don't just weather storms – they help entire communities rise above them,” said Michael Carney, President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “American Express' generosity helps us transform these moments into renewal, coming exactly when Main Street needs it most."
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1 American Express is donating $1 for every purchase made by American Express Card Members using their eligible Card at a U.S. small business on the Shop Small Map on Small Business Saturday (November 30, 2024) to support small businesses impacted by recent hurricanes*
*Donation to go to U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (for info: www.uschamberfoundation.org). American Express Debit Cards are not eligible.
2 Based on spend as reported by consumers in surveys commissioned by American Express (not actual receipts or sales).

The grant program will offer crucial assistance to support the recovery of small businesses across affected states, including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Grants can be used for business expenses related to disaster recovery such as rent, utilities, payroll, inventory, equipment, and infrastructure.

The Small Business Hurricane Recovery grant program expands American Express and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s work to help small business owners recover from natural disasters, including through the Maui Small Business Recovery Grant Program, which launched in April 2024. To date, the Maui Small Business Recovery Grant Program has provided $5,000 grants to 100 small businesses impacted by the Maui wildfires in 2023. More details on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s small business resources can be found here.

The grant program and giving pledge are in addition to the $1 million in grants the American Express Foundation has committed to organizations addressing the urgent needs of those affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene, including providing food and nutrition, water, emergency shelter, urgent medical care and supplies and other essentials.

American Express’ Commitment to Powerfully Backing Small Businesses
American Express has a longstanding commitment to supporting small businesses, including through its Shop Small® movement and Small Business Saturday, which will celebrate its 15th year in the U.S. on November 30, 2024. The company founded Small Business Saturday in 2010 coming out of the U.S. financial crisis to help drive consumer spending to small, independently owned merchants and restaurants during the critical holiday shopping season. Consumers have rallied to support their local neighborhoods, with nearly $201 billion in reported consumer spending on Small Business Saturday since its launch.²

How to Apply for a Small Business Hurricane Recovery Grant
Eligible small businesses can apply online starting today. The application period will remain open until Sunday, November 17, 2024, at 11:59pm ET. The grant program will provide a $5,000 grant to 1,000 impacted small businesses that meet eligibility requirements.

For more information and to apply for a grant, visit the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

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