American Express has launched the Champion Small initiative, dedicating £100,000 to support local businesses across the UK.
This programme aims to provide essential financial aid to ten small businesses, helping them achieve growth and innovation.
American Express has introduced a significant initiative to empower small businesses across the UK by pledging £100,000 in grants. This Champion Small initiative is designed to bolster high street retailers and independent enterprises through strategic financial support. Each of the ten selected businesses will receive £10,000, which can be utilised for purchasing new equipment or enhancing marketing efforts.
To engage the community, American Express encourages its Cardmembers to actively participate in nominating their favourite small businesses. Between 7 October and 7 December 2024, nominations can be made via the Champion Small website. As an incentive, those who nominate businesses may win a £1,000 statement credit. This creates a collaborative effort to support and uplift small businesses while fostering community engagement.
Businesses are scrutinised on their potential for growth and the impact of the grant on their operations. This detailed selection process aims to identify businesses with the most promising prospects for leveraging the grant effectively.
Ovens remarks that this initiative highlights businesses’ innovation, further encouraging economic and social contributions. Small Business Saturday serves as a pivotal moment, raising awareness and support for small enterprises nationwide, which coincides with the nomination period’s closure.
This collaboration ensures that selected businesses are well-equipped to utilise the grant for innovation and expansion purposes. The panel’s decisions are based on comprehensive insights, facilitating a fair and balanced evaluation process.
Dan Edelman underscores the company’s dedication to encouraging high street participation, identifying small shops as vital to local communities. This initiative is a testament to American Express’s strategy to nurture and sustain small enterprises while contributing to community vibrancy.
American Express’s Champion Small initiative is a blueprint for using strategic funding to empower small businesses and foster an environment of innovation and community support.
The commitment by American Express underscores the significance of small businesses in the community.
Through strategic support, the initiative paves the way for sustainable development and innovation in the local business sector.
