Shop Small,
because it matters
Shop Small is a program founded by American Express that encourages consumers to support small businesses year-round. Now in its 14th year, Shop Small continues to celebrate the vital role small businesses play in local communities across Australia.
The Beginning
Amex Shop Small launched in Australia in 2013 to drive support for small businesses.
The Impact
Amex has driven $9.8B in spending at participating small businesses through its Shop Small campaign in Australia between 2013 and 20251.
Today
Amex Shop Small has grown to be a year-round movement that supports small businesses across Australia.
Shop Small Grant program
Amex is partnering with Mainstreet Australia to support small businesses through the Amex Shop Small Grants program. The program will provide an initial $1 million – with $20,000 grants to 50 small business owners across Australia.
From 27 July – 6 September 2026, small business owners can apply for a chance to receive a $20,000 grant2.
Apply for an Amex Shop Small Grant.
Terms, eligibility criteria and conditions apply. Click here for more details.
Shop Small this August
For every eligible Amex transaction made at an eligible Shop Small business between 1 - 7 August 2026, Amex will contribute an additional $1 to the Amex Shop Small Grants program, up to $1 million, providing up to 50 additional grants of $20,000 each3.
That means up to $2 million of Shop Small grants to help small businesses grow, innovate and support their local communities.
Shop Small, because it matters.
Shop Small near you
From unique handmade gifts to tasty homemade treats, explore the Amex Shop Small Map to find your new local favourite.
Discover more Shop Small Businesses here.
Shop Small backing small businesses
Explore tools & resources to support your small Business and how Shop Small can provide year-round support to help your small Business to grow.
Shop Small backing small businesses
Explore tools & resources to support your small Business and how Shop Small can provide year-round support to help your small Business to grow.
Boost your exposure with Amex
Express your interest to be considered for future Amex marketing opportunities. You could be selected for campaigns, partnerships, or featured in advertising and case studies. Put yourself forward for a chance to showcase your Business and increase exposure4.
Boost your exposure with Amex
Express your interest to be considered for future American Express marketing opportunities. You could be selected for campaigns, partnerships, or featured in advertising and case studies. Put your business forward for a chance to showcase your business and increase exposure.1
Boost your exposure with Amex
Express your interest to be considered for future Amex marketing opportunities. You could be selected for campaigns, partnerships, or featured in advertising and case studies. Put yourself forward for a chance to showcase your Business and increase exposure4.
Stay up to date
Be the first to hear about Offers, updates and opportunities available to Amex Merchant Members by opting into our marketing emails.
Celebrating local businesses
Hear what our Merchant Members have to say about Shop Small and how American Express has supported their business.
Hear what our Merchant Members have to say about Shop Small and how American Express has supported their business.
The Shop Small prize has given us an opportunity to boost our business and make it grow.
Joe Spagnolo, Oatlands Village Fresh Produce
The main support we get from Amex is visibility.
Jay, Constant Reader Bookshop
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Amex has a long history of backing small businesses - shining a spotlight on the vital role they play in local communities and advocating on their behalf. Through year-round promotion and support, anchored by our flagship Shop Small campaign and other major initiatives such as American Express delicious. Month Out and Sporting Small, Amex helps businesses reach new customers.
Discover and back the local businesses
you saw in action during the game
Frequently Asked Questions
Shop Small is a program founded by Amex that supports small businesses year-round by encouraging Card Members to shop locally. Through ongoing programs, Shop Small celebrates local businesses that are the heart of our neighbourhoods - bringing flavour, creativity and connection to local communities.
Amex is partnering with Mainstreet Australia to support small businesses through the Amex Shop Small Grants program, offering up to 100 grants nationwide. From 27 July 2026, eligible small business owners can apply for a chance to receive an AUD $20,000 grant2.
Eligible independently owned Australian small businesses that meet all published eligibility criteria. Please refer to the program guidelines via Mainstreet Australia for full eligibility criteria and FAQs https://mainstreetaustralia.org.au/amexshopsmallgrantsprogram/.
The program has launched with an initial $1 million contribution to provide up to fifty (50) grants of $20,000 each to eligible small business owners across Australia.
Plus, every time an Amex Card Member makes an eligible transaction at an eligible Shop Small businesses during 1-7 August 2026, Amex will contribute an additional $1 to the Grants program, up to $1 million, providing up to 50 additional grants of $20,000 each3.
With up to AUD $2 million of Shop Small grants available, eligible small business owners can apply to be considered for a $20,000 grant to help fulfill projects that grow and innovate their business and support their local communities.
Business owners can apply for the Amex Shop Small Grants program from 27 July to 6 September 2026.
Business owners can apply through Mainstreet Australia’s link https://mainstreetaustralia.org.au/amexshopsmallgrantsprogram/.
From 1–7 August 2026, every time an eligible American Express Card is used for an eligible transaction at an eligible Shop Small Business in Australia, American Express will contribute an additional $1 to the Amex Shop Small Grants program, up to a maximum contribution amount of $1 million. Eligible Transactions are used only to determine the amount of American Express’s contribution. No portion of any purchase price is donated, and Card Members do not make any donation or other contribution to Mainstreet Australia Inc through their transactions. Excludes transactions made using American Express debit cards and prepaid gift cards. Mainstreet Australia administers the Amex Shop Small Grants program. The contribution will support up to 50 additional grants under the Amex Shop Small Grants program. The final number of additional grants awarded will depend on the total contribution generated through eligible transactions during the promotion period. In the event that the eligible transactions do not result in sufficient funding for 50 additional grants of AUD$20,000, American Express may award less than 50 additional grants, however, we will ensure that each additional grant awarded will be valued at AUD$20,000.
Successful grant recipients are expected to be notified in October 2026.
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1. Based on Amex internal data. Includes spend by all Amex Card Members at businesses included in the Shop Small campaign for all years 2013 to 2025 inclusive.
2. Terms, eligibility criteria and exclusions apply. For full T&Cs on the Grants Program, visit www.mainstreetaustralia.org.au/amexshopsmallgrantsprogram
3. From 1–7 August 2026, every time an eligible American Express Card is used for an eligible transaction at an eligible Australian Shop Small Business, American Express will contribute an additional $1 to the Amex Shop Small Grants program, up to a maximum contribution amount of $1 million. Eligible transactions are used only to determine the amount of American Express’s contribution. No portion of any purchase price is donated, and Card Members do not make any donation or other contribution to Mainstreet Australia Inc through their transactions. Excludes transactions made using American Express debit cards and prepaid gift cards. Mainstreet Australia administers the Amex Shop Small Grants program. The final number of additional grants awarded will depend on the total contribution generated through eligible transactions during the promotion period. In the event that the eligible transactions do not result in sufficient funding for 50 additional grants of AUD$20,000, American Express may award less than 50 additional grants, however, we will ensure that each additional grant awarded will be valued at AUD$20,000.
4. American Express may contact you at its sole discretion. Participation in any campaigns or events is at American Express’ absolute discretion. Providing your contact details does not guarantee participation or that we will contact you.
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