Australia is built on small business ingenuity, with Australia Bureau of Statistics data showing that small businesses make up 97 per cent of all businesses in the country. These 2.5 million small businesses reflect the heart and soul of the communities they serve. They’re made up of families, friends and local champions, bringing value to people’s lives in many different ways. It’s why Australians continue to support small businesses, even during difficult economic times. American Express encourages all Australians to support small businesses through our annual Shop Small initiative. This year, we’re actively investing in their potential by offering participating merchants the chance to win one of 10 business grants worth $10,000 each¹, with entries accumulated for every Amex Card transaction. We’re also encouraging Cardholders to Shop Small by giving them the chance to win a share of 10 million points each time they shop with an Amex merchant partner.²