Celebrating Small Business Month
Courage? Yes. Grit? In spades. Belonging to something bigger? Without a doubt. There are endless ways to define small business – and this month, we’re paying tribute to just a few qualities that make them shine.
Join us every week as we explore what small business really means – knowing no combination of words can fully capture it, but every story brings us closer.
Supporting small isn’t just thoughtful – it’s transformative.
When we choose local, we’re doing more than making a purchase; we’re investing in our neighbours, our cities and a brighter tomorrow.
Let’s back the small businesses at the heart of our communities. Let’s shop small businesses – because when small thrives, we thrive too.
#SmallMeansBusiness
One business. One story.
A bigger picture in progress.
Meet the small business owner building [his/her/their] unique journey – while enriching the whole.
Click on the video to learn more.
Small Business: Insight Spotlight | Reel #001
Allegra Shaw, Co-Founder of, Uncle Studios
Week 1 CONTENT CORNER:
Community roots run deep
The proof is in the progress: “over 80 per cent of consumers buying Canadian” in 2025.1
KPMG, 2025
One smart move deserves another
Loving your Card? Help another business grow with it – and you could both get rewarded. Log in to see what you could earn for each approved referral.
On the hunt for homegrown?
You’re in the right places. Shop Small® – and with your Card – at any of these businesses below:
Discover more small businesses on Amex Maps2 and the Online Directory3.
Four weeks. One big story about small business.
From inspiring stories to fresh insights and bold ideas – find it all here, every week.
1. Page, Alannah. “Canadians Want Retailers to Highlight Local Products amid Trade War Threats.” KPMG, 27 Feb. 2025, kpmg.com/ca/en/home/media/press-releases/2025/02/canadians-want-retailers-to-highlight-local-products.html.
TM, ®: Used by Amex Bank of Canada under license from American Express.
From breaking new ground to building a fan base, small business owners prove that size is never the full story.
They’re mighty where it matters, and every day, they turn ambition into lasting impact.
#SmallMeansBusiness
All guts. All glory.
Karmen LaMer shows what it means to risk everything – and rise.
Click on the video to learn more.
Small Business: Insight Spotlight | Reel #002
Karmen LaMer, Founder of, Tight Clinic
Week 2 CONTENT CORNER:
Betting big on what’s next
"Nearly 91% of small business owners are optimistic about growth in 2025.” 1
CanadianSME, 2025
Let them lead
Grant your team purchasing power through their own Employee Cards and watch your rewards grow with them.
On the hunt for homegrown?
You’re in the right places. Shop Small® – and with your Card – at any of these businesses below:
Discover more small businesses on Amex Maps2 and the Online Directory3.
Four weeks. One big story about small business.
From inspiring stories to fresh insights and bold ideas – find it all here, every week.
1. Parker, Amanda. “Turning Your Small Business Dreams into Reality in 2025.” CanadianSME Small Business Magazine - Empowering Canadian Small and Medium Enterprises, 10 Jan. 2025, canadiansme.ca/turning-your-small-business-dreams-into-reality-in-2025/.
TM, ®: Used by Amex Bank of Canada under license from American Express.
Hustling with heart means putting passion behind every effort, big or small.
It’s the drive to succeed – not just for profit, but for people, community and something bigger than the business itself.
#SmallMeansBusiness
Small business. Big drive.
When it comes to the daily grind, Julia Gallay knows just how it’s done.
Click on the video to learn more.
Small Business: Insight Spotlight | Reel #003
Julia Gallay, Founder of, Gallz Provisions
Week 3 CONTENT CORNER:
Hard work pays off
“The health of Ontario small businesses has been improving since the beginning of 2024, reaching 97.5 in Q3 2024 – growing by 3.2% year-over-year and 1.8% over the previous quarter.”1
bdc, 2024
Borrow smarter. Hustle harder.
Your next big move deserves the right support. Visit the Borrowing Centre to explore borrowing options made for Cardmembers.
On the hunt for homegrown?
You’re in the right places. Shop Small® – and with your Card – at any of these businesses below:
Discover more small businesses on Amex Maps2 and the Online Directory3.
Four weeks. One big story about small business.
From inspiring stories to fresh insights and bold ideas – find it all here, every week.
1. bdc. “Canadian Small Business Health Index.” BDC.ca, 2025, www.bdc.ca/en/about/analysis-research/canadian-small-business-health-index/canadian-small-business-health-index-q3-2024.
TM, ®: Used by Amex Bank of Canada under license from American Express.
Real strength doesn’t grow alone.
It’s shaped in everyday connection – by owners who care, customers who show up and communities that thrive because of both.
#SmallMeansBusiness
All in. All together.
With Edilou Canedo and their community working as one, there’s no stopping what they can achieve.
Click on the video to learn more.
Small Business: Insight Spotlight | Reel #004
Edilou Canedo, Founder of, Cuchara Jewelry
Week 4 CONTENT CORNER:
Cents that count for more
“Small businesses make a powerful impact on their communities. In fact, for every $1 spent at a small business, 67 cents stays within the local economy.”1
CanadianSME, 2025
Experience the powerful backing of American Express
From boosting your business to connecting you with Cardmembers, our support is with you once you accept the Card.
On the hunt for homegrown?
You’re in the right places. Shop Small® – and with your Card – at any of these businesses below:
Discover more small businesses on Amex Maps2 and the Online Directory3.
Small Means 365 Support
Small Business Month is coming to a close, but we’ve got your back as you keep moving forward.
Don’t hesitate to connect with us if you need anything.
24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week.
1. Parker, Amanda. “Turning Your Small Business Dreams into Reality in 2025.” CanadianSME Small Business Magazine - Empowering Canadian Small and Medium Enterprises, 10 Jan. 2025, canadiansme.ca/turning-your-small-business-dreams-into-reality-in-2025/.
2. Disclaimer: American Express® Maps is intended for general reference purposes only and does not represent a comprehensive list of all Card accepting merchants. Recommendations and other information included on the map are derived from internal American Express and third party data. Data is updated from time to time and may not be 100% accurate. American Express does not accept any responsibility or liability arising from any inaccuracies. You understand and agree that your use of the map is your choice and at your sole risk and that the map is provided to you 'as is' and 'as available'. Updates to list of Card accepting merchants may take up to one week to be reflected on the map.
3. This list of American Express Card accepting merchants is intended for general reference purposes only. It does not represent a comprehensive list of all Card accepting merchants. Data is updated from time to time and may not be 100% accurate.
TM, ®: Used by Amex Bank of Canada under license from American Express.