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$20,000 Grants Available Now: Is Your San Lorenzo Valley Business Ready to Grow?

Updated: 4 days ago

Applications Close January 23, 2026



The San Lorenzo Valley Chamber of Commerce is excited to share an extraordinary funding opportunity for our local brick-and-mortar businesses. Through the Amex Shop Small Grants Program - a partnership between American Express and Main Street America - eligible small businesses can apply for $20,000 grants to fuel growth, innovation, and community impact.

With over $10 million in total funding available nationwide and more than 500 grants being awarded, this represents a significant small business funding opportunity. If you've been planning to expand operations, upgrade equipment, enhance your storefront, or launch a community initiative, this could be the catalyst your business needs.


Who Can Apply?

Your business may be eligible if it meets ALL of the following criteria:

Business Structure & Ownership

  • You are a for-profit, independently owned business

  • You have been the owner of your business since January 1, 2025 or earlier

  • Your business started operations (providing goods or services with the potential to generate income) on or before January 1, 2024

Location Requirements

  • You operate from a physical "brick-and-mortar" location in the United States

  • Your physical location is a permanent structure

  • The location is solely used by your business (not shared spaces, pop-ups, or coworking spaces)

  • You have been operating from this location since January 1, 2025 or earlier

Business Size & Operations

  • You currently employ 20 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees

  • You maintain all required federal, state, and local licenses and permits

  • You meet all legal requirements to operate your business

What Businesses Are NOT Eligible?

  • Businesses in shared spaces, pop-up locations, coworking spaces, or indoor marketplaces

  • Online-only businesses without a physical storefront

  • Franchises (unless the franchise brand has 250 or fewer total stores)

  • Government agencies, nonprofits, charities, gas stations, travel agencies, or political organizations

  • Businesses seeking funds for properties they own but that other businesses operate from, or that are vacant/for resale


How to Use the Grant Funds

Grant funds must support business growth, innovation, and community engagement. You'll need to develop a "ready-to-execute" project plan with a detailed, itemized budget that you can complete within six months.


Eligible uses include projects that:

  • Help your business grow and expand operations

  • Drive innovation in your products, services, or business model

  • Support and strengthen the San Lorenzo Valley community

  • Enhance customer experience or operational efficiency

  • Upgrade equipment, technology, or physical space

Important: If your business doesn't already have community-focused initiatives, a portion of the grant must be dedicated to supporting the local community, in addition to business growth and innovation.


Application Timeline & Process

Application Window: Now through Friday, January 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT

Selection Notification: March 2026

Grant Period: 6 months to complete your project

Final Reports Due: October 15, 2026


How to Apply

  1. Prepare Your Project Plan: Define a detailed, ready-to-launch project with specific goals, timelines, and expected outcomes

  2. Create Your Budget: Prepare an itemized budget showing exactly how you'll use the $20,000

  3. Submit Your Application: Applications must be submitted in English through Main Street America's online portal at mainstreet.org

  4. Evaluation Criteria: Applications will be judged on project feasibility, local relevance, and projected impact on both your business and the San Lorenzo Valley community


What Happens If You're Selected?

Grant recipients receive more than just funding. Main Street America provides:

  • Networking opportunities with other grant recipients nationwide

  • Self-guided e-learning courses on business growth and development

  • Platforms to share your business story and project journey

  • Connection to a national network of small business owners and community builders

Recipients will be announced in March 2026, with funds distributed shortly thereafter. You'll then have six months to implement your project and will be asked to share progress reports with Main Street America.


Questions?

For more information about the Amex Shop Small Grants Program:

For assistance with your application or to discuss how this grant could benefit your business, contact the San Lorenzo Valley Chamber of Commerce. We're here to support you through the application process.



Why This Matters

According to research, for every dollar spent at a small business in the US, 68 cents stays in the local community. When our San Lorenzo Valley businesses thrive, our entire community benefits through job creation, economic stability, and the unique character that makes Boulder Creek, Brookdale, Ben Lomond, and Felton special places to live and visit.

This grant program represents a significant opportunity to invest in your business's future while strengthening the economy of our mountain communities.


About the San Lorenzo Valley Chamber of Commerce

The San Lorenzo Valley Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to fostering economic vitality and sustainable prosperity throughout our mountain communities. We serve businesses, professionals, nonprofits, public agencies, and residents across Boulder Creek, Brookdale, Ben Lomond, Felton, Zayante, and Bonny Doon by providing networking opportunities, advocacy, resources, and connections that help local enterprises grow and succeed.





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