Amex Shop Small Grants Program

Submissions are now being accepted. Submissions close at 12:00am 6 September 2026 (AEST).

Amex Shop Small Grants program

Applications are now open. Applications close at 11:59pm (AEST) on 6 September 2026.

Welcome to the Amex Shop Small Grants program online application form, administered by Mainstreet Australia.  

American Express is partnering with Mainstreet Australia to support small businesses through the Amex Shop Small Grants program, offering up to 100 grants nationwide, providing up to AUD $2 million in grants to help fulfil projects that grow and innovate small businesses and support their local communities. 

The program was launched with an initial $1 million contribution to provide $20,000 grants to 50 small business owners across Australia. Plus, every time an Amex Card Member makes an eligible transaction at participating 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 each*.  

Eligible small business owners can now apply for a chance to receive a $20,000 grant.  

*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.

Before You Begin 

  • You may start your application at any time and work through it in any order. 
  • Save regularly as you go. 
  • Read the Amex Shop Small Grants program guidelines and FAQs before starting your application. 
  • If you have questions about eligibility, guidelines or application questions, please contact the Mainstreet Australia team via email at amexshopsmallgrants@mainstreetaustralia.org.au
  • The Amex Shop Small Grants program is committed to accessibility and inclusion. Applicants who require assistance with reading, translation or alternative formats are encouraged to contact Mainstreet Australia via email amexshopsmallgrants@mainstreetaustralia.org.au
  • For help using the SmartyGrants system, refer to the Help Guide for Applicants. 

Navigating the Application Form 

  • Each page includes a Form Navigation panel, allowing you to jump directly to any section of the form. 
  • You can also move through the form using the Next Page and Previous Page buttons at the top or bottom of each screen. 

Saving Your Draft Application 

  • To exit a partially completed application, click Save and Close. 
  • When you log back in and select My Submissions, you will see all applications you have started or submitted. 
  • You can reopen your draft application at any time before the closing date. 
  • You may download a PDF copy of your application (draft or submitted) using the Download PDF button on the final page. 

Submitting Your Application 

  • When you are ready, click Review and Submit in the navigation panel. 
  • You must review your application before submission. 
  • You will not be able to submit your application until: 
    • All mandatory questions are completed 
    • There are no validation errors 

Once Submitted: 

  • No further edits or uploads can be made 
  • You will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your submitted application attached. If you do not receive a confirmation email, your application has not been submitted. Please also check your junk or spam folder. 

Attachments and Supporting Documents 

  • Some  supporting documents may be provided but are not required. Please refer to the program application for guidance on optional documentation.
  • Ensure all documents are saved on your computer or device before uploading 
  • Allow sufficient time for each file to upload before adding another 
  • Files can be up to 25MB, however we recommend keeping files under 5MB to avoid delays 

Completing an Application as a Team 

  • Multiple people may work on an application using the same login, provided only one person edits the form at a time 
  • Remember to save regularly  

Privacy Statement 

Mainstreet Australia is committed to protecting your privacy. The information collected through this form is used solely for the purpose of administering and assessing applications for the Amex Shop Small Grants program. All information is securely stored within SmartyGrants and Mainstreet Australia systems. Information provided may be shared with: 

  • Assessment panel members 
  • American Express, as program sponsor 

Information will not be disclosed to any other third party unless required or authorised by law. If personal information is not provided, we may be unable to assess your application or contact you regarding your submission. To request changes to personal information you have supplied, please contact the Mainstreet Australia team using the details below. 

Please refer to the Amex Shop Small Grants program guidelines for full details of the program including assessment criteria, and grant terms and conditions. Please also refer to the Frequently Asked Questions for additional program details.

We are committed to accessibility and inclusion. If you require assistance accessing program information or completing an application, please contact us at amexshopsmallgrants@mainstreetaustralia.org.au

If you require SmartyGrants Technical assistance, please contact service@smartygrants.com.au