On Thursday, June 15, Main Street America and American Express released the list of 2023 recipients for their Backing Small Businesses grant program.

The Pop Porium, locally owned and operated on Starkville’s Main Street, stood proudly among the list of grantees.

This grant will aid towards the finalization of their storefront, and reintroduce opportunities for community events to The Pop Porium. The small business plans to use this grant to expand their current selections of sweets and treats as well.

In 2021, American Express and Main Street America created the grant program to support U.S. small business owners as they recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic and looked to grow their businesses. In its first year, the program provided $1.65 million in grants to 330 small business owners across the country.

In its second year, the program increased both grants awarded and total funding to further support small business U.S. small business owners in addressing critical needs. Small business grants of $5,000 were awarded to 350 small businesses in the U.S. and territories.

In partnership with Bunker Labs, CARE, Center for Community Progress, Disability:IN, HIAS, Hispanic Federation, National ACE (National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship), NGLCC (National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce), and Small Business Majority, grantees were selected based on feasibility of project implementation; how the grant would help improve the viability of the business; and the extent to which the grant will help address an acute business need or help a business owner implement innovative solutions to build economic vitality and foster a thriving community.

This program marks the latest effort in American Express’ “Backing Small” initiative to provide financial support and resources to U.S. small business owners. Other Backing Small programs include the Coalition to Back Black Businesses and Backing Historic Small Restaurants. Backing Small complements American Express’ Shop Small, a global year-round movement to spotlight small, independent businesses.