American Express Canada says applications are now open for Backing Canadian Small Businesses, a grant program aimed at empowering locally significant small businesses to grow and drive community impact.
Funded by Amex Canada and administered by DMZ at Toronto Metropolitan University, 100 Canadian small businesses will be selected to each receive a $10,000 CAD grant and mentoring support from DMZ.
“Backing small businesses is fundamental to who we are. Through this initiative, we’re reinforcing our commitment to helping Canadian entrepreneurs scale their ambitions, expand their capabilities, and drive lasting impact across their communities,” said Kerri-Ann Santaguida, Vice President and General Manager of Merchant Services at Amex Canada.
In addition to receiving a $10,000 CAD grant, selected small businesses will receive mentoring support from DMZ, a world-leading incubator and startup ecosystem with a proven track record of supporting Canada’s next generation of entrepreneurs. This support will consist of small group sessions and one-on-one meetings with experienced DMZ program mentors coaching in areas such as sales, marketing, operations, and leadership.
“At DMZ, we’re passionate about championing Canada’s entrepreneurs, who depend on access to funding, mentorship and the right resources to grow and scale their business,” said Abdullah Snobar, Executive Director of DMZ and CEO of DMZ Ventures. “Together with Amex Canada, we’re doubling down on our commitment to fueling the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, with a program that delivers real and tangible impact to small business owners from coast-to-coast.”
Since 2021, Amex Canada has supported 350 Canadian small businesses with $3.5 million CAD in direct grants to small businesses through its various grant programs.
Business owners can learn more, review eligibility and apply by visiting dmz.torontomu.ca/amexbackingsmall. Applications close on May 19 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
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