Waterville, ME 7/11/2024 – On Tuesday, June 25, American Express and Main Street America announced the grant recipients for the Backing Small Businesses Grant Program, including Waterville-based Oliver & Friends Bookshop. Located at 150 Main Street, Oliver & Friends recently opened its new location on May 22 after relocating from Belgrade.
“We are incredibly honored and grateful to receive this generous grant from American Express and Main Street America; from a business perspective, this grant allows Oliver & Friends Bookshop to bring inventory levels to the point required to reach our fullest sales potential,” elaborated Oliver & Friends Founder Renee Cunningham. “This support underscores the importance of backing local businesses and encourages others to seize similar opportunities to drive their businesses forward and positively impact their communities.”
American Express and Main Street America announced the 500 small business owners who have been awarded $10,000 through the Backing Small Businesses grant program. The program’s 2024 grant recipients represent U.S. small businesses across all 50 states, plus D.C. and Puerto Rico. Later this year, grantees will have the opportunity to apply for an additional $30,000 enhancement grant that will be awarded to 25 small businesses.
Since launching in 2021, Backing Small Businesses has provided over $9 million in grants to 1,180 small business owners nationwide. American Express and Main Street America initially created the grant program to help economically vulnerable small business owners recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and grow their businesses.
“Congratulations to Renee Cunningham and Oliver & Friends Bookshop on securing this funding,” stated Central Maine Growth Council Director of Planning, Innovation, and Economic Development Garvan Donegan. “This investment highlights the critical importance of fostering local retail businesses on Main Street. By channeling resources into downtown Waterville, the community is enhancing economic activity, driving sustained economic growth, and improving the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.”
This program is part of American Express’ “Backing Small” initiative to provide financial support and resources to small business owners experiencing economic hardships. Other Backing Small grant programs include Backing Historic Small Restaurants and Backing International Small Restaurants. Backing Small is an extension of American Express’ longstanding commitment to support small independent businesses globally, including through its Shop Small movement and Small Business Saturday campaign, celebrating its 15th anniversary this year.
Meet the most recent Backing Small Businesses Enhancement Grant Recipients: https://mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/500-small-business-owners-receive-10-000-grants-through-backing-small-businesses-program
To learn more about the Backing Small Businesses grant program and learn about the grantees, click here.
About Oliver & Friends Bookshop: Oliver & Friends Bookshop, located in downtown Waterville, is proud to be your community independent book store. You’ll find something in Oliver & Friends for every reader in your family. We love talking about books and are more than happy to make recommendations. We also carry cards, gifts and journals. For more information, visit https://oliverandfriendsbookshop.com
Last modified: July 11, 2024
