01 Jul 2024 Morrilton photographer awarded $10,000 grant through American Express and Main Street America
MORRILTON — On June 25, American Express and Main Street America announced the grant recipients for the Backing Small Businesses Grant Program. Kimberly Jean Photography, owned by local photographer Kimberly Berkemeyer, was among the winners.
Berkemeyer recently purchased a building in downtown Morrilton and is renovating the upstairs to use for her photography business. “This grant will help me complete my new studio space!” she said.
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.
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 ShopSmall 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.
