American Categorical has introduced a £100,000 pledge to assist small companies throughout the UK by way of its Champion Small initiative, a key a part of the corporate’s Store Small marketing campaign this autumn.
Ten impartial companies will every obtain a £10,000 grant, which can be utilized for varied growth-related actions equivalent to buying new tools, enhancing signage, or boosting advertising and marketing and promoting efforts.
As a longstanding advocate of the excessive road, American Categorical is encouraging its Cardmembers to appoint their favorite small companies for the Champion Small initiative. From 7 October to 7 December 2024, Amex Cardmembers can nominate companies on the Champion Small web site. Those that submit nominations shall be entered right into a prize draw for the possibility to win a £1,000 assertion credit score.
Shortlisted companies shall be evaluated by an skilled panel of judges on standards equivalent to buyer evaluations, product innovation, neighborhood affect, and the potential constructive results of the grant on their enterprise. The panel contains Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Enterprise Saturday UK; actor and small enterprise co-owner Golda Rosheuvel; Andrew Goodacre, CEO of the British Impartial Retailers Affiliation; Tony Sophoclides, Strategic Affairs Director at UK Hospitality; and Dan Edelman, Common Supervisor of Service provider Companies at American Categorical.
Dan Edelman expressed enthusiasm for the initiative: “Over a decade since its launch, our Shop Small campaign continues to encourage people out onto the high street, and we are thrilled to extend our backing of small business this year by offering 10 Champion Small grants. Small, independent shops are hugely valuable to local communities across the UK and our hope is that this funding helps these businesses continue to thrive.”
Golda Rosheuvel, additionally serving as an Amex Store Small Ambassador, stated: “Small businesses bring so much diversity to the high street and are an important part of my life, not least as the proud co-owner of Imma The Bakery. It’s my privilege to be part of the judging panel for Champion Small. I can’t wait to learn about the nominees and their stories – it will be great to hear how they are making a difference to their customers and local communities.”
The initiative can also be supported by Small Enterprise Saturday UK, which has been championed by American Categorical for over a decade. Michelle Ovens, Director of Small Enterprise Saturday UK, highlighted the significance of the initiative, saying: “Small Business Saturday has always been about celebrating the phenomenal contribution small businesses make to our lives. It is wonderful to see this new initiative launch by American Express that will not only encourage greater recognition of the UK’s amazing small firms but also provide much-needed financial support to help them to scale and unleash new innovations.”
With the nomination interval closing on 7 December 2024, which coincides with Small Enterprise Saturday within the UK, American Categorical continues its dedication to fostering the expansion of impartial companies throughout the nation. To take part within the Champion Small initiative, Amex Cardmembers can go to the web site or search ‘Amex Champion Small’.