“Changes are coming to a small corner of Main Street Mount Pleasant, thanks to a Backing Small Business Enhancement Grant through American Express and Main Street America.
On Tuesday, June 25, American Express and Main Street America announced the grant recipients for the Backing Small Businesses Grant Program.
Aurora Salon LLC , based at 206 South Adams Street, Mount Pleasant, Iowa was among the winners.
“I am so grateful to be able to use these funds to do much-needed exterior updates on my business. It will really brighten up the corner across the street from the court house exit. I am most excited about the addition of the accessible ramp. I have been working as a cosmetologist in Mt. Pleasant for nearly 20 years and the ramp will allow me to keep serving all of my guests for years to come” says owner Martha Watson. “And of course a huge thank you to Jeremy at Northern Lights Window Tinting for all of his hard work on this project!”
Aurora Salon along with Nothern Lights Window Tinting, also located at 206 South Adams Street, invite the community to stop by and see the finished project during the annual Witch Way to Main on October 24th.
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 Shop Small movement and Small Business Saturday campaign, celebrating its 15th anniversary this year.”