A Mount Pleasant small business is gaining national recognition—and a financial boost—through a competitive grant program.
From the Heart Flowers and Gifts has been selected as one of 400 recipients nationwide in the 2025 Backing Small Businesses grant program, supported by American Express in partnership with Main Street America.
The program awards $10,000 grants to locally significant small businesses that demonstrate resilience, strong community impact, and a clear vision for future growth. From the Heart Flowers and Gifts earned recognition for its continued service to the Mount Pleasant community.
The business qualified for the opportunity through its connection with Main Street Mount Pleasant.
Main Street Mount Pleasant Executive Director Lisa Oetken says the award is a major accomplishment for the community.
She noted that programs like this help connect local businesses with valuable resources, adding that it’s an honor for a town the size of Mount Pleasant to receive national recognition through American Express.
Owner Tena Chiles plans to use the $10,000 grant to purchase an additional refrigerated floral display case and upgrade point-of-sale software to better serve customers.
Since its launch, the Backing Small Businesses initiative has distributed more than $14 million in grants to over 1,600 small business owners nationwide.