From Tribune staff reports
LEEDS, Ala.–Mum & Me Mercantile, based in Leeds, was announced as one of 500 small businesses receiving a $10,000 grant through the Backing Small Businesses Grant Program earlier this week.
American Express and Main Street America initially created the grant program in 2021 to help economically vulnerable small business owners recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and grow their businesses
Since launching, Backing Small Businesses has provided over $9 million in grants to 1,180 small business owners nationwide.
“We are so grateful for this incredible opportunity,” said Neva Reardon, owner of Mum & Me
Mercantile.
“This grant is a true blessing and a testament to how God provides for our needs. With this funding, we can make our bathroom ADA compliant and open up a partition in our building to create a welcoming space where Leeds citizens and visitors can gather and spend time together. We are also excited to move towards our dream of offering a wine and coffee bar in the back of our shop.”
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.
This program is part of American Express’ “Backing Small” initiative to provide financial support and resources to small business owners experiencing economic hardships.
