Eligible business owners can apply via this site until XX 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. For more information on what to expectafter you complete your application, please refer to the ‘How it Works’ section.

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The program will run virtually and take place anywhere you can connectto the internet.

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To be selected, your business must be federally, provincially or territorially incorporated. If the status of your business incorporation changes before the application deadline, you’re welcome to apply for the program.

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Recipients of a past Amex grant programs are welcome to apply should they meet all eligibility criteria.

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Successful applicants who submit their grant form by the program startdate will receive their grants approximately six weeks following the receipt of their grant forms.

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No. There is no participation fee to apply or take part in the program.

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The grant program is funded by American Express and administered by DMZ at Toronto Metropolitan University.

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DMZ is administering both the mentorship program and the grant.

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Your information will be used solely for the purpose of administering this program, or with your express permission. The application is designed to collect information to establish eligibility for the program and to facilitate the planning and implementation of equitable and relevant program activities. Please click here for the Toronto Metropolitan University privacy policy and here for the American Express privacy code.

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Members of the news media interested in learning more about the program should email their inquiries to amexbackingsmall@torontomu.ca.

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In addition to receiving a grant, selected participants will have access to virtual mentoring support run by DMZ for a12-week period. Mentorship programming will consist of workshops, small groupsessions, and one-on-one meetings with experienced DMZ program mentors. Participation runs on a part-time basis and equips small business owners withcoaching and knowledge on areas relevant to their business, such as sales,marketing, operations, and leadership. The training component of theprogram also includes access to an on-demand, online learning platform.

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To be eligible for Backing Canadian Small Businesses, an applicant must meet the following criteria:

• The applicant must be an owner of a business, be a Canadian citizen, a Permanent resident of Canada, or Hold Current and Valid Authorization under the Canadian Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
• The applicant must be at least 18 years or older
• The business must be an independent business and not part of a franchise
• The business must be currently active in the Canadian market and been in operation on or before Jan 1, 2026
• The business must have an annual revenue in 2025 of less than $1M CAD
• The business must operate either out of a physical location or online
• The applicant must speak English or French fluently

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Preference will be given to applicants that best demonstrate:

• Businesses with community reach and/or cultural significance
• Economic challenges experienced in the course of running or starting their business
• Businesses owned and/or operated by underrepresented and/or economically vulnerable members of the community
• Clear use of grant funds and the anticipated impact on their business

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The following industries and business types are ineligible for the program:

• Any government agency or Crown corporation, public administration, non-profit or charitable organization, or political organization of any type
• Businesses engaged in any illegal activity
• Any business that is primarily in the business of manufacturing, promoting, or selling tobacco, firearms or other weapons (including related equipment)
• Businesses which derive directly or indirectly more than de minimis gross revenue through the sale of products or services, or the presentation of any depictions or displays, of asexual nature
• Franchises not founded inCanada, are not founded or run by the applicant, or have over ten (10)franchisees
• Businesses, private clubs, and memberships which limit the number of memberships for reasons other than capacity

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Although not exclusive, the grant program is focused on businesses with community reach and/or cultural significance owned or operated by underrepresented and/or economically vulnerable members of the community. These can broadly include owners and/or operators experiencing hardship, women, people of colour, LGBTQIA+, Indigenous populations, newcomers, etc.  

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A small business with community reach and/or cultural significance plays a critical role in enhancing their surrounding community and/or serves a cultural need. Some examples of these business’ attributes include:

• Participating in/organizing local events, supporting local causes, or sponsoring community initiatives.
• Fosters a sense of belonging and identity with a specific cultural or societal group.
• Supply products or services that meet specific local needs, enhancing the quality of life in the community.
• Provide job opportunities for local residents, contributing to the economic well-being of the area.

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You will receive access to all elements of the mentorship program as well as individualized support. The individualized support includes an assigned Program Lead from DMZ, who will ensure you are able to access all available resources, ask questions, receive guidance and troubleshoot any issues you may have.

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Once applications have closed, DMZ’s selection committee will review all submitted applications. Applicants will be contacted by a member of DMZ’s staff to learn if their application was successful.

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The grant funds must be used towards critical business needs that support long-term business sustainability. Potential uses could include critical improvements needed to sustain operations—such as enhancing digital capabilities, investing in new product development, purchasing new equipment, hiring staff, and making other physical improvements. Utility costs are a potential use, but must not exceed 15% of the grant. Rent, salaries, loan repayments, food supplies and alcohol are not eligible grant fund uses.

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