In addition to receiving a grant, selected participants will have access to virtual mentoring support run by DMZ for a 12-week period. Mentorship programming will consist of small group sessions and one-on-one meetings with experienced DMZ program mentors. Participation runs on a part-time basis and equips small business owners with coaching and knowledge on areas relevant to their business, such as sales, marketing, operations, and leadership. The training component of the program also includes access to an on-demand, online learning platform.

Eligible business owners can apply via this site until May 19, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. For more information on what to expect after you complete your application, please refer to the ‘How it Works’ section.

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

• The applicant must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or hold current and valid authorization in Canada
• The applicant must be at least 18 years or older
• The business must be an independent business and not part of a franchise
• Own a business incorporated in Canada, where the business is primarily operated and managed in Canada
• 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 $1.5M CAD
• The business must operate either out of a physical location or online
• The applicant should be comfortable conducting business in either English or French (mentorship will be conducted in English or French)

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Preference will be given to applicants that best demonstrate:

• Businesses with community reach and/or significance
• 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
• Franchises not founded in Canada, 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

The program is aimed at empowering locally significant businesses that have demonstrated a positive impact in their communities.

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A small business with community reach and/or significance plays a critical role in enhancing their surrounding community and/or serves a community need. For example:

• The business fosters a sense of belonging and identity with a specific community.
• The business provides job opportunities for local residents, contributing to the economic well-being of the area, or provides products and services that addresses specific needs of a community.
• The business participates in or organizing local events, supporting local causes and community initiatives.

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

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 Canada grant programs are welcome to apply if they meet all eligibility criteria.

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Once applications have closed, DMZ’s selection committee will review all submitted applications. Successful applicants will be contacted by a member of DMZ’s staff. Due to the volume of submissions, applicants who are not selected to receive a grant will not receive separate correspondence.

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

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The grant funds must be used towards supporting long-term business sustainability and growth. Potential uses could include critical improvements needed to sustain operations such as enhancing digital capabilities, investing in new product development, purchasing new equipment, and making other physical improvements.

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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 Amex Canada 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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