High street businesses to be nominated for £100,000 in grants through new initiative

The Champion Small judging panel also includes: Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK; Golda Rosheuvel, actor and co-owner of small business Imma The Bakery; Tony Sophoclides, Strategic Affairs Director at UK Hospitality; and Dan Edelman, General Manager, Merchant Services at American Express.

Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said: "It’s fantastic to see investment into small and independent high street businesses through initiatives such as this. Having private sector entities like American Express supporting local independent businesses and retailers and recognising their importance is crucial and will help encourage more to do so.

“I am looking forward to working alongside my fellow panellists and seeing all of the nominations. It will certainly be a tough task to pick the winners!"

Nominations for the initiative, which is part of American Express’ ‘Shop Small’ campaign that encourages support for local high street businesses, can be put forward by any of the bank’s Cardmembers, with each cardholder that nominates a local business entered into a prize draw for £1,000.

Dan Edelman, VP & UK General Manager, Merchant Services at American Express, said: “Over a decade since its launch, our Shop Small campaign continues to encourage people out onto the high street, and we are thrilled to extend our backing of small business this year by offering 10 Champion Small grants.

“Small, independent shops are hugely valuable to local communities across the UK and our hope is that this funding helps these businesses continue to thrive.”

The closing date for entries is set for Saturday 7th December and coincides with Small Business Saturday in the UK, of which American Express is principal sponsor and founder.

Golda Rosheuvel, actor and Amex Shop Small Ambassador said: “Small businesses bring so much diversity to the high street and are an important part of my life, not least as the proud co-owner of Imma The Bakery.

“It’s my privilege to be part of the judging panel for Champion Small. I can’t wait to learn about the nominees and their stories – it will be great to hear how they are making a difference to their customers and local communities.”

To find out more about the initiative, nominate a local business and see full details of the prize draw plus T&Cs, visit the Champion Small webpage.