Amex × DMZ: Backing Canadian Small Businesses

Amex × DMZ: Backing Canadian Small Businesses is sponsored by American Express and DMZ at Toronto Metropolitan University. This grant program supports 100 Canadian small businesses with grants and mentorship through DMZ at Toronto Metropolitan University.

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Applications are now open for Amex Canada's grant program aimed at empowering locally significant small businesses to overcome economic hardship, grow, and drive community impact. Funded by American Express Canada and administered by DMZ at Toronto Metropolitan University, 100 Canadian small businesses will be selected to each receive a $10,000 CAD grant and mentoring support from DMZ.

Each selected business will receive mentoring support consisting of small group sessions and one-on-one meetings with experienced DMZ program mentors. On a part-time basis, small business owners will receive coaching on areas relevant to their business, such as sales, marketing, operations, and leadership. From eligibility to funding, each step ensures you know what to expect and when.

Check the FAQs to make sure your business is eligible. Apply during the application period Submit your application by May 19, 2026, at 11:59 p. m.

Eastern Daylight Time. Successful applicants will be contacted by mid-late June, 2026. Selected businesses will have access to DMZ’s mentoring support for 3 months, starting in early July, 2026.

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.

To be eligible for Amex Canada’s ‘Backing Canadian Small Businesses’ grant program, 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) 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 For more information on eligibility, including excluded industries and the selection process, please refer to the FAQ.

For questions, please contact amexbackingsmall@torontomu. ca . Frequently asked questions.

What does the mentoring support consist of? 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. How do I apply for the program?

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. Who is eligible to apply?

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) 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 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 Are there target populations for these grants?

The program is aimed at empowering locally significant businesses that have demonstrated a positive impact in their communities. In the eligibility criteria, what do you mean by “businesses with community reach and/or significance”? 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.

What support will I receive if I am accepted into the program? 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.

Where does the mentorship program take place? The program will run virtually and take place anywhere you can connect to the internet. I haven’t yet registered or incorporated my business.

Can I still apply? 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.

I’m a recipient of a past Amex grant program. Am I eligible to apply? Recipients of a past Amex Canada grant programs are welcome to apply if they meet all eligibility criteria.

How are recipients selected? 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. When will grants be awarded? 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.

How must the grant funds be used? 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.

Is there a participation fee? No. There is no participation fee to apply or take part in the program. How is the program funded?

The grant program is funded by Amex Canada and administered by DMZ at Toronto Metropolitan University. Who is administering the program? DMZ is administering both the mentorship program and the grant.

How is my personal information being used? I am a member of the news media and want to learn more. Members of the news media interested in learning more about the program should email their inquiries to amexbackingsmall@torontomu.

ca.