Coltrain Hardware awarded small business grant

Coltrain Home and Hardware on Tuesday was awarded a $10,000 Backing Small Businesses Enhancement Grant through American Express and Main Street America, the programs announced.

The store at 524 Third St. in Ayden is among 500 small businesses across the country to receive the grant. American Express and Main Street America said the program’s 2024 grant recipients represent U.S. small businesses across all 50 states, plus Washington, 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.

“We are incredibly honored and grateful to receive this grant from American Express,” said Sarah Coltrain, president at Coltrain Hardware. “This funding will allow us to broaden our educational initiatives and reach more people in our community. With the growing interest in sustainable living, we are excited to expand our classes and provide more resources for those looking to adopt these practices.”

Since launching in 2021, Backing Small Businesses has provided over $9 million in grants to 1,180 small business owners nationwide. American Express and Main Street America initially created the grant program to help economically vulnerable small business owners recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and grow their businesses, the programs said.

American Express’ “Backing Small” initiative provides financial support and resources to small business owners experiencing economic hardships. Other Backing Small grant programs include Backing Historic Small Restaurants and Backing International Small Restaurants.

Backing Small is an extension of American Express’ longstanding commitment to support small independent businesses globally, including through its Shop Small movement and Small Business Saturday campaign, celebrating its 15th anniversary this year.

Visit mainstreet.org to learn more about the programs and the most recent Backing Small Businesses Enhancement Grant recipients.