Two Fairfield businesses have been named recipients of the American Express Shop Small Grants Program, earning $20,000 each as part of a national initiative recognizing small businesses that strengthen their local communities.
Behner Funeral Home and Crematory and At Home Store were both selected as grant recipients, joining more than 500 small businesses across the country awarded a combined $10 million in funding through the program. Main Street Fairfield announced the news and said more details about each business’s grant application and how they plan to use the funds will be shared in the coming days.
“We are SO proud to join in announcing that Behner Funeral Home and Crematory and At Home Store are recipients of this year’s AMEX Shop Small Grants,” Main Street Fairfield said in its announcement. “These awards recognize the incredible work our small businesses are doing to strengthen downtown Fairfield and serve our community every day.”
Behner Funeral Home and Crematory shared its own statement following the announcement, expressing excitement about what the funding will mean for the business and the families it serves.
“We are so thrilled to be a recipient of the Amex Shop Small Grant Program,” said Rachel Brown. “Thanks to American Express and Main Street America. This grant is more than just funding — it’s an investment in our community. It’s an investment in our ability to grow, to innovate, and to continue showing up in meaningful ways. As a small business, every decision matters. This support will help us expand our space, allowing us to better serve our families and to meet the evolving needs of our community. We’re especially proud to be part of this initiative and to join a network of over 500 small businesses across the country. This is made possible by investments like this grant that empower businesses to keep moving forward.”
Behner also congratulated fellow recipients across the country, saying the business is proud to be part of building stronger communities alongside other small business owners selected for the program.
The Amex Shop Small Grants Program was initially launched with a $5 million contribution to support 250 small businesses in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. Through a Small Business Saturday giving pledge, an additional dollar was contributed to the program for each eligible transaction made on Small Business Saturday, and American Express contributed an additional $5.1 million — expanding the program’s total reach to more than 500 recipients nationwide.
“At Main Street America, we believe that supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses builds community wealth and a culture of innovation — yet, far too often, this vision isn’t realized due to a variety of factors, including lack of access to resources and funding,” said Erin Barnes, President and CEO of Main Street America. “This is why we are so proud to partner with American Express on a program that provides meaningful support to small business owners working to strengthen their livelihoods and their communities.”
“Small businesses play a vital role in our communities,” said Jennifer Skyler, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at American Express. “The Shop Small Grants Program builds on our longstanding commitment to small businesses, which began with Small Business Saturday, by putting meaningful investment behind the people and places that drive local impact.”
The 505 recipients represent a broad cross-section of American small businesses, spanning industries from retail and food service to healthcare and professional services. Grant funding is intended to help recipients grow and innovate by expanding operations, investing in critical upgrades, and introducing new offerings.
Fairfield was one of several Iowa communities represented among the grant recipients, and had the most in the state. Other Iowa businesses selected include Diamond Cutter Graphics of Clarence, Giving Tree Theater of Marion, Grass Roots Cafe of Humeston, Pedretti’s Bakery of Elkader, Salvaged Designs of Oskaloosa, The Blok DSM LLC of West Des Moines, Timothy Flynn Photography of Monticello, and Voy 61 Drive In Theatre of Delmar.
For information about grant opportunities through Main Street Fairfield, contact Executive Director Jill Lane at director@mainstreetfairfield.org.
