DMZ and Amex Canada Launch ‘Backing Small’ Grant Program to Support Growth and Economic Vitality of Canadian Small Business Owners
DMZ, with American Express Canada, is excited to announce applications are now open for a grant program aimed at supporting small business owners in Canada. Funded by American Express Canada and administered by DMZ at Toronto Metropolitan University, 100 Canadian small businesses with community significance, owned by individuals experiencing economic hardship, will be selected to each receive a $10,000 CAD grant and mentoring support from DMZ.
“Backing small businesses and supporting their growth has long been at the heart of our business,” said Lauren Dineen-Duarte, Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Communications at American Express Canada. “This program marks our latest effort to help Canadian small businesses continue to advance, build capacity and drive meaningful change within their communities.”
In addition to a grant to support critical needs for long-term business sustainability, the 100 selected small businesses will receive mentoring support from DMZ, a world-leading incubator and startup ecosystem with a proven track record of supporting Canada’s next generation of entrepreneurs. This support will consist of small group sessions and one-on-one meetings with experienced DMZ program mentors coaching in areas such as sales, marketing, operations, and leadership.
The program is focused on providing financial support and resources to small businesses to address critical needs and help make a positive impact in their local communities. Since 2021, American Express Canada has proudly supported 250 Canadian small businesses with $2.5 million CAD in grant funding through its various small business grant programs.
“At DMZ, we’re passionate about championing Canada’s entrepreneurs, who depend on access to funding, mentorship and resources in order to grow and scale their business,” said Abdullah Snobar, Executive Director of DMZ and CEO of DMZ Ventures. “Together with Amex Canada, we’re thrilled to deepen our commitment to nurturing the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, with a program that will deliver real and tangible impact to small business owners from coast-to-coast.”
Starting today, business owners can learn more, review eligibility and apply by visiting dmz.torontomu.ca/amexbackingsmall. Applications close on June 9, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
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ABOUT AMERICAN EXPRESS
Amex (NYSE: AXP) is a global, premium payments and lifestyle brand powered by technology. Our colleagues around the world back our customers with differentiated products, services and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Founded in 1850 and headquartered in New York, Amex’ brand is built on trust, security, and service, and a rich history of delivering innovation and Membership value for our customers. With a hundred million merchant locations on our global network in over 200 countries and territories, we seek to provide the world’s best customer experience every day to a broad range of consumers, small and medium-sized businesses, and large corporations.
For more information about American Express in Canada, visit amex.ca and connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
ABOUT DMZ
DMZ is a tech incubator and startup ecosystem that fuels entrepreneurship in Canada and beyond. Through its award-winning programs, DMZ empowers founders to scale high-impact ventures, helps students develop entrepreneurial mindsets and equips professionals to thrive in today’s fast-moving economy. To date, DMZ has helped 2,400+ startups raise $2.94 billion in capital and created 25,000+ jobs. Headquartered in Toronto, DMZ operates a global network of hubs spanning 15+ countries, enabling entrepreneurs to access diverse markets, collaborate internationally and drive global innovation.
For further information:
Nicola McGroarty, nicola.mcgroarty1@aexp.com
Luvy Hardy, luvy.hardy@toronotmu.ca
