American Express Canada and DMZ have awarded $1 million in grants to 100 Canadian small businesses through the 2026 Backing Canadian Small Businesses program.
Each recipient will receive a $10,000 grant along with access to mentorship from DMZ at Toronto Metropolitan University, with the program aimed at supporting business growth and community impact.
Grants and mentorship
The program is funded by American Express Canada and administered by DMZ. The latest grants bring the number of Canadian small businesses supported by American Express Canada through its various grant programs since 2021 to 450, with $4.5 million in direct funding provided during that period.
"Small businesses are vital to communities across Canada, driving innovation, creating opportunity and strengthening local economies," said Kerri-Ann Santaguida, Vice President and General Manager of Merchant Services, American Express Canada. "Through the Backing Canadian Small Businesses program, we're proud to help business owners invest in their next stage of growth while reinforcing our longstanding commitment to backing the small businesses that help communities thrive."
Abdullah Snobar, executive director of DMZ and CEO of DMZ Ventures, said the mentorship component is intended to provide entrepreneurs with practical support as they expand their businesses.
“Canadian entrepreneurs have no shortage of ambition. The difference is having the right support behind them to turn that ambition into growth,” said Snobar. “We’re proud to work alongside this year’s recipients, connecting them with experienced mentors who can help them make stronger decisions, tackle the realities of growing a business and make the most of what comes next.”
Recipients can participate in DMZ's mentorship program in addition to receiving the grant. The program includes small-group sessions and one-on-one coaching with experienced mentors in areas including sales, marketing, operations and leadership.
Businesses across sectors
The 100 recipients represent a range of industries, including retail, food service, health care and professional services.
Among the recipients are Newbornlander, a Newfoundland and Labrador business that designs and creates handcrafted accessories for babies and parents, and Sweet Vanilla Bakery & Catering, which specializes in French-inspired pastries, macarons, custom cakes, dessert trays and event catering.
JOMO Studio is a plant and design studio offering curated houseplants, office plant design, custom gifting and creative workshops, while Jerk Dogs is a Canadian food brand producing gluten-free jerk chicken hot dogs in mild and spicy varieties.
The Abibiman Project is a food business offering chef-crafted pantry products, workshops and culinary experiences inspired by cuisines from across Africa. Concord Lighting, based in Toronto, is a design and manufacturing studio producing Canadian-made light fixtures for residential, hospitality and commercial spaces.
The grant program combines direct funding with mentorship as American Express Canada and DMZ continue their support of Canadian small businesses.