Elgin, IL - In a major announcement made on Thursday, June 15, Main Street America and American Express unveiled the latest roster of recipients for their renowned Backing Small Businesses grant program. Among the selected beneficiaries is Elgin, Illinois-based travel company, The Adept Traveler, Inc.
The Adept Traveler is not just any travel agency. As a disabled and minority owned business, it brings a unique perspective and sensitivity to the often-overlooked challenges faced by diverse travelers. This acknowledgment from a program as respected as Backing Small Businesses propels their mission forward and provides critical support for their growth and service expansion.
Brandon J. Yaniz, the owner and driving force behind The Adept Traveler, responded to the grant announcement with heartfelt appreciation. "As a disabled-owned and minority-owned company, we have a unique perspective on the challenges faced by a wide spectrum of travelers. This grant shines as a beacon of hope and an affirmation of our mission," Yaniz expressed.
He went on to highlight the significance of the grant, stating, "This enables us to enhance our capabilities, expand our accreditation, and strengthen our commitment to serve all travelers – from novices to experts, from the able-bodied to travelers with disabilities. This award is not just about financial support but a recognition of our goal to create a more inclusive and accessible world of travel."
The Backing Small Businesses grant program was launched in 2021 by American Express and Main Street America, with the aim to support U.S. small business owners as they sought to recover from the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and aspire to grow their businesses. In its first year, the program offered $1.65 million in grants, benefiting 330 small business owners across the country.
The program’s second year saw an increase in both the number of grants awarded and total funding. This year, $5,000 grants were awarded to 350 businesses in the U.S. and territories, demonstrating a growing commitment to the support of small businesses and their pivotal role in the nation's economy.
The grant recipients were selected in partnership with various organizations such as Bunker Labs, CARE, Center for Community Progress, Disability:IN, HIAS, Hispanic Federation, National ACE (National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship), NGLCC (National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce), and Small Business Majority. The selection process involved a careful evaluation of the project's feasibility, potential to enhance the business's viability, and the degree to which the grant can address a pressing business need or help the business owner overcome challenges.
The Backing Small Businesses grant program is just one of several initiatives that make up American Express's "Backing Small" effort. This initiative is aimed at providing financial support and resources to U.S. small business owners. Other initiatives within this umbrella include the Coalition to Back Black Businesses and Backing Historic Small Restaurants. The Backing Small initiative complements American Express’s Shop Small, a year-round global movement to highlight small, independent businesses.
With this newly awarded grant, The Adept Traveler, Inc. is poised to further its mission, making travel more accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their experience or ability. Watch this space for more exciting developments as we continue our journey to reshape the world of travel.
