INDIANAPOLIS — Small businesses are often owned by one person or a family, so even the smallest downturn in sales can have a devastating impact on both business and the owner’s personal finances.
Many owners have been left struggling since March when COVID-19 forced many closures, followed by high unemployment and less consumer spending.
“I never thought seven years ago when opening my business I would have to close down the store for a certain amount of time," said Boomerang BTQ owner Felicia Kiesel. "It has definitely been nerve-racking and stressful just thinking about what's to come and how I need to adapt and change my business."
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A small business promotion from American Express may help change that and give owners a desperately needed boost while also giving customers free $50 to spend.
Here's how it works: You must have an American Express card and enroll in the offer on their Small Business website by July 26.
Next, see if your preferred place is considered a small business by American Express. Retailers, restaurants, accountants, coffee shops, and attractions like The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis and the IMAX Theatre at the Indiana State Museum are on the list.
Once at the business or on their website, charge $10 on your enrolled American Express card, and you’ll see a $5 statement credit.
You can do this 10 times through Sept. 20, 2020 — basically giving you $50 to help small businesses.
Kiesel said she’s especially grateful since there are still so many unknowns with COVID-19 and a possible resurgence.
“Every day, I think about it and stress about it, and I have foster kiddos in my care and with trying to feed them and all that, it's definitely something I think about a lot," Kiesel said.