Depew Business Receives Small Business Grant from American Express
A small business in Depew, Oklahoma - the town that has the distinction of being the first town bypassed by a Route 66 re-alignment - received a huge boost with a grant from American Express.
D's Creations, a local boutique and micro-market located on historic Route 66, has been selected as a recipient of an AMEX Shop Small® Grant from American Express® and Main Street America. The grant will provide D' s Creations with $20,000 in funding to transform its historic 1926 storefront into a high-tech manufacturing hub and expanded grocery destination for the Depew community.
The project, titled "Securing Depew's Future," will allow for:
Industrial Expansion: Installation of industrial embroidery and DTF printing systems to automate production for local schools and Route 66 tourism.
Cold Storage Infrastructure: New commercial-grade refrigeration to triple the shop's capacity for locally sourced, grass-fed beef and organic produce.
Community Investment: A commitment to continue the Annual Back to School Bash, which provides free supplies and haircuts to hundreds of local children.
"When the corporate dollar store moved in and our local market closed, our town faced a crisis," said Destiny Parrick, owner of D's Creations. "I didn't want to see our seniors and residents struggling to find fresh food. This grant allows us to buy the industrial freezers and printing equipment we need to grow. We’re staying right here on the Mother Road, and we're proving that Depew isn't just surviving—we’re thriving."
The 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 $1 was given to the grant program for eligible transactions made on Small Business Saturday, and American Express contributed an additional $5.1 million—expanding the program’s reach and impact to small businesses and the communities they serve. The 505 recipients reflect the vitality of U.S. small businesses, spanning industries from retail and food service to healthcare and professional services.
“Small businesses play a vital role in our communities,” said Jennifer Skyler, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, 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.”
“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, 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.”
