American Express and Main Street America will award Mountain Sports Flagstaff $10,000 through their Small Business Assistance Grant Program.

“As second-generation owners of Mountain Sports Flagstaff, receiving the Small Business Assistance Grant is a testament to our determination to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing retail landscape,” said owner Lisa Lamberson. “We didn't just apply for this grant for immediate financial assistance; it was a strategic decision to ensure we had the resources we needed to grow revenue amid rising costs. With wages, benefits and inventory costs rising, it became clear that optimizing our sales strategy was essential to our sustainability.”

Lamberson says the funding will allow Mountain Sports Flagstaff to partner with retail analytics firm Outside Looks to take a closer look at its sales performance and implement innovative solutions. “This investment not only protects our business, it also preserves the economic vitality of Flagstaff, a community we are proud to serve,” he says. “This grant will enable our dual commitment to maintaining excellent service while weathering economic hardship.”

Lamberson is one of 500 small business owners from across the U.S., including Puerto Rico, to receive a grant. Grant recipients will have the opportunity to apply later this year for an additional $30,000 in Enhancement Grants that will be awarded to 25 small businesses.

American Express and Main Street America initially created the grant program to help financially struggling small business owners recover and grow their businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. FBN

Photo credit: Mountain Sports Flagstaff owner Lisa Lamberson said receiving the grant validates her company's determination to “adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing retail landscape.”