Geaux Fresh Bistro & Bakery, a locally owned restaurant, bakery, catering, and community gathering space located in downtown Minden, has been selected as a recipient of an Amex Shop Small® Grant from American Express and Main Street America. The grant will provide Geaux Fresh with $20,000 in funding to expand production capabilities, improve accessibility and safety upgrades, and enhance the overall customer experience at its downtown location.
The project includes upgrades to the upstairs event and production space, including replacement of worn stair carpeting and installation of a wrought iron handrail, as well as the purchase of additional commercial kitchen equipment including a commercial refrigerator, freezer, floor stand mixer, and commercial oven. These improvements will support expanded catering services, bakery production, meal prep offerings, and community events hosted through Geaux Fresh.
“This project is about more than growth,” said owner Jodie Martin. “It’s about creating a safer, more functional, and more welcoming space for our customers while continuing to invest in the community that supports us. We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity and honored to represent Minden on a national level.”
“We are incredibly proud to see the Geaux Fresh team receive this national recognition,” said Sarah Overall, Director of the Minden Main Street Program. “This award reflects the strength of our small business community and the continued momentum happening within downtown Minden. Local businesses like Geaux Fresh are what make our Main Street district vibrant, welcoming, and economically strong. The Minden Main Street Program congratulates Geaux Fresh on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to the continued positive impact the business will have on the downtown district and surrounding region. This grant was only awarded to 10 recipients throughout our State, and we are proud a Small Business from Minden, LA was selected.”
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. Grant funding will enable recipients to grow and innovate by expanding operations, investing in critical upgrades, and introducing new offerings.
“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.”
Overall states, “If you are interested in becoming part of the continued momentum and growth happening in Minden by opening a small business of your own, contact the Minden Main Street Program at mainstreet@mindenusa.com to learn more about available opportunities, resources, and ways to get engaged.”
For more information about the grant program, visit https://mainstreet.org/about/partner-collaborations/amex-shop-small-grant-program
A full list of this year’s recipients is available at https:/mainstreet.org/the-latest/news/more-than-500-small-business-owners-awarded-20-000-amex-shop-small-grants.
About Geaux Fresh Bistro & Bakery
Geaux Fresh Bistro & Bakery is a locally owned restaurant and bakery located in historic downtown Minden, Louisiana. Known for its fresh-made lunches, baked goods, catering services, and community-centered atmosphere, Geaux Fresh continues to serve as a gathering place for residents and visitors alike. Learn more at Geaux Fresh Bistro & Bakery.
ABOUT AMERICAN EXPRESS
American Express (NYSE: AXP) is a global payments and premium lifestyle brand powered by technology. Our colleagues around the world back our customers with differentiated products, services, and experiences that enrich lives and build business success.
Founded in 1850 and headquartered in New York, American Express’ brand is built on trust, security, service, and a rich history of delivering innovation and Membership value for our customers. We seek to provide the world’s best customer experience every day to a broad range of consumers, small and medium-sized businesses, and large corporations, and we build and manage relationships with millions of merchants across our global network.
For more information about American Express, visit americanexpress.com, americanexpress.com/en-us/newsroom/, and ir.americanexpress.com.
ABOUT MAIN STREET AMERICA
Main Street America leads a collaborative movement with partners and grassroots leaders that advances shared prosperity, creates resilient economies, and improves quality of life through place-based economic development and community preservation in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts across the country.
For more than 40 years, Main Street America has helped to build economic power in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts through our signature Main Street Approach™ framework. Founded as the National Main Street Center® in 1980, Main Street America has helped to generate over $115.27 billion in local reinvestment, rehab 345,801 buildings, create 815,894 new jobs, and start 181,647 new businesses in over 2,000 communities.
For more information about Main Street America, visit mainstreet.org.
