Welcome and Introduction

Ed Jay

Senior Vice President, Small Merchants

American Express

Main Street’s Impact on the U.S. Economy

• 28 million small businesses today

• SMBs make up ½ of U.S. private GDP

• 70% owned & operated by a single person

Sources: NFIB, Small Business Monitor, SBA Office of Advocacy

Shopping Small is Becoming Big for Businesses

Shop Small Map

• $5.5 billion spent in 2012 on Small Business Saturday

• 21% YOY increase in transactions

Helping Small Merchants Grow in Challenging Times

Investing in Small Businesses

American Express-sponsored LinkedIn group dedicated to small business needs and connecting small merchants

Business Knowledge Share

The Knowledge Center

Online hub of helpful articles and videos created specifically for our small merchants

2013 Business Trends on Main Street