In this exclusive interview with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, Kerri-Ann Santaguida, Vice President and General Manager of Merchant Services at American Express Canada, shares how she is driving innovation in payment management while helping businesses strengthen growth, customer engagement, and operational success. With extensive leadership experience in merchant services and business strategy, Kerri-Ann leads a national team across Canada focused on delivering value-driven payment solutions that empower merchants in an evolving marketplace. Deeply committed to supporting small businesses through initiatives such as Amex Canada’s Shop Small Programs, she is also a passionate advocate for workplace diversity, mentorship, and community engagement, creating meaningful impact across business and beyond.
You lead Merchant Services at American Express Canada and have long championed small businesses, including through Shop Small. What inspired the Backing Canadian Small Businesses program, and how does it build on Amex’s broader commitment to helping Canadian entrepreneurs succeed?
Supporting small businesses has always been at the heart of what we do at American Express. Through initiatives like Shop Small, we’ve spent years helping shine a spotlight on the vital role small businesses play in our communities.
And we know running a small business isn’t easy. One thing we hear consistently is that access to funding is only part of the equation – many business owners are also looking for practical guidance and support they can actually apply as they grow. That’s exactly what the Backing Canadian Small Businesses program is designed to provide.
It builds on our long-standing commitment in a way that reflects what businesses need right now. It’s designed to meet entrepreneurs where they are, whether they’re looking to expand, adapt, or strengthen their operations, and give them both the resources and the confidence to take that next step.
Since 2021, we’ve supported 350 small businesses across Canada with $3.5 million in direct grants, and this program is about taking that impact even further.
The BCSB program combines a $10,000 CAD grant with mentorship from DMZ experts in areas like sales, marketing, operations, and leadership. What kind of training and hands‑on support do recipients actually receive, and how do you hope this mix of funding and guidance will show up in their day‑to‑day businesses?
What really brings this program to life is what happens alongside the funding. Over 12 weeks, participants take part in a mix of small group sessions and one-on-one coaching with DMZ experts, covering areas like sales, marketing, operations, and leadership. It’s designed to be flexible, because we know these are busy business owners juggling a lot day to day.
In practical terms, that might mean helping someone refine how they’re reaching customers, think through operational challenges, or build a clearer plan for growth. They also have access to on-demand learning, so they can go deeper on the areas that matter most to them, at their own pace.
The goal is that this support shows up in a very tangible way, helping to provide more clarity, better decision-making, and ultimately a stronger, more resilient business.
Many grants focus purely on funding. From your perspective, what sets this grant and mentorship program apart from other small business funding opportunities, and why was it important to pair financial support with structured coaching?
Funding is incredibly important, but on its own, it doesn’t always unlock growth. What we’ve seen is that it’s most powerful when it’s paired with the right guidance.
That’s really what sets this program apart. It’s not just about providing a $10,000 grant – it’s about helping business owners make the most of it. Whether that’s deciding where to invest, how to reach new customers, or how to scale sustainably, those are complex decisions.
Through DMZ, participants have access to experienced mentors who can help them navigate those moments. It also means the impact goes beyond the immediate term. With both funding and structured coaching, businesses are better equipped to grow with intention and confidence, and to create longer-term impact in their communities.
This initiative is enabled through your support of DMZ. How does working with this organization strengthen the impact of the program, and what have you learned together about what Canadian small business owners need most right now?
Working with DMZ has been a key part of making this program as impactful as it is. They bring deep expertise in entrepreneurship and business acceleration, but just as importantly, they have a strong, real-time understanding of what businesses across Canada are navigating today. That perspective helps ensure the support is practical and relevant.
Funding is still critical, of course, but there’s a real need for guidance that’s tailored, flexible, and grounded in day-to-day challenges – whether that’s managing growth, adapting to change, or making key decisions with limited time and resources. That combination is what allows the program to deliver more meaningful, lasting value.
Applications for the 2026 Backing Canadian Small Businesses program are now open and will support 100 Canadian small businesses with grants and mentorship. Who is this program best suited for, what should interested owners know before they apply, and where can they go to learn more and submit their application?
This program is really designed for small business owners who are at a point where they’re ready to take the next step, whether that’s growing, evolving their model, or expanding their impact in their community. The combination of the grant and mentorship works best when business owners are ready to engage and apply what they’re learning along the way.
Applications for the 2026 program are now open, and business owners can learn more and apply by visiting dmz.torontomu.ca/amexbackingsmall.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Our platform is dedicated to fostering dialogue and sharing insights that inspire and empower small and medium-sized businesses across Canada.
