Sleepy Dog Books given $20,000 grant from American Express

Local independent bookstore Sleepy Dog Books was selected as a recipient of an Amex Shop Small Grant from American Express and Main Street America. The grant provides Sleepy Dog Books with $20,000 in funding to expand bookstore operations and amplify the impact of the Sleepy Dog Books Foundation with the goal of bringing literacy access to communities across the region.

“Through this opportunity, we will be able to expand our ability to serve the Mid-Michigan region in our retail location and through our literacy Foundation. With access comes opportunity and by focusing on literacy, the possibilities become endless.” said Jenny Justis, owner of Sleepy Dog Books.

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 each eligible transaction 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.

“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.”

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.

“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.”

For more information about the grant program, as well as a full list of this year’s recipients, visit mainstreet.org.

As an independent bookstore located at Broadway and University in downtown Mt. Pleasant, Sleepy Dog Books provides more than a place to buy books. It also offers a welcoming community hub where families, educators, students, and neighbors gather for author events, children’s programming, book clubs, and meaningful conversations. They aim to create a space that fosters belonging, creativity, and lifelong learning.

Together, the store and the foundation form a unique ecosystem of community impact: the bookstore fuels local culture and connection, while the foundation drives equitable access to literacy resources. The goal of Sleepy Dog Books is to strengthen downtown vitality, support local educators, and help build a more literate, empowered, and engaged community. Learn more at www.sleepydogbooks.com.