West Main Coffee & Books, a locally owned coffee and book shop in downtown Toulon, has been selected as a recipient of an Amex Shop Small Grant from American Express and Main Street America.

The $20,000 grant will support renovations behind the barista bar and help the business acquire kitchen equipment to launch cafe‑style breakfast and lunch service.

“Customers have been asking us to add breakfast and lunch to our menu for a while, and we are so excited to provide another food option in our small town,” said Payton Schott, co‑owner of West Main Coffee & Books.

West Main Coffee & Books is owned by husband‑and‑wife team Michael and Payton Schott. Their vision is to provide a cozy, creative third space for the community with food, books and events. They are active participants in efforts to revitalize Toulon’s Main Street and enhance quality of life for residents.

The grant program was 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 added for eligible transactions made on Small Business Saturday, and American Express contributed another $5.1 million.

This year’s 505 grant recipients represent the vitality of U.S. small businesses, spanning industries from retail and food service to healthcare and professional services. Funding will help recipients grow and innovate by expanding operations.

“Small businesses play a vital role in our communities,” said Jennifer Skyler, chief corporate affairs officer at American Express. “The Shop Small Grants Program builds on our longstanding commitment to small businesses.”

“At Main Street America, we believe that supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses builds community wealth and a culture of innovation,” said Erin Barnes, President and CEO of Main Street America. “We are so proud to partner with American Express on a program that provides meaningful support to small business owners.”

Founded in 1850, American Express is built on trust, security, service and a long history of innovation. American Express serves consumers, small and medium‑sized businesses and large corporations.

For more than 40 years, Main Street America has supported economic growth through its Main Street Approach framework. Since its founding as the National Main Street Center in 1980, the organization has helped generate over $115.27 billion in local reinvestment, rehabilitate 345,801 buildings, create 815,894 new jobs and start 181,647 new businesses in more than 2,000 communities.

Learn more about the Toulon business at westmaincoffeecompany.com or follow them on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok.