Express launches giving program to help small, medium businesses amid COVID-19

Express Inc. is introducing the Dream Big Project, a crowdsourced initiative to support small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMBs).

The Dream Big Project will be an ongoing effort supported by a GoFundMe account. Express will amplify the Dream Big Project across its marketing channels and engage customers to be a part of the initiative through the GoFundMe partnership. 

For the launch, funds raised through brand and customer donations will benefit the GoFundMe Small Business Relief Fund to provide relief for entrepreneurs who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by the law and will go directly to the fund supported by GoFundMe.org, which provides matching micro-grants to qualifying small businesses. 

Later in fall 2020, Express will select a group of “Small Business Heroes” it will highlight across its social and digital channels, as well as give an additional donation to support their work. Express customers can get involved through online and in-store donations through Dec. 31 and on Thursday, Sept. 17, the company will match customer donations up to $50,000.

The fashion apparel retailer is launching the Dream Big Project with a Dream Big Virtual Summit at 5 p.m. EDT on Thursday, Sept. 17, which is being established as “Dream Big Day.” The evening will offer workshops, panel discussions on topics such as driving thought leadership, navigating careers and tapping hidden potential, and brand giveaways. Proceeds from digital ticket sales benefit the GoFundMe Small Business Relief Fund.   .

“The Dream Big Project is a way to extend our brand purpose – which is to create confidence and inspire self-expression – to our giving, and connect our associates to our customers and communities,” said Tim Baxter, Express CEO. “Dream Big Day is a way for all of us at Express to do good, to give back and to have a positive impact by supporting causes and organizations that encourage people to believe in themselves and follow their dreams.”

Express operates over 500 retail and factory outlet stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, as well as an online store.