Backing International Small Restaurants Grant Program

Connect

To translate this page (日本語でご覧いただくには/ Para traducir esta página en español / Pour traduire cette page en français), please use Google Translate.

The International Downtown Association Foundation recognizes that small restaurants are vital to thriving communities, and also particularly susceptible to the challenges of the global economy. The “Backing International Small Restaurants” grant program, supported by American Express, is aimed at boosting business for culturally significant and independent restaurants that demonstrate a positive impact on their community, and are owned by individuals from underrepresented and/or economically vulnerable groups.

The goal is to help these restaurants with critical improvements and long-term sustainability so they can focus on nourishing their customers with good food and furthering community connection. Among other things, funding can be used for enhancing digital capabilities, building or refreshing dining spaces, making improvements to kitchen operations, and revitalizing local outreach programs. To date the efforts of more than 140 businesses have been recognized with more than $1.8M in funding from this program.

2024 Grant Awardees Announced

In 2024, Backing International Small Restaurants awarded $1 million USD to 70 independent restaurants with community significance in 9 major cities across the UK, Mexico, Australia, Japan, and Canada. We are proud to support these restaurants who represent more geographies, more cuisines, and more people of all backgrounds than ever before.

Learn More About Past Grant Awardees

In 2022, the program granted a total of $375,000 USD to 36 small, independent restaurants in London, Mexico City, Sydney, Tokyo, and Toronto. In 2023, the program increased total awards to $435,000 USD across 35 restaurants that are making an impact by creating community and cultural connections in their cities.

Read more about past grant awardees below.

Canvas and Cream — London, UK

A dynamic neighborhood restaurant and community space that hosts working artist studios and cultural events.

Las Panas Cohesión Cocción — Mexico City, Mexico

A feminist bakery creating resources to support and enable women in abusive relationships so that they can live independently.

Food Addict — Sydney, Australia

Sustainability lies at the center of Food Addict’s ethos, and is reflected in their mindful sourcing practices and meticulously crafted menu.

Hama House — Tokyo, Japan

A modern multi-use space and café considered a “living room in the city”.

Gushi Japanese Street Food — Toronto, Canada

A specialty street-food concept devoted to community connection and authentic Japanese fried chicken.

All Past Grant Awardees

View all past grant awardees from 2022-2024.

View All

Canvas and Cream — London, UK

Las Panas Cohesión Cocción — Mexico City, Mexico

Food Addict — Sydney, Australia

Hama House — Tokyo, Japan

Gushi Japanese Street Food — Toronto, Canada

All Past Grant Awardees

2024 Press Releases and Announcements

About IDA Foundation

The International Downtown Association Foundation is a charitable nonprofit organization working in collaboration with the International Downtown Association (IDA) to provide education, research, and support for creating prosperous city centers, commercial neighborhoods and liveable urban places for all.

Partners