Backing International Small Restaurants Grant Program

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The International Downtown Association Foundation recognizes that small restaurants are vital to thriving communities. The “Backing International Small Restaurants” grant program, supported by American Express, is aimed at supporting business for locally significant and independently owned restaurants that are having a positive impact in their local communities while persevering through economic challenges.

The goal is to help these restaurants with critical improvements and long-term continuity so they can focus on nourishing their customers with good food and fostering 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.

Congratulations to the 2025 Grantees

The International Downtown Association Foundation, in collaboration with American Express and local community partners, is proud to announce the 2025 Backing International Small Restaurants grantees!

Now in its fourth year, the initiative will award in 2025 over $1.4 million USD to 97 small and independently owned restaurants across 14 cities in the UK, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Canada, Spain and France.

Grantees were selected in recognition of their vital contributions to their respective neighborhoods and communities, as well as the economic challenges they or their communities continue to face. International Downtown Association Foundation is honored to support these restaurants, which represent more cities, cuisines, and beloved local institutions than ever before. With 2025’s new class of grantees, the Backing International Small Restaurants program has now supported 237 restaurants with over $3.2 million USD in funding.

See the full list of 2025 grant recipients by city.

Learn More About Past Grant Awardees

2024 Grant Awardee Highlights

Bonnington Café — London, UK

In the heart of a diverse south London neighborhood, this community-run establishment is a champion of enduring and resilient spirit.

Pixza — Mexico City, Mexico

Using its unique blue corn pizza as a tool, this pizzeria combats homelessness.

Rising Sun Workshop — Sydney, Australia

An award-winning Asian fusion restaurant, a lively café and a DIY motorcycle workshop under one roof.

Suzuya — Osaka, Japan

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

First and Last Coffee Shop — Toronto, Canada

This community hub is a bright, inviting place where patrons always find a friendly face.

All Past Grant Awardees

View all past grant awardees from 2022-2024 and read more about grantees from prior years.

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Bonnington Café — London, UK

Pixza — Mexico City, Mexico

Rising Sun Workshop — Sydney, Australia

Suzuya — Osaka, Japan

First and Last Coffee Shop — Toronto, Canada

All Past Grant Awardees

2025 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. Follow IDA Foundation on LinkedIn and X.

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