Backing International Small Restaurants Grant Program

 

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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 70 businesses have been recognized funding from this program. In 2024, $955,000 USD will be awarded to 67 independent restaurants with community significance in 9 major cities across the UK, Mexico, Australia, Japan, and Canada.

2024 Applications are Now Open

Restaurant owners are invited to learn more and apply for the third annual “Backing International Small Restaurants” grant program.

To be eligible, restaurants must already be in operation and have a brick and mortar location/storefront in one of the cities listed below. Digital-only businesses are not eligible (digital includes online and application-based businesses).

• UK – London and Manchester
• Mexico – Mexico City
• Australia – Sydney and Melbourne
• Japan – Tokyo and Osaka
• Canada – Toronto and Montreal

When you are ready to start your application, please login to Submittable or easily create a free account. City­ specific applications are linked below. Before starting an application, please read the FAQs [EN | FR | SP | JPN] about the entry criteria and judging process and view the full Terms & Conditions [EN | FR | SP | JPN]. 

For any other questions, please contact Cathy Lin, IDA Foundation, at cathy@downtown.org, or call or message IDA Foundation via Whatsapp at +1 (202) 656-5541.

• UK application
• Mexico application 
• Australia application
• Japan application
• Canada application [EN]
• Canada application [FR]

The deadline to submit applications is Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 11:59 pm ET. Grantees are expected to be announced summer 2024.

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

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 

• American Express press release 
• UK press release
• Mexico press release
• Australia press release
• Japan press release (coming soon)
• Canada press release (coming soon) 

2023 Press Releases and Announcements 

• London press release
• Mexico City press release
• Sydney press release
• Tokyo press release
• Toronto press release

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.

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