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 culturally significant and independent restaurants that demonstrate a positive impact on their community, and are owned/operated by or serve individuals experiencing economic hardship.

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 140 businesses have been recognized with more than $1.8M in funding from this program. In 2025, $1.45M USD will be awarded to 100 independent restaurants with community significance in 15 major cities across the UK, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Canada, Spain and France.  

2025 Applications are Now Open

Restaurant owners are invited to learn more and apply for the fourth 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).

Grants are available for the following funding amounts in the following countries:

UK: London and Manchester – 20 grants of GBP 11,000
Mexico: Mexico City – 10 grants of MXN equivalent of USD 10,000
Australia: Melbourne and Sydney – 15 grants of AUD 23,000
New Zealand: Auckland – 5 grants of NZD 25,000
Japan: Osaka, Fukuoka, Sapporo, and Tokyo – 10 grants of JPY 2,100,000
Canada: Montreal and Toronto – 20 grants of CAD 20,000
France: Paris – 10 grants of EUR 13,000
Spain: Madrid and Barcelona – 10 grants of EUR 13,000

To be eligible, restaurants must be located in one of the 15 program cities above and:

Be currently open for business, in operation for more than one year and have a brick and mortar location/storefront. (Online-only or app-based businesses are not eligible)
Be a small/independently-owned restaurant, café, bar or pub with food offering and not part of a franchise with more than 5 locations.
Have a 2024 annual revenue below market-specific thresholds. See FAQs and Terms & Conditions below for more information.

IDA Foundation will evaluate applicants who meet all eligibility criteria based on the following priorities:

Clear use of grant funds and its impact on the restaurant.
Grant funds must be able to be deployed quickly in a 5-month timeframe.
Contribution to historic, cultural, or community identity
Explanation of hardships the restaurant has endured.
Owned and/or operated by or serving members of the community who have been disproportionately impacted by economic challenges or disasters

When you are ready to start your application, please login to Submittable or easily create a free account. Country 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 Clay Daneker, IDA Foundation, at clay@downtown.org, or call or message IDA Foundation via Whatsapp at +1 (202) 656-5541.

The deadline to submit applications is Monday, June 30, 2025 at 11:59 pm ET.

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. In 2024, the grant doubled to award 70 restaurants a total of $1 million USD.

Read more about past grant awardees below and click here to see a complete list of restaurants by city.

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.

View All

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

American Express press release

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. Follow IDA Foundation on LinkedIn and X.

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