International Downtown Association is currently accepring applications for its Backing International Small Restaurants Grant Program 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
About International Downtown Association - Backing International Small Restaurants Grant Program
The Backing International Small Restaurants grant program, supported by American Express, aims to help restaurants to grow, recover, and support their local communities. Funding can support a range of initiatives including enhancing digital capabilities, building or refreshing dining spaces and making improvements to kitchen operations.
Benefits of International Downtown Association - Backing International Small Restaurants Grant Program
Grants are available for the following funding amounts in the following cities:
- Auckland – 5 grants of NZD 25,000
- Barcelona – 10 grants of EUR 12,500
- London and Manchester – 20 grants of GBP 10,500
- Melbourne and Sydney – 15 grants of AUD 20,000
- Mexico City – 10 grants of MXN equivalent of USD $10,000
- Milan – 5 grants of EUR 12,500
- Montreal and Toronto – 20 grants of CAD $20,000
- Osaka, Fukuoka, Sapporo, and Tokyo – 10 grants of JPY 2,300,000
- Paris – 10 grants of EUR 12,500
International Downtown Association - Backing International Small Restaurants Grant Program Requirements
To be eligible, restaurants must be located in one of the 15 program cities above and:
- Be currently open for business, in operation prior to September 1st, 2025, and have a brick-and-mortar location/storefront. (Online-only or app-based businesses are not eligible)
- Be a small/independently owned for-profit restaurant, café, bar or pub with food offering and not part of a franchise with more than 5 locations
- Have a 2025 annual revenue below market-specific thresholds. See FAQs and Terms & Conditions below for more information.
Application Date and Process
- When you are ready to start your application, please login or create an account to Submittable and use the country and language-specific links.
Application Deadline
16 November, 2026
Opportunity Application
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International Downtown Association - Backing International Small Restaurants Grant Program
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