Backing International Small Restaurants Grant Program 2026Backing International Small Restaurants Grant Program 2026

Applications are open for the Backing International Small Restaurants Grant Program 2026, an initiative supporting independent restaurants, cafés, bars and pubs that contribute to the character and economic vitality of their local communities. Supported by American Express and administered by the International Downtown Association (IDA) Foundation, the programme provides financial assistance to small food businesses seeking to improve their operations, strengthen their resilience and invest in their long term development.

The 2026 edition marks the fifth year of the initiative. It will provide grants to eligible restaurants across 15 cities in nine countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, Italy, Spain, Mexico and Japan.

Selected businesses will receive grants in amounts determined by their location. Funding can support improvements such as purchasing kitchen equipment, upgrading restaurant spaces, expanding outdoor dining areas and strengthening digital capabilities.

About the Backing International Small Restaurants Grant Program

The Backing International Small Restaurants Grant Program was established to recognise the important role independent restaurants play in creating vibrant and connected communities.

Small restaurants are more than places where people eat. They provide employment, support local suppliers, preserve food traditions and create spaces where residents and visitors can interact. However, independent food businesses often face financial pressures that make it difficult to invest in equipment, improve their premises or adapt to changing customer expectations.

The IDA Foundation, with support from American Express, created the programme to help address these challenges. Through financial grants, the initiative enables selected restaurant owners to make improvements that strengthen their businesses and contribute to the communities they serve.

The 2026 programme covers 15 cities across nine countries. Applicants must operate in one of the designated locations and satisfy the programme's eligibility conditions. Businesses outside these cities cannot apply, even if they meet the other requirements.

Grant Amounts and Available Funding

The programme offers different grant amounts depending on the city in which the restaurant operates.

The 2026 funding allocation is as follows:

The grant funds are intended to support practical business improvements rather than ordinary operating expenses. Applicants should clearly explain how the proposed investment will benefit their restaurant and contribute to its long term sustainability.

What Can the Grant Support?

Restaurant owners can propose projects that address important operational needs and improve their ability to serve customers.

Potential uses of the funding include:

• Kitchen equipment: Purchasing or upgrading equipment needed to improve food preparation, storage and kitchen operations.
• Restaurant improvements: Renovating or refreshing dining areas, improving facilities and making physical upgrades to the premises.
• Outdoor dining spaces: Building, expanding or improving outdoor seating areas to create more attractive dining environments.
• Digital capabilities: Introducing or improving digital tools and systems that support restaurant operations and customer engagement.
• Business resilience: Investing in improvements that help the restaurant recover, grow and operate more effectively.
• Community initiatives: Supporting improvements that strengthen the restaurant's connection with its neighbourhood and local customers.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to owners of small, independent restaurants and other eligible food businesses operating in the designated cities.

To qualify, a business must meet the following requirements:

• Operate from a physical, brick and mortar location in one of the 15 participating cities.
• Be currently open and have been operating before 1 September 2025.
• Be a registered, for profit restaurant, café, bar or pub that serves food.
• Be independently owned and not part of a franchise with more than five locations.
• Have 2025 annual revenue below the applicable threshold for its city.
• Meet the programme's other business registration and eligibility conditions.

How to Apply

Interested restaurant owners should apply through the official country and language specific application links provided by the IDA Foundation.

Follow these steps:

1. Check your location: Confirm that your restaurant operates in one of the programme's 15 eligible cities.
2. Review the eligibility requirements: Check the operating history, business registration, franchise and annual revenue conditions applicable to your location.
3. Develop your investment plan: Identify the improvements you want to make and explain how the funding will strengthen your restaurant.
4. Prepare your application information: Gather the relevant business details, financial information and project description needed to complete the application.
5. Create an online account: Visit the IDA Foundation programme page and log in to Submittable or create a free account if you do not already have one.
6. Select the correct application portal: Use the country and language specific link for your restaurant's location.
7. Complete and submit the form: Provide accurate information about your business, proposed use of funds and expected community impact. Review the application before submitting it.

Applicants should consult the official programme terms and conditions and frequently asked questions before completing their submissions.