Backing International Small Restaurants Grant Program 2025
📖 About the Program
The Backing International Small Restaurants Grant Program is an initiative supported by American Express and the International Downtown Association (IDA) Foundation. This program aims to support independent restaurants that positively impact their communities, particularly those owned or operated by individuals experiencing economic hardship.
The program is designed to help restaurants make critical improvements and build long-term sustainability. Funding can be used for purposes such as:
- Enhancing digital capabilities
- Upgrading or refreshing dining spaces
- Improving kitchen operations
- Revitalizing local outreach programs
Since its inception, the program has awarded over $1.8 million USD in grants to 140 businesses. In 2025, the IDA Foundation will distribute $1.45 million USD to support 100 independent restaurants across 15 major cities, including locations in the UK, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Canada, Spain, and France.
🎁 Benefits
- A total of $20,000 USD in grant funds will be awarded to 20 restaurants located in Toronto and Montreal.
- Each selected restaurant will receive $20,000 USD to support their business.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Backing International Small Restaurants Grant Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Location: The restaurant must be located in Toronto, Canada.
- Business Requirements:
- The restaurant must be open for business and operating for over one year.
- It must have a physical brick-and-mortar location/storefront. Online-only or app-based businesses are not eligible.
- Type of Restaurant: The restaurant must be a small, independently owned business (not part of a franchise with more than five locations).
- Revenue Requirements: The restaurant must have annual revenue of less than $1.5 million USD in Toronto.
📅 Application Date and Deadline
- Date Published: May 26, 2025
- Application Deadline: June 30, 2025
📝 Application Process
To apply for the Backing International Small Restaurants Grant Program, visit the official application portal:
IDA Submittable Application Portal
🌐 Sponsor Organization
The program is sponsored by the International Downtown Association (IDA) Foundation.
For more details and to apply, visit the official application portal linked above. Don't miss this opportunity to support your restaurant's growth and sustainability!
- A total of $20,000 in grant funds will be awarded to 20 restaurants located in Toronto and Montreal. Each of the selected restaurants will receive $20,000 to support their business.
