Independent restaurants in London and Manchester can now apply for a share of £210,000 in grant funding, as American Express and the International Downtown Association Foundation (IDA) today launched this year’s Backing International Small Restaurants grants programme, open for applications through November 16, 2026.
Celebrating its fifth anniversary globally and in the UK, the programme plans to award more than £1.1 million to support over 100 independent restaurants across nine countries and expands to Italy for the first time.
The programme supports small, independent restaurants as they grow, recover and support their local communities, including investments that help strengthen their operations and long-term resilience.
Backing International Small Restaurants plans to award £10,500 grants to 20 independent restaurants across London and Manchester through the International Downtown Association Foundation (IDA), in partnership with the Association of Town & City Management (ATCM) in the UK.
Dan Edelman, UK general manager of Merchant Services at American Express, said: “Independent restaurants play an important role in bringing communities together, and we’re proud to have backed them through this programme for five years in the UK. By helping restaurant owners invest in their businesses and long-term growth, we hope to create an impact that extends beyond their doors to the communities they serve.”
Among the programme’s previous UK recipients is Grounded, a community cafe in Manchester. Natalie Lobel, Co-Founder of Grounded, reflects on the effects of the grant: “The funding from Backing International Small Restaurants has had a lasting impact on Grounded. By helping us improve our outdoor space, we’ve been able to increase capacity, welcome more customers throughout the year and build a stronger, business for the long-term. This grant allowed us to continue investing in our community and provide healthy and affordable food.”
Globally, Backing International Small Restaurants grants programme has grown from five cities in five countries in 2022 to 15 cities across nine countries in 2026. Over the past four years, more than £2.4 million has been awarded to over 230 restaurants worldwide.
Supporting the UK’s independent restaurants
Highlighting the important role independent restaurants play in the UK’s hospitality sector and local communities, Allen Simpson, chief executive of UKHospitality, said: “Independent restaurants are a significant part of what make our high streets, towns and cities thriving hubs of activity. With many independents navigating financial pressures, the Backing International Small Restaurants grant programme is incredibly valuable in helping businesses make essential maintenance, invest in their venue or offer and, crucially, provide the sector with some much-needed support.”
David Downey, executive director, IDA Foundation, said: “As we celebrate five years of Backing International Small Restaurants, we’re proud of the programme’s growth and impact on independent restaurants around the world. We continue to be inspired by our grantees, whose passion and leadership help make neighbourhoods vibrant and connected. With the ongoing support of American Express, we’re helping strengthen local economies and communities across the globe.”
Applications for the 2026 Backing International Small Restaurants programme close on 16 November 2026. Independent restaurant owners in London and Manchester can find out more and apply at downtown.org/foundation.
