American Express and IDA Relaunch Backing International Small Restaurants Programme with £210,000 Grants for London and Manchester
Natalie Lobel, Co-Founder of Grounded.
Independent restaurants in London and Manchester are now invited to apply for a share of £210,000 in grant funding as the Backing International Small Restaurants programme returns to the UK. The initiative, supported by American Express and the International Downtown Association Foundation (IDA), opened applications today and will remain open until 16 November 2026.
Marking its fifth anniversary globally and within the UK, the programme aims to distribute over £1.1 million in grants to more than 100 independent restaurants across nine countries. This year, the initiative expands to include Italy for the first time, reflecting its growing international reach.
The programme focuses on assisting small, independent restaurants in their growth and recovery efforts, enabling them to strengthen operations and build long-term resilience while supporting their local communities. In the UK, grants of £10,500 each will be awarded to 20 independent restaurants in London and Manchester through the IDA Foundation, working in partnership with the Association of Town & City Management (ATCM).
Dan Edelman, UK General Manager of Merchant Services at American Express, emphasised the importance of independent restaurants, stating: “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 previous UK recipients is Grounded, a community café in Manchester. Natalie Lobel, Co-Founder of Grounded, reflected on the grant’s impact: “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.”
Since its inception, the Backing International Small Restaurants programme has expanded from five cities in five countries in 2022 to 15 cities across nine countries in 2026. Over the past four years, it has awarded more than £2.4 million to over 230 restaurants worldwide.
Highlighting the vital role independent restaurants play in the UK’s hospitality sector and local communities, Allen Simpson, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, commented: “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 of the IDA Foundation, added: “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 further details and apply at downtown.org/foundation.
