$19,500 IDA Grant Closes May 31 2024
Backing International Small Restaurants Grant Program
International Downtown Association Foundation recognizes that small restaurants are vital to thriving communities, and also particularly susceptible to the challenges of the global economy. The “Backing International Small Restaurants” grant program, supported by American Express, is aimed at boosting business for culturally significant and independent restaurants that demonstrate a positive impact on their community, and are owned by individuals from underrepresented and/or economically vulnerable groups.
The goal is to help these restaurants with critical improvements and long-term sustainability so they can focus on nourishing their customers with good food and furthering community connection. Among other things, funding can be used for enhancing digital capabilities, building or refreshing dining spaces, making improvements to kitchen operations, and revitalizing local outreach programs. To date the efforts of more than 70 businesses have been recognized funding from this program. In 2024, $940,000 USD will be awarded to 66 independent restaurants with community significance in 9 major cities across the UK, Mexico, Australia, Japan, and Canada.
Our very own Gushi Foods received the grant last year!
2024 Applications are Now Open
Restaurant owners are invited to learn more and apply for the third annual “Backing International Small Restaurants” grant program.
To be eligible, restaurants must already be in operation and have a brick and mortar location/storefront in one of the cities listed below. Digital-only businesses are not eligible (digital includes online and application-based businesses).
UK – London and Manchester
Mexico – Mexico City
Australia – Sydney and Melbourne
Japan – Tokyo and Osaka
Canada – Toronto and Montreal
For any other questions, please contact Cathy Lin, IDA Foundation, at cathy@downtown.org, or call or message IDA Foundation via Whatsapp at +1 (202) 656-5541.
The deadline to submit applications is Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 11:59 pm ET. Grantees are expected to be announced summer 2024.
Click here for more info: https://downtown.org/backing-international-small-restaurants-grant-program/
