Run by the International Downtown Association (IDA) Foundation in partnership with the Association of Town & City Management (ATCM) in the UK, the global Backing International Small Restaurants programme has expanded to nine major cities across five countries in 2024.
This year, the UK programme expands to Manchester, a city well known for its vibrant restaurant scene. A total of 20 eligible restaurants of community significance across both Manchester and London will each receive a grant of £11,000 to enhance their business operations and the experience for diners in the months ahead. These improvements will have a long-term impact on business growth and sustainability, allowing owners to grow their customer base and increase community vibrancy.
Restaurant owners in London and Manchester can learn more about the programme, eligibility and apply for the grant at downtown.org/foundation. The deadline for applications is 5am on the 31st May 2024.
The grant programme comes at a time when hospitality operators continue to face a challenging market and rising costs across all areas of their business. The programme will help boost a hospitality sector with its sights set firmly on growth over the next 12 months. According to new American Express research*, in the UK, one third (33%) of hospitality businesses plan to invest in their premises over the next 12 months. The top factors driving this investment are the desire to win new customers (43%) and improve the customer experience (36%).
What the Grant is For
The grant must be used towards critical business needs that support the restaurant for long-term business sustainability. Potential uses could include critical improvements needed to sustain the business operations such as enhancing digital capabilities, building outdoor dining spaces, purchasing new equipment and making other physical improvements.
Who Can Apply
The grant program is focused on venues owned or operated by underrepresented or economically vulnerable members of the community. This might include those experiencing hardship, women, people of colour, LGBTQIA+, immigrants, etc.
Further Information
Make sure you double check the eligibility criteria before you submit your application. FAQs are available here. The Terms and Conditions are available here. Once you are sure that you meet the eligibility criteria, fill out the application form here.
For any other questions, please contact Cathy Lin of the IDA Foundation, at cathy@downtown.org, or call or message IDA Foundation via Whatsapp at +1 (202) 656-5541.
