American Express and IDA Launch 2026 Grants for UK Independent Restaurants
American Express and the International Downtown Association Foundation (IDA) have launched the 2026 edition of their Backing International Small Restaurants grants programme, marking its fifth anniversary. Independent restaurants in London and Manchester can now apply for a share of £210,000 in grant funding, with applications open through November 16, 2026. The programme plans to award more than £1.1 million to support over 100 independent restaurants across nine countries, expanding to Italy for the first time.
The initiative aims to help small, independent restaurants grow, recover, and support their local communities by investing in their operations and long-term resilience. In the UK, £10,500 grants will be awarded to 20 independent restaurants across London and Manchester through the IDA Foundation, in partnership with the Association of Town & City Management (ATCM). Dan Edelman, UK general manager of Merchant Services at American Express, emphasized the importance of independent restaurants in bringing communities together and expressed pride in supporting them through this programme.
Among the programme’s previous UK recipients is Grounded, a community cafe in Manchester. Natalie Lobel, Co-Founder of Grounded, highlighted the lasting impact of the grant, which helped improve their outdoor space, increase capacity, and welcome more customers. Globally, the Backing International Small Restaurants grants programme has grown from five cities in five countries in 2022 to 15 cities across nine countries in 2026, awarding over £2.4 million to more than 230 restaurants worldwide.
Allen Simpson, chief executive of UKHospitality, underscored the vital role independent restaurants play in the UK’s hospitality sector and local communities. He noted that the grant programme provides essential support for businesses navigating financial pressures. David Downey, executive director of the IDA Foundation, expressed pride in the programme’s growth and impact, highlighting the passion and leadership of the grantees who help make neighbourhoods vibrant and connected.