American Express Launches Grant Programme for Small Restaurants in London
American Express is running its international grant scheme for independent restaurants for a third year. Restaurants across Greater London and Greater Manchester are invited to apply.
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. Your organisation goes here is working with partners such as the IDA Foundation and the Association of Town and City Management to distribute the funds to great businesses.
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.
Greater London and Greater Manchester based independent food businesses including restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs with annual revenues below £1 million. Full eligibility criteria can be found in the Terms and Conditions here.
Where to Apply: Click here.
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.
Who Can Apply:
Deadline for Applications: 5am, 31st May 2024
Grant Amount: £11,000 each for 20 businesses
Additional Information: To download FAQs click here, or visit the webpage of the IDA Foundation here.
“We’re delighted to once again back small independent restaurants and this year, extend the grant programme to cover venues in Manchester. Our hope is that the grant funding offers a welcome boost to its recipients.”
Dan Edelman, Vice President and General Manager of UK Merchant Services at American Express
“We’re excited to be partnering with American Express again for the third year of the Backing International Small Restaurants programme. This year’s expansion to nine global cities demonstrates our shared commitment to boosting long-term sustainability for culturally significant and independent restaurants. By increasing the grant amount, we can provide even greater support to these businesses, empowering them to thrive and continue to be cultural cornerstones within their communities.”
David Downey, Executive Director, IDA Foundation
Ojay McDonald, ATCM Chief Executive, added:
“The Backing International Small Restaurants programme has provided such an important lifeline for some great food businesses who needed a little bit of help to invest during such difficult economic times. We are excited about the expansion of the programme to Manchester as we understand the value it will bring to the local restaurants and the communities. We look forward to working with American Express, the IDA Foundation, and key members of our network locally such as CityCo Manchester and Croydon
BID to ensure as many businesses as possible get the opportunity to apply this year.”