With support from American Express, the International Downtown Association (IDA) Foundation is now accepting applications for its “Backing International Small Restaurants” grant program. The program aims to support restaurants that demonstrate a positive impact on their community and are owned/operated by or serve individuals experiencing economic hardship.

About the Backing International Small Restaurants Grant Program.

The Backing International Small Restaurants Grant Program aims to help restaurants with critical improvements and long-term sustainability so they can focus on nourishing their customers with good food and furthering community connection. Funding can be used, among other things, to enhance digital capabilities, build or refresh dining spaces, improve kitchen operations, and revitalize local outreach programs.

To date, 140 businesses’ efforts have been recognized with more than $1.8M in funding from this program. In 2025, $1.45M USD will be awarded to 100 independent restaurants with community significance in 15 major cities across the UK, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Canada, Spain, and France.

Available Funding and Prizes

• $20,000 in grant funds to support 20 Canadian Restaurants each (Toronto and Montreal)

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Eligible entrepreneurs must meet the following criteria. The restaurant must

• Be located in Toronto.
• Be open for business, in operation for over a year, and have a brick-and-mortar location/storefront. (Online-only or app-based businesses are not eligible)
• Be a small/independently-owned restaurant, café, bar, or pub with food offerings and not part of a franchise with more than 5 locations.
• Have an annual revenue of less than 1.5 million in Toronto

You can view the complete list of eligibility criteria here.

HOW TO APPLY

Visit the IDA site to apply.

DEADLINE

Applications for the grant are due on June 30th.

As always, we will keep you posted on relevant grant programs and contests for small businesses and organizations in the Greater Toronto Area.

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