AMEX backed local funding

Grants are available to Independent restaurant businesses of up to £11,000 from International Downtown Association Foundation in partnership with the Association of Town & City Management in the UK – which is an American Express-supported grant programme which has been running for four years in the UK.

In the UK, the programme will provide a total of £220,000 in support of small, independent businesses

BUT

Only for premises in London and Manchester.

Last year’s UK winners included Bury-based café Wax and Beans, which upgraded its kitchen and expanded its outside seating area. Commenting on the impact of the grant, they said: “Receiving the Backing International Small Restaurants grant last year has allowed us to invest in upgrading our kitchen, as well as extending the outdoor dining area so that even more people can enjoy great coffee, food, and, of course, some excellent music, in the sun. The grant has made a real difference towards our mission of being a community hub and providing people a place to relax and socialise.”