ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Supporting Toronto’s independent restaurants

In 2026, the program will award $400,000 CAD to support up to 20 independent restaurants across Toronto and Montreal, with each selected business receiving $20,000 CAD. The funding is intended to help restaurants make important improvements that strengthen their businesses and benefit their communities.

The IDA Foundation, supported by American Express, is entering the fourth year of the Backing International Small Restaurants program. To date, the program has granted nearly a total of CAD $1 million to 51 small, independent restaurants across Toronto and Montreal. This year, we are seeking 20 restaurants from across Toronto and Montreal and offering a total of CAD $400,000 in grants.

The International Downtown Association Foundation recognizes that small restaurants are vital to thriving communities. The Backing International Small Restaurants grant program, supported by American Express, aims to help restaurants to grow, recover, and support their local communities. Funding can support a range of initiatives including enhancing digital capabilities, building or refreshing dining spaces, making improvements to kitchen operations, and revitalizing local outreach programs. The program is being held in 15 global cities including Toronto, Montreal, London, Manchester, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Mexico City, Osaka, Tokyo, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Paris, Barcelona and Milan.