$23,000 Grants for Local Restaurants

Written By Admin NEBC

Backing International Small Restaurants Program

We’re excited to share a fantastic opportunity with our members and subscribers in the food and hospitality industry. The IDA Foundation, in partnership with American Express, has just launched the 4th year of the Backing International Small Restaurants Grant Program — and it’s now open to small restaurants in Sydney, Melbourne, and New Zealand.

This year, 15 small restaurants will each receive AUD $23,000 in funding to help grow and sustain their businesses. Applications are open now and will close on June 30, 2025.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen, enhance your digital tools, improve your dining experience, or grow your local presence — this grant could be the boost your restaurant needs.

✅ Who’s Eligible?

To apply, your restaurant must:

  • Be a small, independently-owned establishment in Sydney, Melbourne, or New Zealand

  • Have a physical location (no food trucks or pop-ups)

  • Operate with annual revenue below AUD $2 million

  • Be owned or operated by someone from an underrepresented or economically vulnerable community

  • Not be part of a large franchise group (more than 5 locations)

This program is designed to back the incredible diversity and resilience of our local food scene — something we know our Newtown and Enmore hospitality community proudly represents.

💬 Questions?

If you or someone you know is considering applying and needs more information, you're encouraged to reach out directly to Sedfrey Jan Cudilla who is overseeing the Sydney, Melbourne, and New Zealand region for the IDA Foundation.

Apply Now

You can learn more and apply here: Backing International Small Restaurants Grant Program

Supporting local restaurants that bring flavour, culture, and character to our precinct.

Heleana Genaus co-owner of Rising Sun Workshop and past grant awardee ; - “The workshop is a completely different space now! Having the opportunity to rebuild new storage solutions has left me feeling like a massive weight has been lifted”.

AMEX awarded grants to two businesses in Newtown last year (2024) - Little Lagos Bistro and Bar and Rising Sun Workshop!

Admin NEBC
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