£11,000 Grant Opportunity for Independent Restaurants and Cafés

Backed by American Express and the International Downtown Association.

Ilford BID is pleased to share an exciting funding opportunity for independently owned food businesses in Ilford. The Backing International Small Restaurants Grant Program is now open, offering £11,000 in grant funding to support eligible restaurants, cafés, and pubs in our community.

This grant, proudly backed by American Express and the International Downtown Association (IDA), aims to empower small food service businesses with the resources to improve, grow, and innovate.

What the Grant Can Be Used For:

• Upgrading kitchen or service equipment

• Enhancing digital presence (e.g. websites, online ordering)

• Increasing service capacity or operational efficiency

• Interior or exterior improvements

Who Can Apply:

To be eligible, businesses must:

• Be independently owned and operated (not part of a national or international chain)

• Have a brick-and-mortar location in Ilford (London)

• Have been trading for at least one year

• Operate as a restaurant, café, pub, or food-led venue

Deadline to Apply:

📅 30 June 2025

We strongly encourage all qualifying Ilford-based food businesses to take advantage of this opportunity.

👉 Apply now via:

https://downtown.org/backing-international-small-restaurants-grant-program/