Sydney, April 17: American Express has broadened the scope of its Backing International Small Restaurants grant program, now including Melbourne alongside Sydney, as announced today.
This initiative, in collaboration with the International Downtown Association (IDA) Foundation and supported by Mainstreet Australia, aims to assist small restaurant owners in these cities.
This year, the program offers ten grants, each worth $21,500, to help cover various business expenses and foster growth amid the economic pressures currently impacting the hospitality industry.
Since its introduction, the Backing International Small Restaurants initiative has allocated $240,000 to support local eateries, particularly those run by underrepresented or economically disadvantaged groups.
This expansion marks a significant increase in American Express’s commitment to nurturing the culinary scene in Australia.
Robert Tedesco, Vice President of Global Merchant Network Services at American Express Australia and New Zealand, highlighted the vital role of small, family-operated restaurants in local communities and economies.
“Many are struggling with the fallout of cost-of-living pressures and need support. It’s why this year we have expanded the program to Melbourne for the first time, in addition to Sydney,” Tedesco explained.
In 2023, Kabul Social, a Sydney-based restaurant that serves Afghan street food prepared by displaced refugees, benefited from the grant.
“The American Express grant has supported us to develop a phone application that gives our customers the ability to track the impact they’re having with each meal,” said owner Shaun Christie-David. This innovation has been crucial for Kabul Social, helping to sustain employment and enhance customer relations during challenging economic times.
Another beneficiary, Small’s Deli in Potts Point, used their grant to implement essential renovations and equipment upgrades. Co-owner Emily Van Loon shared, “The grant from American Express was extremely helpful and without it, we wouldn’t have been able to afford the changes.”
David Downey, President and CEO of the IDA Foundation, expressed enthusiasm about the continued partnership with American Express, which now extends to nine global cities.
“This year’s expansion… demonstrates our shared commitment to boosting long-term sustainability for culturally significant and independent restaurants,” said Downey.
The program not only reflects American Express’s pledge to aid small businesses through various initiatives like the American Express Delicious.
Month Out and the annual Shop Small campaign but also emphasizes the company’s global strategy to back small enterprises consistently.
Applications for the grants are open to all eligible small independent restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne until May 30, ET.
Interested applicants can find more details and apply at Backing International Small Restaurants Grant Program.
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