Running a restaurant is hard work, and finding the money to make improvements or take your business to the next level isn't always easy. Now, Auckland's independent restaurant owners can secure funding to help bring those plans to life.
American Express and the International Downtown Association Foundation (IDA Foundation) have opened applications for their 2026 Backing International Small Restaurants grants programme, with five NZD 25,000 grants available to eligible independent restaurants in the Auckland region.
The grant has been designed to help independent restaurants grow, strengthen their businesses and continue supporting their local communities. Funding could help improve the kitchen, upgrade equipment, refresh the dining space, improve digital systems, or invest in ways to make the business more efficient and resilient.
Last year's Auckland recipients showed just how much a grant can help. Elie Assaf, owner of Lebanese Grocer, used the funding to establish a dedicated production kitchen. This has helped the family-owned business serve more customers, grow its catering and wholesale operations, and develop plans for a retail product range.
Kaz Suzuki, owner of PICI pasta and wine bar, used the grant to improve the kitchen and layout, add air conditioning for the dining area, and make other much-needed upgrades. Suzuki encouraged other restaurant owners to apply, saying the grant transformed a small business like PICI.
Over its first four years, it has awarded more than NZD 5.5 million in grants to more than 230 restaurants, recognising the important role independent restaurants play in bringing people together, creating jobs, and helping local communities thrive. Now in its fifth year, the international programme covers 15 cities across nine countries.
Applications close on the 17th of November 2026, so interested owners should start as soon as possible. Learn more about eligibility requirements and apply online here.
