American Express is injecting $3.95 million USD into small restaurants worldwide through its 2025 “Backing Small” grant programs, with significant support for Australia’s independent eateries.
The Backing International Small Restaurants and Backing Historic Small Restaurants initiatives are now open, offering eligible Aussie small business owners funding to preserve their culinary heritage and strengthen local economies.
In Australia, the Backing International Small Restaurants program, partnered with Mainstreet Australia, invites small restaurant owners in Melbourne and Sydney to apply for one of 15 grants, each valued at $23,000 AUD. For the first time, Auckland joins the program with five grants of $25,000 NZD ($15,000 USD) available. Globally, the initiative will distribute $1.45 million USD to 100 restaurants across Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, the U.K., France, New Zealand, and Spain. The funds support upgrades like digital tools, dining space renovations, and kitchen improvements. Since 2022, the program has provided $522,500 AUD to Australian restaurants, helping owners tackle rising costs and modernize operations.
A real-world example comes from Sue and Dale Messina, owners of Bojak Brewing, a 75-seat brewery in Melbourne’s Dandenong suburb. Among the 13 Australian recipients in 2024, they used their grant to install gas heaters in their outdoor beer garden, upgrade kitchen flooring, and acquire equipment like a density meter for precise brewing and a carton box-taper to streamline packaging. These improvements enhanced their venue’s appeal and efficiency, ensuring year-round customer comfort and operational gains.
Application details
Applications for the Backing International Small Restaurants program are open until July 1, 2025. Eligible owners in Melbourne and Sydney can apply through Mainstreet Australia, with clear guidelines ensuring funds reach those most in need. The program, launched during the pandemic to aid struggling restaurants, has evolved to address current challenges like inflation and technological adaptation. Since 2020, American Express’ grants have supported nearly 5,000 small businesses across six countries, 50 U.S. states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico, showcasing a commitment to global small business resilience.
American Express, the founder of Small Business Saturday in 2010, continues to connect small businesses with their communities, fostering economic and cultural vitality. In Australia, where hospitality employs thousands and enriches local culture, these grants are a lifeline for family-run and independent restaurants. By funding critical upgrades, the program helps owners maintain their venues as community hubs, ensuring they remain viable in competitive markets. With a straightforward application process and a focus on tangible outcomes, the 2025 grants are set to empower Aussie restaurateurs to innovate and thrive, preserving the unique flavours and stories that define their neighbourhoods.
Find application details here.
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