Bury’s Independent Restaurants Could Secure £10,500 Business Grant
Independent restaurants, cafés, bars and pubs in Bury could be eligible for a grant of up to £10,500 to invest in their businesses, improve customer experiences and support their long-term future.
The Backing International Small Restaurants Grant Programme, supported by American Express, is returning for its fifth year, offering 20 grants across Greater Manchester and Greater London to help independent food businesses invest in improvements and strengthen their role in local communities.
There is a local success story to inspire applicants, too: Wax and Beans in Bury was a previous recipient of the grant, demonstrating the opportunity this programme offers independent businesses.
From upgrading equipment and digital systems to improving outdoor dining spaces, the funding could help eligible businesses in Bury make important improvements and plan for future growth.
Applications close at 5am on 17 November 2026.
What can the grant be used for?
Each successful business will receive a grant of up to £10,500 to invest in improvements that support its future growth and sustainability.
Eligible projects could include:
- Upgrading digital systems and capabilities.
- Purchasing essential equipment.
- Creating or improving outdoor dining spaces.
- Making physical improvements to business premises.
- Investing in other critical business needs that help secure long-term success.
Applicants should clearly explain how they intend to use the funding, the difference it will make to their business and how quickly the investment can be put into action.
The programme places particular emphasis on businesses with historic, cultural or community significance, and projects that help restaurants grow, recover and continue supporting their local communities.
Who is eligible to apply?
The programme is open to independent food businesses based in Greater Manchester or Greater London that meet the following criteria:
- Established business: Must have been operating before 1 September 2025 and currently be open for business.
- Registered business: Must be a registered, for-profit business entity in good standing in the jurisdiction where it was formed and operates.
- Independent premises: Must be a bricks-and-mortar restaurant, café, bar or pub serving food, and must not be part of a franchise with more than five locations.
- Annual turnover: Must have had annual revenue of less than £1 million in 2025.
Successful applications will demonstrate a clear plan for spending the grant, the ability to deliver the proposed improvements within five months, and the positive impact the investment could have on the business and its local community.
Businesses do not need to accept American Express to be eligible. However, previous recipients of the grant are not eligible to apply again.
How to apply
Independent food businesses in Bury are encouraged to check the eligibility requirements and prepare their applications before the deadline.
The programme is delivered in partnership with the IDA Foundation and the Association of Town and City Management.
Before applying, businesses should read the full eligibility criteria, frequently asked questions and terms and conditions.
For questions about the programme, contact the IDA Foundation via WhatsApp on +1 (202) 656-5541 or email Nataly Cruz-Castillo at nataly@downtown.org.
Could your business benefit? If you run an independent restaurant, café, bar or pub in Bury, check the criteria and apply before 5am on 17 November 2026.
