Tourism

Twenty standout restaurants – 15 across Melbourne and Sydney and 5 in Auckland – have been selected as grantees of the American Express Backing International Small Restaurants program. Each restaurant is receiving a grant of $15,000 USD ($23,000 AUD / $25,000 NZD) for critical improvements to their business, supporting their long-term growth. In partnership with the International Downtown Association (IDA) Foundation and supported by Mainstreet Australia, the American Express program offers grants to small, independent restaurants, empowering them to make critical improvements like refreshing dining spaces, enhancing digital tools and improving kitchen operations.