Dine Local programme backs Brixton's independent restaurants

Independent restaurant owners in Brixton can apply for a share of £50,000 as part of a newly launched Dine Local programme.

The initiative is run by the International Downtown Association Foundation and the Brixton Business Improvement District (BID), with support from American Express. The programme is part of American Express's global 'Backing International Small Restaurants' grant programme to support culturally significant, independent restaurants owned by individuals from underrepresented groups in five major cities.

Working in partnership with the Brixton BID, the IDA Foundation will select grant recipients from within the district boundaries. Ten restauranrts will receive £5,000 each to assist their financial recovery from the impact of Covid-19, allowing them to make the critical improvements needed to boost their business – such as enhancing digital capabilities, building or revitalising their dining spaces and making other physical imporvements. The aim of the programme is to highlight the importance of restaurants and their positive impact on local communities. 

Independently-owned restaurants, pubs, bars and cafés with foodservice within the Brixton BID boundaries, and with no more than five locations and annual revenues below £1.5m, are eligible to apply from now until 31 January. To be successful, applicants must explain how they plan to use the Dine Local grant to progress their business. Finalists will then be announced and awarded the funding in Spring.

Gianluca Rizzo, director of the Brixton BID, says of the initiative: "Brixton is all about independent small businesses and is famous for our distinctive food scene. With hospitality being hit so hard by the pandemic, we are very proud to be working with the IDA Foundation and American Express to support our local eateries."

Click here to apply online today. 

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