DoorDash Accelerator for Local Businesses
DoorDash is helping strengthen small businesses—including restaurants, flower shops, convenience stores, and other local brick-and-mortar shops—in Greater Providence, RI; San Francisco, CA; and Scranton, PA through its Accelerator for Local Businesses.
About the Accelerator
In this 6-week program, participants will take part in educational workshops, be matched with experienced DoorDash Merchant Mentors, and receive $5,000 of value in DoorDash sponsored promotional campaigns to help grow their business.
Together with partners in Greater Providence, San Francisco, and Scranton, DoorDash has designed this Accelerator to provide immediate value to small businesses while facilitating long-term business growth through local government connections.
Join the Next Cohort
Applications are now closed for the current cohort of the Accelerator for Local Businesses in San Francisco, Scranton, and the Greater Providence area. Selected participants will be announced in early October.
The Accelerator runs from October through November.
Eligibility
Eligible business owners who meet the below criteria are invited to apply.
You own a restaurant, food truck or local retail store (flower shop, grocery store, convenience store, etc.)
You are currently using DoorDash for your businesses or are interested in utilizing DoorDash for your business
You are interested in learning best practices to be more successful on the DoorDash platform
You are interested in connecting with your city's local business support resources
You want to be connected with local business mentors
You are able to commit 1-2 hours per week to the Accelerator for the duration of the program. This includes attendance at 5 in-person events, virtual workshops and mentorship meetings
Independently owned brick-and-mortar local businesses (franchises are not eligible)
Maximum of 3 locations
Operating within:
Greater Providence, RI
San Francisco, CA
Scranton, PA
Owner must be primary operator and live in:
Greater Providence, RI
San Francisco, CA
Scranton, PA
Annual revenue under $3 Million
Less than 50 employees across all locations
Current DoorDash merchant or interested in joining the platform
Benefits
Accelerator participants receive:
Access to educational workshops on DoorDash platform best practices, marketing spend optimization, and in-store operations improvement.
Small business workshops in Greater Providence, RI, San Francisco, CA, and Scranton, PA, covering access to capital, marketing strategies, and local financing programs.
$5,000 in ad credits on the DoorDash platform
1:1 mentorship
Voices of the Accelerator
Small business owners in Findlay, OH, and Kansas City, MO, took part in the Summer 2025 Accelerator for Local Businesses — and their stories say it best. Hear how the program helped them strengthen operations, expand their reach, and gain the tools to thrive long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Applications will be accepted from September 16, 2025, until 11:59 PM ET on September 30, 2025.
All applicants will be contacted the week of September 30, 2025.
Participants will receive $5,000 in ad credits by the end of the program.
The format of the Accelerator is best suited for proficient English speakers. If you have additional language needs, please indicate it in your application. We’re committed to supporting language access and will do our best to provide resources that address multilingual needs.
Thank You to Our Partners!
