DoorDash Accelerator for Local Businesses
DoorDash is strengthening small businesses—including restaurants, flower shops, convenience stores, and other local brick-and-mortar businesses—in Findlay, OH, and Kansas City, MO, through our Accelerator for Local Businesses. This 12-week program offers participants educational workshops, mentors, and a $5,000 grant. Developed in partnership with both cities' mayors, the Accelerator provides immediate support while fostering long-term growth through local government connections.
Join the Next Cohort
The Accelerator for Local Businesses is coming to Findlay, OH, and Kansas City, MO! Owners of restaurants, food trucks, and local retailers (flower shops, convenience stores, etc.) who are on the DoorDash platform or interested in joining are encouraged to apply.
The Accelerator will run from May through July.
Eligibility
Eligible business owners who meet the below criteria are invited to apply.
About you:
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're able to commit 2-3 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.
About your business:
Independently owned brick-and-mortar local businesses (franchises are not eligible).
Maximum of 3 locations.
Operating within:
-Findlay, OH;
-Hancock County, OH; or
-Kansas City, MOOwner must be the primary operator and live in:
-Findlay, OH;
-Hancock County, OH; or
-Kansas City, MOAnnual revenue under $3 Million.
Less than 50 employees across all locations.
Current DoorDash merchant or interested in joining the platform.
Have an active business bank account in the owner’s name.
Benefits
Accelerator participants will receive:
Access to educational workshops on DoorDash platform best practices, marketing spend optimization, and in-store operations improvement.
Small business workshops in Findlay, OH, and Kansas City, MO, covering access to capital, marketing strategies, and local financing programs.
$5,000 grant
$1,000 in ad credits on the DoorDash platform
1:1 mentorship
Hear from a 2024 Accelerator Graduate
Kristal Williams, co-owner of FishScale Restaurant in Washington, D.C., shares how graduating from the 2024 Accelerator program helped her business grow—expanding her network, strengthening social capital, and building a supportive community.
Thank You to Our Partners!
Frequently Asked Questions
Applications will be accepted from March 31, 2025, until 11:59 PM ET on April 21, 2025.
All applicants will be contacted the week of May 2, 2025.
Participants will receive a $5,000 grant halfway through 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.