DoorDash Launches Local Restaurant Accelerator

DoorDash said today that it is opening applications for its Accelerator for Local Restaurants. Foodservice operators located in the Washington, D.C. and Minneapolis areas are encouraged to apply.

The grocery delivery platform is looking for food trucks, food stalls, and community kitchen-based businesses in addition to traditional restaurants operating out of brick-and-mortar locations.

Participating businesses will experience tailored programming hosted by program partner Bridge for Billions and local partners including Hospitality Minnesota, Pimento Relief Services, the Greater Washington Urban League, and DMV Black Restaurant Week.

Through the program, DoorDash endeavors to help 40 business owners create new and reliable revenue streams and facilitate a deeper connection with the community in which they operate.

"Participating in DoorDash's 2023 Accelerator for Local Restaurants helped us grow our business by paying some of the debt we carry and allowing us to experiment with different revenue streams, such as bottling some of our sauces for sale,” said Henry Mates of the restaurant Caridad in New York City, in a statement. “The grants and lessons we learned during our time in the cohort have helped strengthen our business and have made us less dependent on food as our primary source of income.”

Applicants must plan to introduce a new line of revenue to their business, have been in business for more than two years with three locations or less, and employ fewer than 50 people per location. Applications are open until May 1 and the program will include a combination of in-person and online learning opportunities and a $5,000 grant.