DoorDash Accelerator opens applications to local businesses through KCMO partnership

Independently-owned brick-and-mortar businesses — think restaurants, flower shops, mom-and-pop supermarkets, and more across Kansas City — that partner with DoorDash for deliveries can now apply to join a new-to-KC entrepreneur-focused accelerator, Quinton Lucas announced Wednesday.

Mayor Quinton Lucas introduces KCMO’s new Back to Business Fund during a September 2024 press conference outside City Barrel Pizza + Patio in Waldo; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

Up to 10 local businesses are expected to be selected to receive mentorship, professional programming, and funding through the accelerator. The 12-week program is set to run from early May through July this summer, as ventures throughout the city continue preparations for the FIFA World Cup in 2026.

“We are thrilled that DoorDash has chosen our city to participate in its Accelerator for Local Businesses,” said Lucas, mayor of Kansas City, Missouri. “As one of the most significant economic hubs in the entire country, Kansas City is the home of opportunity and innovation in the Midwest. I can’t wait to work with DoorDash and our local business community to ensure that we remain a destination for entrepreneurship for years to come.”

Click here to apply for the accelerator. Applications are open now through April 21.

Once selected, entrepreneurs in the cohort are expected to receive:

• One-on-one mentorship from experienced peer merchants on the DoorDash platform; 
• Tailored in-person and virtual programming on optimizing menus, operations, and their DoorDash storefront and accessing county-wide small business resources, including financing options, certification programs, government contracting opportunities, and local business support services;
• A $5,000 grant; and
• $1,000 in DoorDash advertising credits.

To be eligible, applicants must be independently owned brick-and-mortar local businesses on the DoorDash platform with a maximum of three locations and annual revenue under $3 million. Owners must be the primary operators, living and operating out of Kansas City, Missouri. 

“DoorDash is proud to add its Accelerator for Local Businesses to the city that is hosting the upcoming FIFA World Cup next year during a time where local businesses will be front-and-center,” said Mike Pomerantz, head of Midwest public engagement for DoorDash. “We are thrilled to work alongside Mayor Lucas in providing participants the knowledge and resources needed to grow stronger, more resilient businesses.”

Since launching the accelerator program in 2021, more than 200 small businesses and 1,000 entrepreneurs have participated in local accelerator cohorts across the country, including in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Portland, New Jersey, New York City, Washington DC, and Minneapolis.