Meet the Kansas City entrepreneurs picked for DoorDash’s first Midwest accelerator

DoorDash delivers $50K bag to 10 KC small biz leaders hungry to learn

DoorDash is dropping support on Kansas City’s doorstep through a new cohort of 10 small businesses selected for the company’s local restaurant accelerator, marking the first time the nationwide initiative has landed in the Midwest — with KC chosen as its launchpad.

Esther Ladipo Hill, DoorDash, introduces the company’s accelerator program during a launch event at City Hall; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

“This is a program that is years and years in my heart,” said Esther Ladipo Hill, social impact and community engagement leader for DoorDash, during a launch event for the Accelerator for Local Restaurants program Monday at City Hall. “It started at DoorDash four years ago, as a program to support restaurants recover during COVID.”

Since its inception, the accelerator has grown beyond recovery efforts. Each participating business now receives a $5,000 grant, 12 weeks of business education, and personalized mentorship to help them scale.

Kansas City businesses selected for the first cohort include: Fifth & Emery Frozen Yogurt & Chocolate, Gomers Wine and Spirits, Jovitos Italian Cafe & Deli, Mixing Bowl On The Go, PH Coffee LLC, Ruby Jean’s Juicery, SAUCED, Shop Local KC, Wah Gwan, and Zero Zero Handmade Pasta. 

Tanyech Yarbrough, owner of Wah Gwan, discusses the impact of DoorDash’s new accelerator program for Kansas City small businesses; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

For Tanyech Yarbrough, owner of Wah Gwan, a Jamaican and Liberian restaurant located on Troost Avenue and approaching its five-year anniversary, the program represents an opportunity to level up and expand her cultural mission.

“We are using food as a way to really educate and share culture and we’ve been open now for four and a half years,” Yarbrough shared. “I’m always like a sponge, the more that you’re open about your business, people are willing to give you information, and I’m just taking it all in.”

Eric Rosell, owner of PH Coffee, echoed the sentiment.

“I’ve learned the hard way, as many of us have, what not to do,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to getting mentored, learning the things of what to do, and how to create a stronger community.”

Kansas City as a model market

With more than 70 applicants vying for a spot, tapping Kansas City reflects DoorDash’s confidence in the city’s entrepreneurial energy, officials said Monday.

Mayor Quinton Lucas speaks during a launch event for DoorDash’s Kansas City Accelerator for Local Restaurants program; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

Mayor Quinton Lucas joined Hill and other partners at the launch event, highlighting how well the program fits within Kansas City’s broader strategy to support small businesses.

“DoorDash was like manna from the heavens,” Lucas said. “Y’all called and said, ‘Look, we have this great program. We have this way that we can link talented entrepreneurs that you’ve been doing in other cities.’ And we said, ‘We have a lot of that right here in Kansas City.’”

Lucas also credited the city’s KC BizCare Office, led by Nia Webster, for its role in helping entrepreneurs navigate the path to business ownership.

“There is not a better city in which to build a business,” he added. “No matter what community you’re in, no matter the challenges, we’re still going to be here and support you.”

Editor’s note: The KC BizCare Office is a partner of Startland News.

Regina Sosa, Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City; Mayor Quinton Lucas; Esther Ladipo Hill, DoorDash; Nia Webster and Janá Wagner, KC BizCare; pose together at launch event for DoorDash’s Kansas City Accelerator for Local Restaurants program; photo by Megan Strickland, KCMO

Building through collaboration

The accelerator is fueled by local partnerships, bringing in Kansas City-based organizations to support training, mentorship, and financial education.

Latasha Jacobs, executive director of Pathway Financial Education, located at 18th and Vine, details new resources available to members of the inaugural cohort for DoorDash’s Kansas City Accelerator for Local Restaurants; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

Kamia Kindle, founder of Soda Pop Graphics and a partner in the program, spoke about the importance of tailored marketing strategies for businesses.

“One thing that I’ve been sharing with a couple of our clients right now is that peer pressure and marketing is real,” Kindle said. “That’s not how it works in marketing. It’s what works for you.”

CrossFirst Bank is also lending its support. Theodis Watson, CrossFirst Bank’s Director of Community Development, emphasized the importance of financial literacy and relationship-building.

“It’s not rocket science, but it’s all about education,” Watson said. “Sometimes what big banks do is roll up our sleeves and get comfortable with you too. We are partners. We are a part of the ecosystem.”

Pathway Financial Education, located at 18th and Vine, plans to host in-person sessions and offer tools for budgeting, grant application guidance, and long-term financial planning.

“We are also very, very excited to help you apply these funds properly, to use it as leverage,” said Latasha Jacobs, executive director of Pathway. “Not looking for the next grant, but being able to leverage where you are today to grow your business to where you want it to be.”