DoorDash Opens NJ Applications for Restaurant Accelerator Program

On Apr 25, 2023

DoorDash has announced a call for applications for the New Jersey cohort of the Accelerator for Local Restaurants to help increase access to opportunity for small businesses, including those owned by women, immigrants, and people of color.

In partnership with Accion Opportunity Fund and the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, DoorDash’s Accelerator for Local Restaurants is coming to the greater New Jersey area to provide $10,000 grants, an intensive eight-week training and education curriculum, one-on-one customized business advising, marketing benefits, and more to eligible restaurant owners. This year, DoorDash is also partnering with DeliverZero to provide free environmentally friendly, reusable packaging to all participating restaurants – the equivalent of up to six months of free packaging for each business – as they transition their businesses to a more sustainable future.

DoorDash has already provided this opportunity to more than 150 restaurant owners located in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, and Portland. The Accelerator for Local Restaurants, created in partnership with Accion Opportunity Fund, is a key part of DoorDash’s broader commitment to support local businesses, especially those owned by women, immigrants, and people of color. This year, in addition to New Jersey, the Accelerator for Local Restaurants will also be open to restaurant owners in the greater New York metro area.

“We’re thrilled to announce that DoorDash’s Accelerator for Local Restaurants is coming to New York and New Jersey. We’re also proud that our newest partner, DeliverZero, will provide our cohort winners with free, reusable, and environmentally friendly packaging as they move their business toward a greener path,” said Esther Ladipo, Associate Manager, Social Impact at DoorDash. “DoorDash’s mission is to empower local economies, and we look forward to the opportunity to support businesses navigating a challenging economic environment as they transition to a more sustainable future.”

“We are excited to partner with DoorDash and the Accion Opportunity Fund to bring their Accelerator for Local Restaurants and its much-needed resources to restaurateurs in Northern New Jersey,” said Carlos Medina, President & CEO, Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey. “As an organization committed to empowering Hispanic-owned businesses and promoting economic growth in our communities, we recognize the importance of supporting small business owners, especially those who come from underrepresented backgrounds. This program will provide access to critical funding, sustainable packaging, and other educational resources that will help local restaurants thrive in today’s challenging business environment.”

“Small businesses and restaurants are essential to our local communities, but many of the entrepreneurs who operate these community anchors lack access to the capital and resources necessary to scale and grow their businesses,” said Meredith Medlin Dooley, senior director of Business Education Programs at Accion Opportunity Fund. “The Accelerator for Local Restaurants program has proven to be an effective way to provide business education and support to entrepreneurs who are people of color, women, and those with low-to-moderate income. We are thrilled to expand our partnership with DoorDash to bring this critical resource to small business owners in Northern New Jersey as we work towards creating a more inclusive and sustainable business ecosystem for all.”

DoorDash is seeking applications from local restaurant owners in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, or Union counties who operate three or fewer restaurant locations. Restaurants are required to have been operating for two or more years and employ 50 or fewer people across all locations.

Applications are open from April 20, 2023 – May 12, 2023. Apply HERE.

The eight-week long program will begin June 3 through a combination of in-person and online learning opportunities.

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