DoorDash Accelerator Grants Available For Small Chicago Restaurants
Applications close in just one week, on Tuesday, March 2, for small Chicago restaurants to apply to DoorDash and Accion Opportunity Fund’s accelerator program. The application should take 30-45 minutes to complete and is easiest to complete on a desktop computer.
The entire restaurant industry has experienced the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic, but BIPOC-owned businesses are at the greatest risk of permanent closure and economic setback. These businesses and the people behind them are vital to the culture, spirit, and economic health of local communities, and the Main Street Strong Accelerator will provide the capital, support, and marketing you need to grow.
Each of the 100 participating businesses will have access to:
8-week curriculum designed to stabilize and adapt your business for long-term success
1:1 financial, legal, and other support from industry experts
$20,000 in grants to keep your restaurant open
Free merchandising and marketing benefits from DoorDash
In its inaugural year, the Accelerator aims to address the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic, which have disproportionately impacted businesses that are women, immigrant, or BIPOC-owned. The program is open to all restaurant owners and operators who:
Are operating three or fewer restaurant locations
Have been operating for 2 or more years
Have 50 employees or fewer across all locations
Are located in NYC, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia or Atlanta
Are able to commit five hours per week to the program from April 5th-May 28th
Note: Participants do not need to be DoorDash or Caviar partners to participate in the program.