10 Local Entrepreneurs Graduate from DoorDash Accelerator in Kansas City

This summer, Pathway Financial Education had the opportunity to support entrepreneurs through the DoorDash Accelerator for Local Businesses, a 12-week program designed to equip small business owners with practical tools, mentorship, and funding to strengthen and grow their operations. Pathway Financial Education was proud to serve as a program partner, host site, and educational leader throughout the journey.

The Accelerator officially wrapped up this July with a cohort of 10 incredible Kansas City small business owners. Now, we’re reflecting on the impact of the program and what it meant for our local business community.

About the Program

Developed in partnership with the Kansas City Mayor’s Office, KC BizCare, and local support organizations like Pathway, the Accelerator provided entrepreneurs with $5,000 grants, $1,000 in DoorDash ad credits, one-on-one mentorship, and hands-on learning workshops focused on marketing, financial planning, and business operations. In total, $50,000 in grant funding was distributed to local business owners to help them grow and scale.

From digital storefronts to long-term sustainability planning, every element of the program was designed to help participants build stronger, more resilient businesses.

“When small businesses thrive, communities thrive,” said Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas.

What the Program Offered

Throughout the 12-week program, participants took part in workshops covering key areas like financial literacy, operations, marketing, advertising, and access to capital. All in-person workshops were hosted at Pathway Financial Education, creating a dedicated space for entrepreneurs to learn, connect, and grow alongside one another. Sessions were led by both local experts and DoorDash team members, offering practical insights that business owners could apply right away.

“It’s been an honor to bring the Accelerator to Kansas City this year,” said Esther Ladipo Hill, Social Impact Manager at DoorDash. “We’re grateful to Pathway Financial Education for kicking things off with a strong foundation, to KC BizCare, and Mayor Quinton Lucas and the City of Kansas City for championing small businesses throughout the program. This Accelerator is about investing in small businesses that power our communities. It’s been so encouraging to hear how the DoorDash webinars and in-person workshops have helped merchants tackle real challenges in their businesses. Thank you to all the local experts who shared their insights and made this programming possible. We’re excited to see what’s next for this incredible group of entrepreneurs.”

Pathway’s Role and Continued Support

As the first organization to lead a workshop in the series, Pathway helped set the tone for the program through a deep-dive into the financial side of business ownership, something that often feels overwhelming for entrepreneurs but is critical to long-term success.

Our financial workshop helped break down key concepts into approachable, real-world topics,  like how to understand cash flow, set up systems for tracking income and expenses, and prepare for loans or future growth.

Even though the cohort has wrapped, Pathway’s support doesn’t end there. Through our year-round financial education programs, one-on-one coaching, and our Pro Bono Small Business Clinic, we’ll continue to be a resource for these entrepreneurs and others like them.

Why It Matters

Running a business isn’t easy, especially in a constantly changing economy. Programs like this don’t solve every challenge, but they can offer small business owners a clearer path forward, along with a community of people willing to support them.

“When I think of the Accelerator for Local Businesses, I think of one word: opportunity,” said Katie Mabry van Dieren, owner of Shop Local KC. “It was an opportunity to learn, an opportunity to meet like minds, and an opportunity to further grow Shop Local KC.

Meet the 2025 Accelerator Cohort

The inaugural Kansas City cohort included a wide range of local businesses, each bringing their own story, culture, and community impact to the program:

• 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

• Zero Zero Handmade Pasta

Several of these businesses saw direct results, including increased customer traffic, stronger marketing campaigns, and even early plans for expansion.

“A lot of it was new customers. Now, those new customers have become return customers. People have also used reviews to say – I want to go into that restaurant,” shared Tanyech Yarbrough, co-owner of Wah Gwan.

Yarborough said in the 12 weeks she’s used the program, her delivery business has more than tripled.

Wah Gwan wasn’t alone. Across the board, participants gained new tools and strategies that are already making a real impact, from increased visibility and revenue to renewed confidence and clarity.

What’s Next

Kansas City continues to invest in its small business community, and Pathway is proud to be part of that momentum. We’re grateful to DoorDash, the Mayor’s Office, and our fellow partners for making this Accelerator possible. Seeing the growth of these ten businesses has only reinforced why we do what we do and we’re excited to keep showing up for the people building the future of our city.