We believe that when local businesses thrive, entire communities flourish. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our partnership with DoorDash on an exciting new initiative: the Accelerator for Local Businesses!

Through this 12-week program, 10 selected entrepreneurs in Kansas City will receive a $5,000 grant, $1,000 in DoorDash ad credits, 1:1 mentorship, and access to powerful educational workshops — all designed to strengthen their businesses and set them up for long-term success.

About the Accelerator

The DoorDash Accelerator for Local Businesses was developed in collaboration with the Kansas City Mayor’s Office to provide immediate support to small, independently owned brick-and-mortar businesses, while building lasting connections to local city resources.

Building on the success of the DoorDash Accelerator for Local Restaurants and Accelerator for Local Goods initiatives, DoorDash expanded the Accelerator to include not just restaurants and food trucks, but also local flower shops, mom-and-pop supermarkets, and other small businesses for the first time, welcoming an even broader range of entrepreneurs into the opportunity.

“We are thrilled that DoorDash has chosen our city to participate in its Accelerator for Local Businesses,” said Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas. “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.”

Over the course of the program, participants will engage in a series of workshops that focus on key areas such as:

  • Financial education and business planning fundamentals

  • Marketing strategies to help businesses expand their reach

  • Operational best practices to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction

  • Access to capital through programs like Kiva KC and traditional lending

Additionally, participants will receive personalized mentorship to help them navigate their unique business challenges and growth opportunities.

“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. We are thrilled to work alongside Mayor Lucas in providing participants the knowledge and resources needed to grow stronger, more resilient businesses,” said Mike Pomerantz, DoorDash’s Head of Midwest Public Engagement.

Pathway’s Role

As a host site for the program’s in-person workshops, our classroom will serve as a welcoming space where small business owners can come together to learn, connect, and grow. But our role goes beyond simply providing a location.

Throughout the Accelerator, Pathway’s team of volunteers will lead key educational workshops on topics fundamental to long-term business success — including business plan development, accounting and bookkeeping basics, contract negotiation, and financial best practices. These sessions will provide participants with critical knowledge and tools to build businesses that are sustainable, resilient, and positioned for growth.

In addition to leading workshops, Pathway can offer ongoing support to participants, helping them connect with local resources, financial programs, and additional learning opportunities even beyond the Accelerator. We view this program not just as a 12-week initiative, but as the beginning of a long-term relationship with Kansas City’s entrepreneurial community.

“Small businesses are such an important part of what makes Kansas City special,” said LaTasha Jacobs, Executive Director of Pathway Financial Education. “At Pathway, we’ve seen firsthand how the right support, whether it’s financial education, mentorship, or just someone in your corner, can change the entire future of a business. We’re excited to be part of a program that invests in local entrepreneurs and helps create real opportunities for them to grow and succeed.”

By providing a foundation of financial literacy, mentorship, and real-world skills, Pathway is proud to stand alongside DoorDash and the City of Kansas City in investing in the future of our local businesses and the future of our city itself.

Why It Matters

Small businesses are the backbone of our communities. Through the DoorDash Accelerator for Local Businesses, we’re making real investments in entrepreneurs’ success by:

  • Connecting local business owners with city resources that help them grow

  • Strengthening relationships between local entrepreneurs and the city

  • Supporting new opportunities for economic growth across our neighborhoods

  • Showcasing the power of public and private partnerships working together

  • Building lasting connections that will keep Kansas City’s small business community strong for years to come

Pathway Financial Education is proud to play a part in helping Kansas City’s small businesses — and our community — move forward together.

Looking Ahead

Although applications for this cohort are now closed, we are excited to follow the journeys of these entrepreneurs over the coming months. We can’t wait to celebrate their successes and share the impact of this important program with the broader Kansas City community.

Our partnership with DoorDash is just one example of how we support small businesses. Discover other ways Pathway Financial Education empowers entrepreneurs.