Providence Restaurants Take Part in Accelerator for Local Businesses Program
10 Greater Providence Entrepreneurs Join DoorDash Accelerator For Local Businesses Program
In partnership with RI Hospitality Association, the program will equip local entrepreneurs with training and resources to strengthen and expand their businesses
Small businesses are the backbone of Rhode Island’s economy, powering Main Streets, creating jobs, and serving as vital cultural and culinary hubs. But rising costs coupled with the need to attract new customers and recruit and retain staff continue to strain these hard-working entrepreneurs. To help address these challenges, DoorDash’s Accelerator for Local Businesses program will support 10 Greater Providence area small businesses this fall, providing them with the tools, mentorship, and resources needed to grow and thrive.In partnership with RI Hospitality Association, the program will equip local entrepreneurs with training and resources to strengthen and expand their businesses
The Greater Providence cohort includes:
- Casa Azul Taqueria
- D’s Spot
- Lobanton – Asian Fusion Street Food & Market
- Providence Poke
- Souvlaki Zone
- Stack House
- Sunnyside
- SURA Korean BBQ
- Tavern 12
- The Galley
This initiative, in partnership with the Rhode Island Hospitality Association, is part of a broader effort assisting 36 entrepreneurs from across Greater Providence, RI, San Francisco, CA, and Scranton, PA. Through a mix of in-person and virtual training, participating business owners will have access to significant professional development, essential resources, and support such as:
- One-on-one mentorship from experienced peer merchants on the DoorDash platform;
- Tailored in-person and virtual programming on optimizing menus, operations, and their DoorDash storefront and accessing county-wide small business resources, including financing options, certification programs, government contracting opportunities, and local business support services;
- $5,000 in DoorDash marketing credits with technical training to drive impactful, far-reaching DoorDash promotional campaigns
“At DoorDash, we believe that strong local economies start with strong local businesses,” said Esther Ladipo, Social Impact Manager at DoorDash. “We’re excited to work alongside Providence entrepreneurs and community partners to support the businesses that fuel the city’s growth."
“Small businesses drive our local economy and bring our neighbors together,” said Mayor Brett P. Smiley. “DoorDash’s Accelerator program will equip entrepreneurs with the tools they need to grow while connecting them with local partners like the Rhode Island Hospitality Association to help keep our Main Streets thriving. We’re grateful for this support of Providence’s small business community.”
Since its launch in 2021, more than 1,000 entrepreneurs nationwide have graduated from the Accelerator program, which is widely recognized for contributing to stronger local economies and expanding access to opportunity for small business owners.
To learn more about the program visit: DoorDash Accelerator for Local Businesses
