Ten local shops are getting a boost to help them gear up for next year’s World Cup and beyond through DoorDash’s first Midwest restaurant accelerator program.
DoorDash chose Kansas City as the Midwest launchpad for its accelerator for local restaurants, providing ten selected entrepreneurs with mentorship, training and $6,000 in financial support through July.
Mayor Quinton Lucas joined DoorDash representatives and business owners at City Hall for Monday’s kickoff event.
“When our small businesses succeed, Kansas City succeeds,” said Mayor Lucas.
The program arrives as the city’s 50,000 small businesses prepare for economic opportunities, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup events.
“Small businesses are the heart of Kansas City, and the Accelerator for Local Businesses will help these incredible entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level,” said Esther Ladipo Hill, Social Impact Manager at DoorDash.
From more than 70 applicants, DoorDash selected ten businesses representing Kansas City’s diverse entrepreneurial landscape. Each receives a $5,000 grant, 12 weeks of business education, and personalized mentorship.
Each participant in the accelerator recieves:
- One-on-one mentorship from experienced peers on the DoorDash platform.
- Tailored programming on optimizing menus, operations, and their DoorDash storefront and help accessing small business resources, including financing options, certification programs, government contracting opportunities, and local business support services.
- A $5,000 grant.
- $1,000 in DoorDash advertising credits.
For Tanyech Yarbrough, owner of Wah Gwan, a Jamaican and Liberian restaurant on Troost approaching its five-year anniversary, the opportunity means growth.
“We are using food as a way to really educate and share culture,” Yarbrough said to Startland. “I’m always like a sponge, the more that you’re open about your business, people are willing to give you information, and I’m just taking it all in.”
The businesses selected for the 2025 accelerator program:
- Ruby Jean’s Juicery
- Fifth & Emery Frozen Yogurt & Chocolate
- Gomers Wine and Spirits
- Jovitos Italian Cafe & Deli
- Mixing Bowl On The Go
- PH Coffee LLC
- SAUCED
- Shop Local KC
- Wah Gwan
- Zero Zero Handmade Pasta
Local partners including Pathway Financial Education, CrossFirst Bank, and Soda Pop Graphics will provide specialized training in financial management and marketing strategies.
Each participating business receives a $5,000 grant plus $1,000 in DoorDash advertising credits alongside one-on-one mentorship from experienced merchants already on the platform.
The accelerator represents DoorDash’s largest program update yet for supporting local entrepreneurs as Kansas City prepares for increased tourism and economic activity.
