DoorDash launches restaurant accelerator grant program in Denver metro

DENVER – DoorDash just lately introduced a name for functions for the Denver metro cohort of the Accelerator for Native Eating places to assist degree the taking part in subject for entrepreneurs and enhance entry to alternative for small companies owned by girls, immigrants and folks of colour.

This system is being launched in partnership with the Hispanic Restaurant Affiliation and Accion Alternative Fund.

“Throughout the pandemic, Hispanic and minority-owned companies have been probably the most affected, and so they’re those that didn’t search assist. So, this fund truly helps give these companies a chance to have entry to funds and likewise training,” Hispanic Restaurant Affiliation founder Selene Nestor mentioned.

In line with DoorDash, the Accelerator for Native Eating places is designed to assist stabilize, adapt, and develop larger Denver space eating places by offering a $20,000 grant and an 8-week intensive curriculum that options native consultants, one-on-one enterprise advising and the chance to attach with different native restaurant house owners. The curriculum covers subjects akin to advertising and marketing, entry to capital, managing money stream and menu creation, and extra.

“Getting access to sources is necessary. There’s a number of sources on the market, however individuals do not actually find out about them. So spreading the phrase about all of the sources that there are, like this program with DoorDash, can be necessary,” Nestor mentioned.

Andrea Martinez, co-owner of La Rola Colombian Kitchen in Littleton, has been chosen as a program participant.

“In 2017, we began with a meals truck, then we jumped to a meals stall. We went to a cloud kitchen for a short time. Now our first brick and mortar is right here in Littleton,” Martinez mentioned. “We had a number of challenges. As Latinos, we do not need to ask for assist. We need to attempt to get assist from household, pals, or have one other job to cowl the bills for the enterprise. So we maintain quiet.”

Martinez mentioned her restaurant has offered meals to prospects utilizing DoorDash for some time, and he or she’s enthusiastic about this new partnership and the monetary help.

“We’re so completely satisfied as a result of we’d like funds to open our new place. It is so laborious to seek out, like, loans or assist from the banks. So that is superb for our enterprise,” Martinez mentioned.

Purposes will probably be accepted by September 9, 2022.

In line with DoorDash, the 8-week lengthy program will start October 11, 2022, by a mix of in-person and on-line studying alternatives.