Local businesses interested in participating in the DoorDash Accelerator for Local Businesses can apply through September 30
SCRANTON, PA. – Today, Mayor Paige Cognetti announced that Scranton will partner with DoorDash to support the local business community through its Accelerator for Local Businesses program. Independently owned brick-and-mortar businesses such as restaurants, local flower shops, mom-and-pop supermarkets or other local businesses, can apply to participate in the Accelerator for Local Businesses.
The DoorDash Accelerator for Local Businesses will run from October through November 2025. Local businesses interested in participating can APPLY HERE through September 30, 2025.
The Accelerator for Local Businesses will offer Scranton entrepreneurs with mentorship, professional programming, and funding to grow stronger businesses in the community.
As part of the Accelerator, local businesses owners in Scranton will enjoy:
- One-on-one mentorship from experiences peer merchants on the DoorDash platform;
- Tailored in-person and virtual programming 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.
“We look forward to working with DoorDash through its Accelerator for Local Business,” Mayor Paige G. Cognetti said. “This program will strengthen local businesses and help entrepreneurs better understand all that Scranton has to offer. By working with DoorDash and our local business community, we can remain a destination for entrepreneurship for years to come.”
“DoorDash is proud to include Scranton in our Accelerator for Local Businesses,” said Darrell Davis, DoorDash’s Head of East Public Engagement. “The Accelerator will give local entrepreneurs the tools they need to build stronger businesses both on and off the DoorDash platform, and we are thrilled to work alongside Mayor Cognetti in providing participants the knowledge and resources needed to grow resilient businesses.”
To be eligible, applicants must be independently owned brick-and-mortar local businesses on the DoorDash platform with a maximum of three locations and annual revenue under $3 million. Owners must be the primary operators, living and operating out of Scranton.
Since launching the Accelerator program in 2021, more than 200 small businesses and 1,000 entrepreneurs have participated in local Accelerator cohorts across the country, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Findlay, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Portland, New Jersey, New York City, Washington DC, and Minneapolis.
ABOUT THE CITY OF SCRANTON: Incorporated in 1866, the City of Scranton has a population of approximately 76,000 residents and is the sixth-largest municipality in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Scranton City Hall is located at 340 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, PA 18503. Residents requiring services should visit www.scrantonpa.gov
ABOUT MAYOR PAIGE G. COGNETTI: Paige G. Cognetti was sworn in as the 36th Mayor of Scranton in January 2020. Her administration is focused on driving economic growth, upgrading infrastructure, ensuring public safety, fostering government transparency and efficiency, and improving residents’ overall quality of life.
ABOUT DOORDASH: DoorDash is one of the world’s leading local commerce platforms that helps businesses of all kinds grow and innovate, connects consumers to the best of their neighborhoods, and gives people fast, flexible ways to earn. Since its founding in 2013, DoorDash has expanded to over 30 countries, using technology and logistics to shape the future of commerce. Through its Marketplace and its Commerce Platform, DoorDash is driving economic vitality in the regions it serves worldwide.
Last modified: September 16, 2025
