Businesses offered DoorDash help

FINDLAY — The city of Findlay and Hancock County are working with DoorDash to support local businesses. 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 Accelerator offers mentorship, professional programming, and funding to grow stronger businesses. It will run from early May through July 2025. Local businesses interested in participating can apply at https://doordash.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3qK2CiNK03rUd2S through April 21, 2025. As part of the Accelerator, up to 10 local business owners in Findlay and Hancock County will receive mentoring from experienced peer merchants on the DoorDash platform in: • How businesses can showcase their products on DoorDash, like adding appealing photos, writing clear descriptions and highlighting popular items; • The practical side of fulfilling orders, like setting accurate preparation times, managing busy periods efficiently, and ensuring smooth handoffs to dashers. • Developing their DoorDash "storefront" — a business's profile page on the DoorDash app — what customers see when they search for or click on a restaurant or shop; Participating businesses also will be able to access county-wide small business resources, including financing options, certification programs, government contracting opportunities, and local business support services. Participants also will receive a $5,000 grant; and $1,000 in DoorDash advertising credits. "As one of the best places in the country for entrepreneurship, I'm proud — and not surprised — that DoorDash chose our city to play such an important role in their 2025 Accelerator for Local Businesses," said Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn. "Hancock County is a growing region that consistently ranks among the best places in America to do business. This partnership with DoorDash will continue to strengthen our small businesses and connected entrepreneurs directly to City Hall so that they can more easily navigate all the support our city has to offer. "As the top micropolitan for 11 consecutive years, and an established national leader in small business growth, we're honored that Mayor Muryn and the City of Findlay are partnering with us as part of the Accelerator for Local Businesses. Participating businesses will learn how to unlock city resources to ensure Hancock County businesses have the resources to grow and deliver what local residents need," said Mike Pomerantz, DoorDash's head of Midwest Public Engagement. 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 Findlay and Hancock County. Since launching the Accelerator program in 2021, more than 200 small businesses and 1,000 entrepreneurs have participated in online and hybrid Accelerator programs across the country, including in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Portland, New Jersey, New York City, Washington D.C. and Minneapolis.