DoorDash announced a call for applications from restaurants in New York and New Jersey to join its Accelerator for Local Restaurants program to level the playing field for minority entrepreneurs and improve the sustainability of local restaurants.
In partnership with Accion Opportunity Fund, Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, and The Five-Borough Chamber Alliance, the Accelerator for Local Restaurants will provide $10,000 grants, training and education, one-on-one customized business advising, marketing benefits, climate-friendly packaging, and more to eligible New York and New Jersey restaurant owners.
DoorDash also partnered with DeliverZero to provide reusable packaging to all selected restaurants—the equivalent of up to six months of free packaging for each business—as they transition their businesses to a more sustainable future.
“Packaging is a critical component of restaurant delivery and takeout, which is why we work to increase access to packaging solutions for merchants and consumers,” DoorDash said in a press release. “Reusable containers designed to be returned and reused, rather than thrown away after a single use, are better for business and the environment.”
Shifting to reusable packaging can help restaurants reduce operating expenses, improve the quality and experience of their food transport, and reduce packaging waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
According to DeliverZero, 86 percent of DeliverZero customers report ordering from restaurants they’ve never tried before because they offer DeliverZero’s reusable, returnable containers and restaurants save over 40 percent on packaging costs for every DeliverZero order.
The delivery provider added that it’s looking forward to creating a greener future with its next Accelerator cohorts and are seeking applications from local restaurant owners in New York City and in parts of New Jersey (Bergen, Essex, Hudson, or Union counties) who operate three or fewer restaurant locations. Restaurants are required to have been operating for two or more years and employ 50 or fewer people across all locations.
Applications are open until May 12, 2023. Apply HERE.
