Meet the Newest Recipients of the Local Business Disaster Relief Fund
Earlier this year, DoorDash broadened the scope of its Local Business Disaster Relief Fund, extending support to an even wider range of small businesses affected by natural disasters. What began as an initiative primarily focused on restaurants now includes florists, convenience stores, pet supply shops, liquor stores, and other community-based retailers that play an essential role in local economies. Today, DoorDash is highlighting the experiences and perspectives of several recent grant recipients, sharing how this critical funding is helping them rebuild, recover, and move toward long-term stability.
Natural disasters can disrupt operations in an instant, but the consequences often linger for weeks, months, or even years. Small business owners face an array of unexpected financial burdens after a disaster — costs that can jeopardize their ability to remain open. Whether it’s repairing structural damage, replacing lost equipment, restocking shelves, or covering payroll during downtime, the path to recovery is rarely straightforward. DoorDash’s Local Business Disaster Relief Fund is designed specifically to fill these urgent gaps, providing flexible grants that help business owners get back on their feet more quickly.
Feedback from past recipients underscores the significance of this type of support. According to DoorDash’s survey data, 95% of businesses that received grants said the funding played a critical role in helping them stay afloat during disaster recovery. More than half — 58% — reported that their revenue had returned to or even surpassed pre-disaster levels after receiving assistance. These statistics reflect the real-world impact of disaster relief funding: it can be the difference between rebuilding and permanently closing doors.
“Disasters leave a lasting impact on small businesses, their employees, and the communities they serve,” said Sueli Shaw, Head of Social Impact at DoorDash. “The path to recovery can be daunting, and our priority is to make sure local businesses have the resources and support they need to move forward. These grants are one way we help business owners regain stability and know they aren’t alone.” Her remarks reflect DoorDash’s broader social impact vision — one that centers on empowering local entrepreneurs and ensuring that essential community spaces remain resilient.
In recent months, devastating events such as Hurricane Helene and the Los Angeles wildfires forced many small business owners to confront significant setbacks. Some experienced catastrophic damage to their properties, while others lost critical equipment or were unable to operate for extended periods. For many, rebuilding has required not only financial resources but emotional resilience and the support of their communities.
DoorDash’s Local Business Disaster Relief Fund aims to ease that burden, and the stories from recent grantees illustrate the meaningful difference this support can make:
For Christy Ouei, owner of MuleKick in Magnolia, Arkansas, the grant represents a tangible sign of hope. “This grant gives us the chance to keep serving our town the way we love to — through great pizza, hard work, and hospitality that feels like home,” she said. Their restaurant suffered major equipment damage, and replacing the oven was essential to resuming normal operations. “Replacing our oven isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a promise that MuleKick will stay strong for the community that’s always shown up for us.” For Christy and her team, the funding ensures that their connection to the community remains intact during a challenging time.
In Pasadena, California, Clifford Douglas Jr., owner of So Smoothie, described the grant as both a financial boost and an affirming gesture. “Receiving this grant is a true blessing. It reminds me that the heart and purpose behind So Smoothie are seen,” he said. The funds will allow the business to invest in upgraded equipment, restore inventory levels, reinforce branding, and increase outreach efforts. “This support helps us grow our impact — one smoothie at a time.” For Clifford, the assistance fuels not just operational recovery but renewed motivation to continue serving his customers with fresh, healthy offerings.
Small businesses that operate with limited staff and tight margins often struggle disproportionately after a disaster. For Sonya Rogoobeer, owner of Sweet & Salty Island Grindz in Sanford, Florida, the grant provided much-needed breathing room. “As a small Ohana and veteran-owned business, every bit of help truly makes a difference,” she shared. “This grant gives us breathing room to keep serving our community, supporting our staff, and rebuilding stronger after a difficult season.” The funding helps bridge the gap while the business works to restabilize operations and reconnect with the local families who rely on their island-inspired menu.
In Richmond, Kentucky, Smitty’s Southern Style BBQ is a community mainstay. Owner Jeffery Robinson emphasized that the grant is about much more than simply recovering from damage. “This opportunity is about more than just growing a business — it’s about strengthening our roots in Richmond, KY,” he said. With the additional funding, the restaurant plans to enhance its operations, create additional jobs, and continue serving the homemade BBQ that has become a signature of the community. “With these funds, we’ll be able to elevate our family-owned restaurant, create more local jobs, and keep serving up the authentic, homemade BBQ our community knows and loves.”
Other small business owners are facing the compounded pressures of rising operational costs alongside disaster recovery. In San Antonio, Texas, Joseph Valenzuela, owner of The Hoppy Monk, described the current environment as the most challenging period in his 15 years of operating in the restaurant industry. “There are many challenges from significantly increased labor costs and food costs to inflated insurance costs,” he said. “This grant helps alleviate some of the immense pressure and keep us operating in our community.” For Joseph, the funding not only supports disaster-related needs but also helps mitigate broader economic strains that threaten independent restaurants across the country.
Since launching the Local Business Disaster Relief Fund in 2021, DoorDash — in partnership with Hello Alice — has awarded more than $2.5 million in grants to over 250 local businesses nationwide. The program operates on a needs-based model, meaning that grants are allocated to businesses that have sustained demonstrable disaster-related damage and require financial assistance to recover. Eligible small businesses in affected communities are encouraged to apply for support, ensuring that relief reaches those who need it most.
As natural disasters become increasingly frequent and severe, programs like DoorDash’s Local Business Disaster Relief Fund are playing a critical role in strengthening community resilience. By supporting neighborhood businesses — from restaurants and retailers to pet shops and convenience stores — the program helps preserve the essential fabric of towns and cities across the United States. For the business owners who have received support, the grants represent not just financial assistance, but a reaffirmation of their value to their communities and a reminder that, even in times of crisis, they are not rebuilding alone.
SourceLink:https://about.doordash.com/
