DoorDash Launches “Unlocking Main Street”: A National Agenda to Empower Small Business

Unnecessary regulations and long wait times are costing our small businesses billions. Adam Moon owns Lazy Daisy Café in Beverly Hills. His dream of running a small business in his hometown of LA hasn't been without setbacks, but the one he least expected has been the one that haunts him the most. Not the hiring, marketing, or working with suppliers. It was the permits.

The process wasn't just slow. It was unpredictable. "It can take five different people to sign off on something," Adam explains, "and someone is always pointing out a new issue that wasn't raised earlier."

Something has to change.

That's why today, DoorDash is launching Unlocking Main Street, a national policy campaign to make it easier for small businesses to open, operate and grow. Our policy blueprint includes specific, proven policies like "First Year Free" that waive fees for new businesses and shot-clock permitting that pushes governments to act in days instead of months. We estimate these reforms could unlock as much as $10 billion in savings through fee and fine reductions for small businesses and increased sales for restaurants by reducing permit delays.

"In too many places, we've made it too hard to open and run a small business," said Max Rettig, DoorDash Global Head of Public Policy. "Every extra permit, every delay is a hidden tax on Main Street that ultimately consumers pay for. That has to change. We need common sense policies that make it easier for small businesses to open, hire, and grow. Policymakers are pushing for reform, and we're here to back them with resources, data, and the stories of real entrepreneurs who live this every day."

"Good governance is all about making life easier for people. At the city level, we can do that by working with our local business owners to streamline permit approvals and enact smart policies that help our local businesses thrive, create jobs and power our neighborhoods," said Mayor Danny Avula, City of Richmond, VA. "We're proud to work alongside DoorDash to provide resources, training and thoughtful policy solutions to make sure small businesses in our community can thrive."

"At the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, we believe "Unlocking Main Street" means unleashing the full potential of America's small businesses, including Hispanic-owned enterprises driving growth in every corner of our economy. Through our strong partnership with DoorDash and its commitment to powering small businesses, this agenda will come to life through training, nationwide policy campaigns, and data-driven advocacy," said Ramiro A. Cavazos, President and CEO, US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. "This is how we create real economic mobility: by meeting entrepreneurs where they are, investing in their success, and ensuring they have the tools to compete and thrive. When we unlock Main Street, we don't just support small businesses, we strengthen a more dynamic, resilient American economy."

Here's What We're Doing

• Releasing a new policy framework with reforms that work. Our Unlocking Main Street Blueprint is a set of principles and proven policies that would make it easier to open and run a business including shot-clock permitting that pushes governments to say yes or no in days, "First Year Free" programs that waive fees for small businesses when cash is tightest, and streamlined renewals that kill unnecessary paperwork.

• Campaigning for reform in 50+ cities and states. We will work alongside mayors, state legislators and advocacy groups to push for changes that make it easier for small businesses to open, operate and grow. We will bring merchant voices, original data, and on-the-ground resources to support good policies.

• Launching Local Business Workshops in 10 cities. We're bringing our Local Business Workshops to San Jose, Tempe, Denver, Washington County, OR, Richmond, Memphis, Milwaukee, Portland, ME, Hartford, and Hoboken - reaching more than 200 entrepreneurs with hands-on training, guidance on using cutting edge AI tools, and direct connections to local resources.

• Mobilizing small businesses to speak for themselves. Through DashRoots, our grassroots advocacy network, we're helping merchants organize, share their stories, and advocate directly for changes.