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    Greater Baltimore Urban League Opens Applications for Restaurant Accelerator Program

    BALTIMORE — The Greater Baltimore Urban League launched applications for its Restaurant Accelerator Program on August 3, 2026. The intensive business development initiative is designed to help established food and beverage entrepreneurs strengthen their operations and prepare for growth.

    Restaurant Accelerator Program participant, Chef Kayla Campbell, founder of Eat With Kay, showcase freshly prepared dishes as part of the program’s tasting event.

    The program is open to caterers, food truck owners, brick-and-mortar restaurants, ghost kitchen chefs and beverage entrepreneurs that have been in business for at least two years.

    Participants will take part in a series of in-person sessions covering key areas such as business operations, customer service, finance, real estate, restaurant management and supply chain management. The program will conclude with the Taste of RAP and Graduation, where supporters will have an opportunity to meet the entrepreneurs and experience their businesses.

    A participating food vendor serves a selection of prepared dishes to guests during the Restaurant Accelerator Program tasting event.

    Two businesses from the cohort will also be selected to receive grants through the National Urban League and participate in one-on-one business coaching.

    The Restaurant Accelerator Program is presented by the Greater Baltimore Urban League in partnership with the PepsiCo Foundation, Wells Fargo, TD Bank and La Chow.

    This year’s program will also include a food and beverage pitch competition awarding $25,000 in total cash prizes. Eligible businesses will compete in categories including brick-and-mortar restaurants, caterers, food trucks and beverage businesses, with an additional grand prize awarded to one top-performing entrepreneur.

    A local food entrepreneur shares samples and discusses her products with Jeff Johnson during the Restaurant Accelerator Program tasting event.

    The new application cycle builds on the program’s recent success. Last year, the Greater Baltimore Urban League provided $80,000 in grants to local food and beverage businesses, helping entrepreneurs invest in equipment, operations, marketing and other business needs.

    Through the accelerator and pitch competition, the Greater Baltimore Urban League is continuing its commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs, expanding access to capital and helping food and beverage businesses build stronger, more sustainable companies.




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