Verizon Sourcing LLC
October 12, 2023
Yahoo! Finance
Earlier this month, Verizon announced that new grant funding opportunities for small businesses totaling $500,000 are available through Verizon Small Business Digital Ready. In partnership with Next Street and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready online resource is designed to give under-resourced small businesses the tools they need to help grow their businesses and thrive in today’s digital economy.
Small business owners who register on the platform receive incentives such as free, personalized access to over 40 online courses, mentoring opportunities with industry experts, peer networking events, one-on-one expert training and the ability to apply for grant funding. According to a survey of small business owners registered on the platform, 99% of respondents agree that Small Business Digital Ready courses have helped their business.*
“Since Verizon Small Business Digital Ready launched in 2021, we’ve been able to support more than 200,000 small business owners across the country,” he said. Rose Stuckey Kirk, Senior Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Verizon. “We are proud to use our tools and resources, as well as our network of experts, to help small businesses succeed and ultimately benefit their local communities.”
To provide users with a more personalized experience, Verizon Small Business Digital Ready was recently updated with new content such as short-form videos, articles and audio clips, and a new look to provide clear information to small business owners. a path to the resources and tools that are right for them.
From today, October 12 through December 20, 2023, small businesses can open an application for this round of grant funding by first registering for Verizon Small Business Digital Ready available on the portal and completing at least two of the following. in any combination: courses, coaching or community events. Small businesses that complete an application may be considered for a $10,000 grant.
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready includes courses designed to provide essential knowledge and tools, including developing a marketing strategy, improving the employee experience, cybersecurity, best practices for using social media channels for growth, and many more. The free portal also includes access to expert mentorship, giving small business owners ongoing advice and support from experienced professionals who can help them overcome their business challenges. Spanish course offerings, one-on-one tutoring from experts, and community events are also available.
“To harness and benefit from the growth of the digital economy, small business owners must have access to the latest information and best practices for marketing themselves to their customers and effectively managing their business online,” he said. Sharon Lee Thoney, founder and CEO of SLT Consulting and Verizon Small Business Digital Ready instructor. “Enrolling in free online courses like the one on Verizon’s Small Business Digital Ready platform is a great way not only to learn critical skills in areas like marketing or branding, but also to connect with mentors and network with other entrepreneurs.”
The initiative is part of Verizon’s goal to support 1 million small businesses by 2030 with the resources to thrive in the digital economy as part of its responsible business plan, Citizen Verizon. To learn more about the company’s responsible business efforts, visit CitizenVerizon.com.
*Based on a survey of more than 4,500 registered users of the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready platform