Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant Program

The Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant Program is a collaborative initiative between Verizon and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) aimed at empowering small businesses in the United States to thrive in today’s digital economy. Launched in 2021, this program is designed to provide vital tools, training, and financial resources to small businesses. The Digital Ready platform offers on-demand courses, expert-led coaching sessions, peer networking, and curated digital resources. Since its inception, over $13.5 million has been awarded to approximately 1,350 small businesses nationwide. In its current grant cycle, LISC will award a total of $500,000 in funding, distributing $10,000 grants to 50 selected small businesses. To qualify, applicants must register on the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready platform and complete any two eligible courses or virtual events between January 1, 2025, and June 30, 2025. Upon completing these requirements, the application becomes available through the Digital Ready Grants page. The application period ends at 11:59 PM PT on June 30, 2025, and all applicants will be notified about their status by August 10, 2025. Eligibility is limited to for-profit businesses operating in the U.S. Nonprofits are ineligible. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and able to provide valid business and financial documentation if selected as a finalist. LISC employees, Verizon employees, and their immediate family members are not eligible to apply. Although prior grant recipients may reapply, preference is given to first-time applicants and businesses located in low- and moderate-income communities that lack access to affordable capital. The selection process is rigorous, employing a multi-layered review strategy that includes algorithmic scoring, randomized selection, and in-depth evaluation of a subset of applicants. Criteria include the accuracy and completeness of applications, proof of an online business presence, community impact, and the proposed use of funds. Being selected as a finalist does not guarantee funding; additional documentation and verification will be required, including tax and banking information. Background checks are conducted but do not include credit checks. Applications are only accepted online, and each applicant may apply for one business per round. Grants do not need to be repaid; however, recipients are responsible for any taxes incurred and will receive a Form 1099. To avoid application errors, applicants are encouraged to use Google Chrome, prepare essential business information ahead of time, and complete the form in one uninterrupted session. Technical support is available through the LISC team, and confirmations are provided upon successful submission.