As small business owners across the country continue to face uncertainty amid the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, last week Verizon announced a number of initiatives to support their recovery and aid in their survival through the pandemic and beyond. 

The company is committing $10 million to provide grants to small businesses through Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), a national nonprofit that invests in affordable housing, economic development, health, education and jobs nationwide, and will launch a customized multi-week training program for small business owners and entrepreneurs, offering tools, technology and resources. These initiatives are part of Citizen Verizon, the company’s responsible business plan for economic, social and environmental advancement.

Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund

TODAY, February 8th, LISC will launch the grant application that small businesses can use to apply for a $10,000 grant from Verizon's $10 million commitment. Grants will be eligible for small businesses across the U.S., particularly in historically underserved communities hit hard by the pandemic.

PLEASE NOTE - Applications must be submitted by TOMORROW, February 9th at 8:59 pm PT / 11:59 pm ET. 

Eligible expenses for the grant include:

• Paying rent and utilities
• Meeting payroll
• Paying outstanding debt to vendors
• Upgrading technology infrastructure
• Other immediate operational costs

For more information, click here

To fill out the grant application, click here: https://lisc.tfaforms.net/279

Verizon Small Business Training Program

Additionally, Verizon is making a multi-year commitment to bring one million small businesses forward by 2030 with resources to help them thrive in the digital economy.

Verizon’s training program will provide in-depth assistance through end-to-end resources - including curriculum, mentorship, networking and incentives, such as 5G products and services and connection to affordable capital - with the goal of engaging 100,000 businesses per year. Full details will be available in May. 

For the latest information, please visit Verizon.com/smallbusinesstraining.

Have a wonderful week ahead and feel free to share this information with any small businesses or small business serving organizations you may know ASAP as the deadline to complete the grant application for the Verizon Small Business Recovery Fund administered by LISC closes TOMORROW, February 9th at 8:59 pm PT / 11:59 pm ET. 

For assistance, please contact Andrew.Weddle@laedc.org.