Unlocking Your Business's Potential: A Comprehensive Guide to Applying for the Verizon Small Business Grant
Hey there, aspiring grant recipient! Are you a small business owner dreaming of that extra boost to take your venture to the next level? Perhaps you're looking to expand operations, invest in new technology, or simply need a financial lift to navigate today's dynamic market. If so, you've landed in the right place! The Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant program is a fantastic opportunity, offering significant funding to eligible businesses. But navigating grant applications can feel like a maze. Don't worry, we're here to shine a light on the path, step by methodical step. Let's get your business grant-ready!
The Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant: An Overview
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's understand what this grant is all about. The Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program, in partnership with organizations like LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation), is designed to empower small businesses with the tools, resources, and funding they need to thrive in the digital economy. This isn't just about money; it's about providing access to valuable learning opportunities, expert coaching, and a supportive community. The grants, often in the amount of $10,000, are a key component of this initiative, helping businesses strengthen their local communities.
Step 1: Engage with the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Platform
This is perhaps the most crucial initial step and where many aspiring applicants might overlook a key requirement. You can't just apply for this grant out of the blue. You need to demonstrate your commitment to digital readiness and business growth.
Sub-heading 1.1: Create Your Free Account
First things first, head over to the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready platform. It's completely free to sign up and takes less than five minutes. This platform is a treasure trove of resources, offering hundreds of courses, coaching sessions, and networking opportunities. Think of it as your virtual business academy, tailored to your needs.
Sub-heading 1.2: Fulfill the Learning Requirement
To unlock the grant application, you must complete a specific learning requirement. For the current grant cycle (January 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025), this means completing any combination of two eligible courses or virtual events on the Digital Ready platform. This could be two courses, two virtual events, or one of each. Pay close attention to the dates – ensure your completions fall within the specified period. These aren't just hoops to jump through; the courses are genuinely designed to help you with critical business skills, from managing finances to mastering social media.
Step 2: Confirm Your Eligibility
Once you've started engaging with the platform, it's time to double-check if your business meets Verizon's specific eligibility criteria. Meeting these criteria is non-negotiable for your application to be considered.
Sub-heading 2.1: Essential Eligibility Requirements
For-profit U.S.-based business: Only for-profit businesses operating within the United States are eligible. Non-profit organizations are not able to apply.
Age Requirement: The applicant must be 18 years of age or older.
Digital Ready Account & Resource Completion: As mentioned in Step 1, you must have an active Verizon Small Business Digital Ready account and have completed the required two courses/virtual events within the specified timeframe.
Documentation Readiness: Be prepared to provide proper business and financial verification documentation (such as W-9s and ACH information) if your business is selected as a finalist.
Prior Grant Recipients: While prior Digital Ready grant recipients are eligible to re-apply, priority is often given to applicants who have not received a previous grant. This doesn't mean you shouldn't apply again, but manage your expectations.
No Conflict of Interest: Current directors, officers, employees, and contractors of LISC or Verizon, and their immediate family members, may not be eligible to receive an award.
Sub-heading 2.2: Understanding Selection Priorities
While meeting the basic eligibility is essential, Verizon and LISC often prioritize certain types of businesses. This isn't a strict rule but can give you an idea of the program's focus. Priority is typically given to:
Entrepreneurs of color
Women-owned businesses
Veteran-owned businesses
Businesses in historically underserved communities who may lack access to flexible, affordable capital.
Businesses located in under-resourced LMI (Low to Moderate Income) communities.
Step 3: Access and Prepare Your Application
With your learning requirements met and eligibility confirmed, the grant application will now unlock on the Grants page of the Digital Ready platform.
Sub-heading 3.1: Locating the Application
After completing your two required resources, navigate to the "Grants" section within your Verizon Small Business Digital Ready account. You should see an option to "Get Started" with the application.
Sub-heading 3.2: Gather Essential Information and Documents
The application will require you to provide a significant amount of detail about your business. It's highly recommended to gather this information before you start filling out the online form. This will help you complete it efficiently and accurately, reducing the risk of losing your work due to internet issues or browser timeouts.
Here's a list of typical information and documents you'll likely need:
Business Information:
Legal Business Name (as reported on federal forms like W-9)
Doing Business As (DBA), if applicable
Primary Business Street Address (where day-to-day operations take place)
Primary Business City/Town, State, Zip Code
Website address
Primary business social media handles (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
Date your business was established
Number of employees
Most recent annual business revenue
Business structure (e.g., Sole Proprietorship, LLC, Corporation)
Applicant Information (Lead Business Owner):
Full Name
Email Address (use the same one as your Digital Ready account)
Date of Birth
Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
Demographic information (age, gender, LGBTQ+ identification, disability status, veteran status, Hispanic/Latino/Spanish origin, race) - Note: Providing this information is often optional but helps Verizon understand the diverse impact of their grants.
Financial Information:
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
W-9 Form (if selected as a finalist)
Appropriate banking information for ACH transfer (if awarded)
Narrative Responses:
Primary Purpose of Grant Request: Clearly articulate how you intend to use the $10,000 grant. Be specific! Common uses include:
Wages and benefits
Inventory
Paying past due bills
Operational costs (rent, supplies, utilities)
Marketing and advertising
Technology upgrades
Business expansion
Business Impact/Engagement: Questions about your business's impact on and/or engagement with the local community.
Revenue Comparison: How has your business revenue for the past month compared to the same time last year?
How you heard about the program: This helps them track their outreach efforts.
Sub-heading 3.3: Optional but Recommended Submissions
While not always explicitly required, some applicants have found it beneficial to include:
Pitch Video: A short, compelling video introducing your business and its mission.
Pitch Deck: A concise presentation outlining your business, market opportunity, and financial projections.
Business Plan: A detailed document outlining your business goals, strategies, and how you plan to achieve them.
These can significantly strengthen your application by providing a more comprehensive view of your business and its potential.
Step 4: Craft a Compelling Application
This is where you tell your story and make a strong case for why your business deserves this grant.
Sub-heading 4.1: Be Clear, Concise, and Specific
When answering the narrative questions, avoid jargon and be as clear and concise as possible. Specificity is key. Instead of saying "I'll use the money for marketing," say "I will allocate $5,000 for targeted social media advertising campaigns to reach new customers and $5,000 for a website redesign to improve user experience and conversion rates."
Sub-heading 4.2: Highlight Your Business's Impact
If your business positively impacts your community, makes a difference, or serves an underserved population, emphasize this. Verizon often prioritizes businesses that demonstrate community engagement and a broader positive influence.
Sub-heading 4.3: Review and Proofread Meticulously
Before hitting that "submit" button, review your application multiple times. Check for typos, grammatical errors, and ensure all information is accurate and complete. A sloppy application can reflect poorly on your attention to detail and professionalism. It's also a good idea to have another trusted individual read through it.
Step 5: Submission and What Comes Next
You've completed the application – congratulations! Now, what's the timeline and what can you expect?
Sub-heading 5.1: Submission Confirmation
After you submit your application, you should immediately receive a confirmation screen, followed by a follow-up email confirmation. If you don't receive these, re-check your submission or contact LISC (Verizon's partner in this grant program).
Sub-heading 5.2: The Selection Process
LISC employs a multi-step review process. This typically includes:
An algorithmic scoring system.
A randomized selection component.
An in-depth review of a subset of applications for factors like accuracy, completeness, online business presence, community impact, and the clarity/feasibility of your proposed use of funds.
Sub-heading 5.3: Notification and Finalist Stage
For the current cycle (ending June 30, 2025), all applicants can expect to be notified about whether they have been selected as a grant finalist by August 10, 2025. Keep a close eye on your email, including your spam folder, as LISC primarily communicates via email. The notification will come from LISC Small Business Relief Grant or notifications@lisc.org.
Being selected as a finalist does not guarantee a grant. As a finalist, you will be required to submit additional documentation for verification and due diligence. This may include:
Date of Birth, SSN, TIN/ITIN, EIN, W-9.
Appropriate banking information for ACH.
LISC will also conduct a background search (at their expense), which does not involve a credit check or credit score pull. They will never request copies of personal documents like driver's licenses or passports. Respond promptly to all requests for additional documentation.
The Power of the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program
Even if you don't receive a grant in a particular round, the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program offers immense value. It's a continuous resource for learning and growth, helping you refine your business skills and become more competitive. The knowledge gained from the courses and coaching can be just as valuable as the grant money itself.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to create an account on Verizon Small Business Digital Ready?
To create an account, simply visit the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready website and look for the "Sign Up" or "Register" option. It's a free and straightforward process that typically takes less than five minutes.
How to find eligible courses and virtual events on the Digital Ready platform?
Once logged into your Digital Ready account, navigate to the "Courses" or "Events" section. Look for content that aligns with your business needs and is marked as eligible for grant unlock purposes. Ensure the completion dates fall within the current grant cycle's requirements.
How to know if my business is a "for-profit U.S.-based business"?
A "for-profit U.S.-based business" means your company's primary goal is to generate profit, and its main operations are located within the United States. This excludes non-profit organizations.
How to prepare a W-9 form for the grant application?
A W-9 form is used to confirm your taxpayer identification number (TIN) to the entity paying you. You can download a blank W-9 form from the IRS website and fill it out with your business's legal name, federal tax classification, address, and TIN (which could be your SSN, ITIN, or EIN).
How to make my grant application stand out?
To make your application stand out, be concise and specific in your responses, clearly articulate your business's needs and how the grant will address them, highlight your business's positive community impact, and consider including optional materials like a pitch video or business plan.
How to check the status of my Verizon Small Business Grant application?
LISC primarily uses email to communicate application status updates. Ensure you check your email regularly, including your spam or junk folders, for notifications from "LISC Small Business Relief Grant" or "notifications@lisc.org".
How to determine the primary purpose of my grant request?
Reflect on your business's most pressing financial needs or growth opportunities. Is it marketing, new equipment, inventory, or operational costs? Clearly define one or two key areas where the grant funds would have the most significant impact.
How to provide appropriate banking information if selected as a finalist?
If you are selected as a finalist, LISC will provide instructions on how to securely submit your banking information for an ACH transfer. This typically involves providing your bank name, account number, and routing number.
How to re-apply if I wasn't selected in a previous round?
Applications do not roll over. You must submit a new application for each grant cycle. If you meet the current round's eligibility requirements, you can apply again, using the exact same first name, last name, and email address as your previous application.
How to get more support for my small business beyond the grant?
The Verizon Small Business Digital Ready platform itself is a wealth of free resources, including hundreds of courses, coaching sessions with experts, and networking opportunities. You can also explore their Small Business Funding Marketplace for other financing options.
