Verizon awards $100K to Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce to advance digital equity in Maine

Rhea-AI Summary

Verizon (VZ) partners with Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce to launch Opportunity Clicks, a program aimed at providing low-income households with refurbished computers and free training to join the regional workforce. The $100,000 award is part of Verizon's $1 million national initiative to enhance communities' technological capabilities. The Chamber, serving over 1,400 member businesses, aims to address the digital literacy gap and support small businesses' success in the digital economy.

PORTLAND, Maine, Nov. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verizon announces a $100,000 award to the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce (“the Chamber”) for the development of Opportunity Clicks. The partnership is part of the Verizon Forward Community Enhancement Award, a $1 million national initiative equipping communities with the tools to navigate an increasingly technological world.

Through Opportunity Clicks, the Chamber will partner with give IT. get IT., Maine’s only nonprofit computer access and digital literacy program. Together, they will provide low-income households with refurbished computers and free training to pursue academic and career goals necessary to join the regional workforce.

The Chamber serves more than 1,400 member businesses in eight communities in Greater Portland, ranging from sole proprietorships to the state’s largest companies, collectively employing over 65,000 Mainers. One major obstacle to its members’ business growth is access to skilled, digitally literate talent, which Opportunity Clicks will address.

“The Community Enhancement Award reflects Verizon’s commitment to advancing digital literacy and inclusion in the communities we serve,” said Tony Lewis, Vice President of Public Policy for Verizon. “We are committed to listening to and meeting communities where they are by partnering with innovative organizations, such as Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, to ensure communities have the digital skills and tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.”

Verizon’s small business partnerships are part of the company’s goal to support 1 million small businesses to succeed in the digital economy by 2030. Through its free platform Small Business Digital Ready (SBDR), Verizon fosters inclusive growth across the country including reaching over 56,000 business owners in 2023. To learn more about Verizon’s Digital Inclusion efforts, visit CitizenVerizon.com.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on June 30, 2000 and is one of the world’s leading providers of technology and communications services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $136.8 billion in 2022. The company offers data, video and voice services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.

VERIZON’S ONLINE MEDIA CENTER: News releases, stories, media contacts and other resources are available at verizon.com/news. News releases are also available through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.verizon.com/about/rss-feeds/.

Media contact:
Chris Serico
christopher.serico@verizon.com
908-227-8097

FAQ

What is the name of the program launched by Verizon and the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce?

The program is called Opportunity Clicks and aims to provide low-income households with refurbished computers and free training to join the regional workforce.

What is the total amount of the award announced by Verizon for the development of Opportunity Clicks?

Verizon announced a $100,000 award for the development of Opportunity Clicks.

How many member businesses does the Chamber serve?

The Chamber serves more than 1,400 member businesses in eight communities in Greater Portland.

What is the goal of Verizon's small business partnerships?

Verizon aims to support 1 million small businesses to succeed in the digital economy by 2030, including reaching over 56,000 business owners in 2023 through its Small Business Digital Ready platform.

What is the focus of the partnership between Verizon and the Chamber?

The partnership aims to address the digital literacy gap and support small businesses' success in the digital economy by providing the necessary digital skills and tools for communities to thrive.

What is the role of give IT. get IT. in the Opportunity Clicks program?

give IT. get IT., Maine’s only nonprofit computer access and digital literacy program, will partner with the Chamber to provide low-income households with refurbished computers and free training.