Verizon continues to help advance digital equity across Hispanic small businesses

Rhea-AI Summary

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready has launched a program aimed at supporting Hispanic-owned small businesses by providing access to Spanish language resources. This initiative includes online courses, expert coaching, and personalized mentorship.

Eligible businesses can apply for a $10,000 grant from a total fund of $250,000, with a deadline of January 13, 2023, for applications. By 2030, Verizon aims to assist 1 million small businesses in thriving within the digital economy. Special discounts are also available for Business Internet customers until December 9, 2022.

Positive

• Launch of Spanish language resources enhances accessibility for Hispanic-owned businesses.
• Availability of a $10,000 grant to support minority small businesses.
• Aiming to assist 1 million small businesses by 2030 through digital resources.

Negative

• None.

Through Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, Hispanic-owned small businesses can leverage Spanish language resources as well as apply to receive grant funding

NEW YORK, Dec. 01, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Through Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, a free online curriculum focused on helping small businesses with digital transformation, Hispanic-owned small businesses will be able to access Spanish language course offerings, coaching from experts, community events and personalized mentorship, as well as apply to receive a $10,000 grant as part of a $250,000 fund to help further support minority small businesses. In partnership with Next Street and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Verizon Small Business Digital Ready was created with and for small businesses, with a specific focus on helping diverse and under-resourced business owners.

“At the core of our commitment to small business is a focus on historically underrepresented entrepreneurs,” said Rose Stuckey Kirk, Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer at Verizon. “As the number of our Digital Ready users that identify as Hispanic continues to grow, the tools and resources we’re providing will play a pivotal role in supporting the digital transformation of their businesses and the communities they serve.”

“LISC is committed to the recovery and growth of all small businesses,” said Denise Scott, President of LISC. “The launch of Spanish language content on Verizon Small Business Digital Ready will provide Hispanic entrepreneurs with important skills and resources. It will also connect our partners working with small businesses across the country with a digital tool that better meets the needs of their Spanish-speaking clients.”

To be eligible for the grant, qualified applicants must be a 51 percent Hispanic-owned small business and complete, in any combination, at least two courses, coaching events, or community events between July 1, 2022, and the application deadline of January 13, 2023. All applicants will be notified if they have been selected for grant funding the week of January 30, 2023.

Verizon is also offering new and existing Business Internet customers special discounts. Now through December 9, 2022, qualifying customers can save $30/month for 2 years on select new LTE Business Internet plans and get up to $200 off new self-install 5G Business Internet plans.

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, part of Verizon’s responsible business plan, Citizen Verizon, has a goal to support 1M small businesses with the resources to thrive in the digital economy by 2030. To learn more about Verizon’s continued efforts to help bridge the digital divide, through Citizen Verizon, 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 $133.6 billion in 2021. 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 contacts:
Katrina Cabrera
katrina.cabrera@verizon.com

Herbert Nyarko
herbert.aidoo-nyarko@verizon.com 

FAQ

What is the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program?

The program is an online curriculum designed to support small businesses, particularly those owned by Hispanics, with resources for digital transformation.

How much grant funding is available for Hispanic-owned small businesses?

A total of $250,000 is available, with individual grants of $10,000 for eligible businesses.

What is the deadline for applying for the Verizon grant?

The application deadline for the grant is January 13, 2023.

What resources are provided through the Verizon program?

Resources include Spanish language courses, expert coaching, community events, and personalized mentorship.

What discounts does Verizon offer for Business Internet customers?

From now until December 9, 2022, qualifying customers can save $30/month for 2 years on certain Internet plans and receive up to $200 off self-install fees.