Verizon grants $100K to Associated Industries of Massachusetts to launch digital inclusion program

Rhea-AI Summary

Verizon (VZ) partners with AIM to establish the Digital Inclusion Initiative (DI2) with a $100,000 award as part of the Verizon Forward Community Enhancement Award. The initiative aims to bridge the digital divide in Massachusetts by empowering underserved businesses, including BIPOC, women, LGBTQ+, disabled, and veteran-owned businesses. Verizon's goal is to support 1 million small businesses to succeed in the digital economy by 2030.

Positive

• Verizon's commitment to supporting small businesses through the Digital Inclusion Initiative (DI2) and the Verizon Forward Community Enhancement Award demonstrates its dedication to fostering economic growth and community cohesion.
• Verizon's Small Business Digital Ready (SBDR) platform has already reached over 56,000 business owners in 2023, showcasing the company's impact on inclusive growth across the country.

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• None.

BOSTON, Nov. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verizon announces a $100,000 award to the Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) to establish the Digital Inclusion Initiative (DI2). 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.

DI2 will help bridge the digital divide across the Commonwealth by empowering underserved businesses, including Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), women, LGBTQ+, disabled and veteran owned businesses, to access resources, workforce training, and business-to-business connections to ensure they are digital ready. AIM will use its statewide reach to showcase the power of technology to address challenges in under-resourced areas of the Massachusetts economy.

By empowering businesses with the tools to unlock their full potential, AIM works to ensure the Massachusetts economy thrives today and tomorrow.

“At Verizon we believe that small businesses are essential for fostering economic growth, community cohesion and cultural pride,” said Tony Lewis, Vice President of Public Policy for Verizon. “Through our Citizen Verizon responsible business plan, we have a goal of supporting 1 million small businesses with the resources they need to thrive in the digital economy. We are committed to listening to and meeting communities where they are by partnering with innovative organizations to deliver the tools and skills that can drive meaningful change for businesses and help them succeed.”

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 purpose of the Digital Inclusion Initiative (DI2) established by Verizon and AIM?

The purpose of DI2 is to bridge the digital divide in Massachusetts by empowering underserved businesses, including BIPOC, women, LGBTQ+, disabled, and veteran-owned businesses.

What is Verizon's goal in supporting small businesses in the digital economy by 2030?

Verizon aims to support 1 million small businesses to succeed in the digital economy by 2030.

How many business owners has Verizon's Small Business Digital Ready (SBDR) platform reached in 2023?

Verizon's SBDR platform has reached over 56,000 business owners in 2023.

What is the amount of the award given by Verizon to AIM for the Digital Inclusion Initiative (DI2)?

Verizon announced a $100,000 award to AIM for the Digital Inclusion Initiative (DI2) as part of the Verizon Forward Community Enhancement Award.