Verizon partners with African-American & Hispanic Chambers of Commerce in greater Philadelphia area

Rhea-AI Summary

Verizon (VZ) Announces $50K Award to African-American and Hispanic Chambers of Commerce in Philadelphia to Advance Digital Equity and Support Small Businesses. The partnership is part of the Verizon Forward Community Enhancement Award, a $1 million national initiative equipping communities with tools to navigate an increasingly digital world. The AACC and the GPHCC will run a six-month program for small business owners in Philadelphia, focusing on technology, entrepreneurship, AI, and cybersecurity.

Positive

• Verizon's $50,000 award demonstrates a commitment to digital equity and supporting small businesses in Philadelphia. The initiative aims to address the challenges faced by Black and Latinx entrepreneurs in accessing financing, training, and growth opportunities. The program will equip small business owners with the necessary tools to thrive in the digital economy, potentially leading to increased productivity, revenue, and job creation.

Negative

• None.

Partnership aims to advance digital equity in region through $50K Verizon Forward Community Enhancement Award

PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verizon has announced a $50,000 award to the African-American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ & DE (AACC) and the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GPHCC) in Philadelphia. 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 digital world.

Together, the AACC and the GPHCC will run a six-month program for small business owners in Philadelphia. The sessions will be designed to teach participants how to leverage technology to grow and thrive. Program topics will range from entrepreneurship and AI to cybersecurity.

Philadelphia’s Black and Latinx entrepreneurs and small-business owners face greater challenges accessing financing, training, and growth opportunities compared to their white counterparts.

The AACC and the GPHCC believe that access to technology-focused training strengthens the capacity of Philadelphia small businesses to grow and succeed.

The Community Enhancement Award furthers Verizon’s support of economic, environmental, and social advancement.

“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.”

“Digital equity is more than having access to technology and broadband, it’s being able to use technology proficiently. In Philadelphia, 2.5 percent of Black-owned businesses are employer firms, meaning many are micro businesses,” said Regina A. Hairston, President & CEO African-American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ & DE. “This grant is essential in helping to build the capacity and potential of small businesses by providing them the tools and resources necessary to create a solid digital infrastructure. Being able to deploy technology efficiently can lead to increased productivity, revenue, and eventually create more jobs.”

As part of its responsible business initiative Citizen Verizon, Verizon has a goal to help support 1 million small businesses succeed in the digital economy by 2030. To learn more about Verizon’s Small Business Digital Ready program, Digital Inclusion efforts, visit verizon.com/digitalready.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 Verizon Forward Community Enhancement Award?

The Verizon Forward Community Enhancement Award is a $1 million national initiative aimed at equipping communities with tools to navigate an increasingly digital world.

What is the goal of Verizon's responsible business plan, Citizen Verizon?

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

What is the focus of the program run by AACC and GPHCC?

The program will focus on teaching small business owners in Philadelphia how to leverage technology to grow and thrive, covering topics such as entrepreneurship, AI, and cybersecurity.

What is the expected impact of the program?

The program aims to strengthen the capacity of Philadelphia small businesses to grow and succeed by providing them with the necessary tools and resources to create a solid digital infrastructure, potentially leading to increased productivity, revenue, and job creation.