Verizon to host graduation ceremony for small businesses, discuss AI at event in Philly

Rhea-AI Summary

Verizon is hosting a graduation ceremony on July 16th, 2024, in Philadelphia for small businesses completing a six-month technology training program. The event, held at Verizon's 1430 Walnut Street store from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., will also include a session on AI adaptation for small businesses. This initiative is part of Verizon's $1M national Verizon Forward Community Enhancement Award, with a $50,000 investment to the African-American Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The program aims to help small businesses leverage technology to improve capacity and efficiency. Verizon's commitment to supporting diverse small businesses is further demonstrated through its Verizon Small Business Digital Ready platform, which has supported over 3,900 small businesses in Philadelphia with courses, workshops, and networking opportunities.

Positive

• Verizon invested $50,000 in local chambers of commerce to support small business technology training
• The Verizon Small Business Digital Ready platform has supported over 3,900 small businesses in Philadelphia
• Verizon is demonstrating commitment to digital inclusion and supporting diverse small businesses

Negative

• None.

PHILADELPHIA, July 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Tuesday, July 16th, Verizon will celebrate the completion of a six-month program designed to support small businesses with a graduation ceremony in store, as well as a final session on both opportunities and challenges faced by small businesses in adapting to Artificial Intelligence (AI).

From 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. July 16th, at Verizon's 1430 Walnut Street store in Philadelphia, small business owners will celebrate the completion of a six-month training program designed to teach participants how to leverage technology and close the capacity and efficiency gap. This program was established through a $50,000 investment from Verizon 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 was part of the Verizon Forward Community Enhancement Award, a $1M national initiative equipping communities with the tools to navigate an increasingly technological world.

“At Verizon, we are dedicated to supporting diverse small businesses through technology and training,” said Adriana Dawson, Director of Community Engagement for Verizon. “The collaboration between the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the African-American Chamber of Commerce underscores our commitment to digital inclusion and ensuring small businesses, the backbone of the Philadelphia economy, have the resources needed to succeed.”

“Completing our Verizon Tech Empowerment Series marks a significant milestone for our community,” said Regina Hairston, CEO of the African-American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ & DE. “This initiative has equipped our entrepreneurs with the essential technological skills needed to enhance their capacity and efficiency, paving the way for sustainable growth and success. By investing in technology, we are not just closing the digital divide; we are empowering our businesses to compete on a global scale and drive economic progress within our communities.”

“Verizon’s partnership provided a welcomed opportunity for our organization to equip small businesses with the knowledge, experts, and tools needed to integrate technology into their operations,” said Jennifer Rodriguez, President & CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “We are immensely grateful for this collaboration.”

Verizon Business is deeply committed to the entire Philadelphia business community, supporting businesses with the tools, technology, and advice they need to drive their businesses forward. This event highlights Verizon’s continuing commitment to small businesses through its Citizen Verizon responsible business plan, which includes Verizon Small Business Digital Ready. Verizon Small Business Digital Ready provides personalized tools and resources in partnership with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and Next Street, and offers access to over 50 courses, expert-led workshops, in-person and virtual networking and incentives, such as grants. In Philadelphia, the program has supported over 3,900 small businesses. The platform also has a dedicated Spanish-language site, with courses exclusively in Spanish.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed in 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 $134.0 billion in 2023. 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, and security.

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:
Carly Sylvester
carly.sylvester@verizon.com
908-892-9506

FAQ

When and where is Verizon (VZ) hosting the small business graduation ceremony in Philadelphia?

Verizon (VZ) is hosting the small business graduation ceremony on July 16th, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at their 1430 Walnut Street store in Philadelphia.

What is the purpose of Verizon's (VZ) six-month program for small businesses?

The purpose of Verizon's (VZ) six-month program is to teach small business owners how to leverage technology and close the capacity and efficiency gap in their operations.

How much has Verizon (VZ) invested in the Philadelphia small business community through this initiative?

Verizon (VZ) has invested $50,000 in the African-American Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as part of this initiative in Philadelphia.

How many small businesses has Verizon's (VZ) Small Business Digital Ready platform supported in Philadelphia?

Verizon's (VZ) Small Business Digital Ready platform has supported over 3,900 small businesses in Philadelphia.