In partnership with Next Street and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Verizon has announced new grant funding opportunities for small businesses in Houston, Miami, Phoenix, and Los Angeles.
In the select cities, five $10,000 small business grants are available to those registered on the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready portal and have completed two learning activities. Applying for the grant is free, so submit your application before the deadline on April 8, 2024, 11:59 pm ET.
Criteria for Grant Eligibility
To be eligible for the grant, small businesses must register on the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready portal. Then they must complete two activities on the platform. Additionally, the business must be registered in a local zip code within the specified cities to qualify for consideration.
How To Apply for the Small Business Grant
Registering and applying for Verizon’s small business grant is easy, here’s how to do it one step at at time.
Step 1: Register on the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Platform
Go to Verizon Small Business Digital Ready and sign up. Registration is free and gives you access to resources designed to help small businesses thrive in the digital economy.
Deadline: your grant application is due by April 8th 2024.
Step 2: Complete Eligibility Activities
After registration, complete at least two activities on the platform. These can be any combination of online courses, coaching sessions, or participation in community events offered through the portal. Note that engagements through Personalized Mentoring and in-person Community events do not count towards grant eligibility.
Deadline: Two activities must be completed by April 8, 2024, at 11:59 pm ET.
Step 3: Check Your Eligibility
Ensure your business is in an eligible zip code in Houston, Miami, Phoenix, or Los Angeles.
Step 4: Apply for the 10K Small Business Grant
The application will be available on your dashboard after you complete two courses. Fill out the application with your business details and submit it online. The application window closes on April 8, 2024, at 11:59 pm ET.
Step 5: Await Notification
After submitting your application, there’s nothing more you need to do but wait. Keep an eye on your email and the contact information you provided during registration.
Notification Date: Grant finalists will be notified by LISC by May 3rd, 2024.
Additional Tips
- Review and Prepare: Before starting your application, review all the requirements and prepare any necessary documents or information about your business that might strengthen your small business grant application.
- Utilize Resources: Take advantage of the free resources offered by the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready platform, not just for the grant but also to enhance your business operations and digital presence.
- Follow Up: If you have questions or concerns about your application, don’t hesitate to reach out to the support team via the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready website.
Maximize Your Chance of Success
To enhance your chances of being selected for the grant, focus on clearly articulating how your business will benefit from the digital resources and the grant itself. Demonstrate a clear vision for your digital transformation journey, including specific goals and how the grant will help achieve them.
Engaging actively with the Digital Ready platform and taking advantage of its coaching and networking opportunities can also strengthen your application. Join the Slack community to connect, learn, and share resources with business owners and entrepreneurs locally and nationally.
Highlight your community impact. Given Verizon’s emphasis on supporting small businesses, it would be wise to include any existing or planned initiatives to contribute to your local community’s economic and social well-being.
If You Don’t Get Selected: Next Steps
Not being selected for the grant doesn’t mean the end of the road.
Continue engaging with the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready platform. The courses, coaching, and community events are valuable resources that can help you improve various aspects of your business, from marketing strategies to cybersecurity.
Increase your involvement in local business communities and online forums. Networking can lead to collaborations, partnerships, and customer leads. Attend industry conferences, workshops, and seminars to stay updated on trends and connect with others in your specific field.
Look into other grants, loans, and funding opportunities specifically designed for small businesses. Many organizations and government agencies offer financial support, especially for businesses contributing positively to their communities or operating in specific industries.
While not being selected for a grant can be disappointing, it’s important to view it as a learning opportunity and a steppingstone to future success. All part of the journey.
Success Stories: Grant Recipients in Action
The Cossio sisters used their $10,000 grant to enhance their marketing strategies and boost their brand’s profitability. They launched their company, Avanza Skin, right before the pandemic. Pivoting to online sales and marketing, they discovered Small Business Digital Ready and won a $10,000 small business grant.
The program also equipped them with the knowledge to select distribution vendors more effectively, saving both money and time. A standout success was their influencer ad campaign with NFL draftees, which skyrocketed social engagement by 1000% and boosted sales.
Among the various insights gained, the basics of search engine optimization (SEO) proved most beneficial, prompting them to enhance their website and initiate a blog focused on content and keyword strategy. This led to a remarkable 10% increase in purchases via organic search. With the grant’s support, the sisters have now hired an SEO expert to build on the foundational techniques learned through the Digital Ready program.
Don’t Miss This Opportunity for Small Businesses
The Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program offers a golden opportunity for small businesses in Phoenix, Houston, Los Angeles, and Miami to not only thrive in the digital age but also to secure a significant financial boost through its $10,000 grant.
If you’re a small business owner in these cities looking to elevate your digital presence and operational efficiency, we strongly encourage you to sign up for the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program and apply for the grant. This could be the start of something great!
Register and apply for the $10,000 grant before April 8th.
