Unlocking Opportunity: How to Apply for the $10,000 Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant
Growing a small business requires both strategy and capital. If you are looking for non-dilutive funding to scale your operations, upgrade your technology, or reach new customers, we have great news: Verizon, in partnership with LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation), is awarding $10,000 grants to eligible small businesses.
Whether you need capital for new equipment, marketing campaigns, or working capital, this grant program offers accessible funding alongside valuable educational tools designed to set your business up for long-term growth.
What Is the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant?
The Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant is part of Verizon’s commitment to help equip over one million small businesses with essential digital tools.
To keep funding accessible throughout the year, Verizon and LISC select 10 small businesses each month to receive a$10,000 grant.
Grant Amount: $10,000 (Does not need to be repaid)
Selections:10 businesses per month through December 2026
Application Rule: Submit one application to remain eligible for rolling selections for the rest of the year.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
To qualify for the $10,000 grant opportunity, your business must meet the following baseline criteria:
Business Structure: Must be a for-profit small business (nonprofits are not eligible).
Location: Based in the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Age Requirement: Business owner must be 18 years of age or older.
Documentation: Must be able to provide standard verification documentation (such as a W-9, EIN/SSN, and banking info for ACH transfer) if selected as a finalist.
Note: Priority is given to businesses in under-resourced, low-to-moderate income (LMI) communities that lack access to flexible, affordable capital.
How to Unlock & Submit Your Application
Unlike traditional grant programs that require long essays right out of the gate, Verizon’s program uses a"learn-to-apply" model. You must unlock the application by taking advantage of the free educational content on their platform.
Step 1: Create a Free Account
Sign up on the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Platform. Registration is 100% free and takes less than two minutes.
Step 2: Complete 2 Free Courses or Events
To unlock your grant application, complete any combination of two free courses, live virtual events, recorded sessions, or eligible in-person events on the platform. Topics range from social media marketing and AI tools to intellectual property and financial planning (most courses take about 30 minutes).
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Once you complete your two resources, the grant application will automatically unlock on your dashboard.
The application takes around 30 minutes to complete.
Tip: Use the Google Chrome browser on a desktop/laptop for a smooth submission experience.
How Grant Winners Are Selected
LISC uses a multi-step selection framework to ensure fair distribution:
Random Selection: An initial pool is drawn to give all eligible applicants an equal chance.
Balanced Representation: An algorithm balances industry, geography and prioritizes businesses in under-resourced communities.
In-Depth Review: Applications are evaluated for proposed use of funds, accuracy, and community impact.
Final Verification: Selected business owners complete a standard legal and financial verification before funding disbursement.
Once you submit your application, it remains under consideration for all remaining monthly review cycles during the calendar year.
Ready to Get Started?
Don't leave funding on the table. Take 60 minutes today to complete two free courses and submit your application for the $10,000 grant.
