What is the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant?
The Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant is part of Verizon's commitment to equip one million small businesses with the tools and resources they need to thrive in today's digital economy, ultimately strengthening their local communities.
In addition to the hundreds of hours of free courses, coaching sessions, and networking opportunities offered through the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program, Verizon, in partnership with LISC will award $1 million in funding this year. 100 grantees will each receive a $10,000 grant, further advancing Verizon’s commitment to support small businesses.
When does the next grant application open?
There is not currently an open Digital Ready grant, and we have not yet announced any future grant application dates. Please stay tuned for additional grant opportunities.
Is the application available in Spanish?
Yes, the application is available in Spanish. Once you have unlocked the grant application, click on the link to the application. There, you will see the option to complete the application in Spanish. If you are viewing Digital Ready in Spanish, the application will default to Spanish.
Who has received this grant in the past?
Since 2021, we’ve awarded grants to approximately 1,350 unique small businesses. You can explore stories from some of our past grantees on our partner LISC’s site.
If I applied in a previous round, do I have to re-apply, or will my application roll over?
Applications do not roll over to later rounds. You must submit a new application for each grant cycle in order to be considered for funding. Each round has unique aspects and application eligibility requirements. If you meet the current round’s eligibility requirements, you can apply again, even if you applied in a previous round.
I applied for the grant last fall. How will I be contacted or know if I will receive a grant?
LISC will primarily utilize email to communicate with all applicants. You can expect to hear whether or not you have been selected for funding by Jan 12, 2026. Fifty (50) grantees will be awarded $10,000 grants from the most recent grant cycle.
Be sure to check your email regularly, including spam folders. Email updates to all applicants will come from the LISC Small Business Grants. Finalists will receive next steps from an “@lisc.org” email address domain. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the legitimacy of an email about your grant application status, please contact smallbusinessservices@lisc.org.
Finalists will be notified by email and must respond promptly. The return of any grantee notification message or document as undeliverable may result in disqualification of the applicable grantee, the forfeiture of his or her interest in the grant, and the selection of a substitute from among all remaining eligible finalists.
What does it mean to be a “finalist” and will there be additional documentation required?
If your business is selected as a finalist, you will be notified via email. Being selected as a finalist does not guarantee that you will receive a grant. As a finalist, additional documentation will be required to screen and verify business information. This may include a background search that LISC will conduct at our expense and submission of additional information including verification information such as date of birth, SSN, TIN/ITIN, EIN, W-9, and appropriate banking information in order to receive funds via ACH if awarded. The background verification does not involve a credit check or credit score pull. LISC will never request copies of personal documentation such as driver’s licenses, passports and/or green cards.
Does anything need to be repaid?
No, these grants do not need to be repaid. However, all taxes associated with the acceptance and/or uses of cash awarded are the sole responsibility of the individual grantee. LISC will issue a Form 1099 for these grants.