Since 2021, we've awarded
$14 million in grants to small businesses.

To help you level up your small business, we've partnered with LISC to provide over 100 small business grants this year.

In partnership with

Local grants are also currently open for applications in selected markets.

Eligibility for these grants is based on location. Other eligibility requirements apply, please see details page for more information and requirements.

We have no active national grants open at this time.

Check back soon for updates on upcoming national grants.

Explore Resources

Complete grant-eligible courses and events to unlock the current grant application.

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Course Standard Course

Recruiting, Onboarding, and Retaining the talent you need

4 minutes

Test

Course Standard Course

Recruiting, Onboarding, and Retaining the talent you need

4 minutes

Test

Course Standard Course

Recruiting, Onboarding, and Retaining the talent you need

4 minutes

Test

Course Standard Course

Recruiting, Onboarding, and Retaining the talent you need

4 minutes

Test

Course Standard Course

Recruiting, Onboarding, and Retaining the talent you need

4 minutes

Test

Course Standard Course

Recruiting, Onboarding, and Retaining the talent you need

4 minutes

Jaja Chen

Cha Community

2021 Grant Recipient

"The courses helped me stop wasting time and put things into action."

Mario Jaramillo

The Robot Agency, Inc.

2023 Grant Recipient

"I feel like now I’m more equipped to go on to the next chapter in entrepreneurship.

Nakia Vestal

DollMaker Lashes

2021 Grant Recipient

"With the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program, I was able to learn how to run my business professionally."

Frequently Asked Questions
about our grants

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 over $1 million in funding this year.

When does the next grant application open?

Currently, grant opportunities are available to small businesses based in California, New York, and West Virginia. A national grant opportunity and additional details will be announced in the spring of 2026.

Where can I find out more about the local grant opportunities?

To find out more about the grants for businesses in select states, click here for California, here for New York, and here for West Virginia.

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 1,450 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 current grant opportunity. How will I be contacted or know if I will receive a grant?

Applicants of the current local grant opportunities for businesses based in California, New York, or West Virginia, can expect to hear whether or not you have been selected for funding by May 17, 2026. Twenty-five (25) grantees in each state will be awarded $5,000 grants.

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.

Since 2021, we've awarded $14 million in grants to small businesses.

To help you level up your small business, we've partnered with LISC to provide over 100 small business grants this year.

We have no active national grants open at this time.

Check back soon for updates on upcoming national grants.

Explore Resources

Recruiting, Onboarding, and Retaining the talent you need

Recruiting, Onboarding, and Retaining the talent you need

Recruiting, Onboarding, and Retaining the talent you need

Recruiting, Onboarding, and Retaining the talent you need

Recruiting, Onboarding, and Retaining the talent you need

Recruiting, Onboarding, and Retaining the talent you need

Looking for more inspiration? Explore additional success stories from past grantees on our partner LISC's site.

"The courses helped me stop wasting time and put things into action."

"I feel like now I’m more equipped to go on to the next chapter in entrepreneurship.

"With the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program, I was able to learn how to run my business professionally."

Frequently Asked Questions about our grants

What is the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant?

When does the next grant application open?

Where can I find out more about the local grant opportunities?

Is the application available in Spanish?

Who has received this grant in the past?

If I applied in a previous round, do I have to re-apply, or will my application roll over?

I applied for the current grant opportunity. How will I be contacted or know if I will receive a grant?

What does it mean to be a “finalist” and will there be additional documentation required?

Does anything need to be repaid?

Since 2021, we've awarded
$14 million in grants to small businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions
about our grants