Verizon Small Business Grant: 50 Businesses Win $10,000 Digital Ready Funding + Free Training Worth $14 Million

Grant Overview

Unlock $10K Cash for Your Small Business by Completing Two Free Courses – No Business Plan Required

The Verizon small business grant gives you two courses and a shot at $10,000 through their Digital Ready platform – no Verizon service required, just completion of educational resources between July and December 2025.

Fifty small businesses will each receive a $10,000 grant through Verizon’s Digital Ready program – but there’s a catch: you need to complete any combination of two courses or virtual events between July 1, 2025 and December 10, 2025, and submit your grant application by December 10, 2025. This isn’t your typical corporate grant program where only perfect businesses with pristine financials get funded. 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, with a total of $500,000 in grant funding during this grant period.

You might be wondering if you even qualify. The program is specifically for for-profit small businesses, and nonprofits are explicitly excluded. The good news is that the process is designed to be accessible. You don’t need a perfect credit score or to already be a digital marketing expert. You just need commitment.

Title: Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grant

Donor: Verizon, LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation)

Focus: Small business grants, digital transformation, business education, entrepreneurship, technology funding, online learning, business development, digital economy

Region: United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands

Eligibility:
– For-profit business based in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or U.S. Virgin Islands
– Business owner must be 18 years of age or older
– Must create free account on Verizon Small Business Digital Ready platform
– Complete any combination of two courses or virtual events between July 1, 2025 and December 10, 2025
— Courses can be live or recorded events
— In-person events do not count toward eligibility requirements
– Submit application by 11:59 PM (PST) on December 10, 2025
– Can provide business and financial verification documentation (W-9s, ACH) if selected as finalist
— Nonprofits are not eligible
— One application per business only
— Previous grant recipients still eligible but given lower priority

Benefits:
– Financial Award: $10,000 cash grant (no repayment required)
– Free Digital Ready platform access with hundreds of courses and resources
– Virtual coaching sessions with industry experts
– Networking opportunities with other entrepreneurs
– Spanish language resources available

Deadline: December 10, 2025

The partnership with LISC matters here. They’re not new to this work – over $270 million deployed to 26,000 small businesses during recent economic challenges. When Verizon and LISC team up, you get both corporate resources and community-focused distribution that prioritizes historically underserved entrepreneurs.

But here’s where most people miss the point. This Verizon small business grant program operates on what I call the “education-first model.” You can’t just fill out an application and hope for $10,000. You need to actually engage with their platform, complete coursework, and demonstrate you’re serious about building skills alongside securing capital.

Think about what that means. You’re not begging for money. You’re investing time in free education that might be worth more than the grant itself, then applying with demonstrated initiative. The application unlocks only after you’ve completed two resources – courses, virtual events, or coaching sessions. Any combination works, but in-person events don’t count toward eligibility.

The Real Story Behind This Verizon Small Business Grant Program

Let’s talk straight about what makes this different from the sea of grants out there. Since 2021, Verizon has awarded $13.5 million in grants to support small businesses, helping nearly half a million small businesses through Small Business Digital Ready. But here’s the kicker – they’re not looking for perfect businesses. LISC, the partner organization managing this grant, is a US non-profit community development financial institution (CDFI) that supports community development initiatives across the country. They understand real businesses face real challenges.

Think you need an MBA to apply? Wrong.

Need perfect credit scores? Nope.

The beauty lies in simplicity. Register on the Digital Ready platform (takes five minutes), complete two resources, unlock the application. No 50-page business plans. No complex financial projections spanning five years.

What Makes This Different From Other Small Business Grants

Most business grants require extensive business plans, financial projections, and mountains of documentation. The Verizon small business grant flips that model. Complete practical training in areas like marketing with AI, contract essentials, or financial forecasting, then apply. The education component isn’t busy work – it’s strategic preparation that makes your eventual application stronger.

Consider the numbers. Of the 350,000+ businesses reached, 51% are women-owned and 62% are Black or Hispanic-owned. That distribution doesn’t happen accidentally. It happens when grant programs actively work to reach communities systematically excluded from traditional capital sources.

Q: Can I apply if I already received a Verizon grant before?
A: Yes, but priority goes to first-time recipients.

Q: Do I need to be a Verizon customer?
A: No. Zero requirement to use Verizon services.

Q: What if I can’t complete two courses by the deadline?
A: Your application won’t unlock. Start early.

The program runs from July 1 through December 10, 2025. That’s plenty of time to complete two 28-minute courses or attend a couple of virtual expert sessions. Most courses clock in under 30 minutes. The hands-on help sessions run about 2 hours. You’re looking at investing maybe 3-4 hours total to unlock a $10,000 application opportunity.

What Actually Happens When You Apply

Grant applications close at 11:59 pm PT on December 10, 2025, with all applicants being notified about whether or not they have been selected as a grant finalist by the week of January 12, 2026. But let me break down what really happens behind the scenes.

First, understand that being selected as a finalist doesn’t guarantee funding. LISC’s affiliates include the National Equity Fund (NEF), the largest national syndicator of Low Income Housing Tax Credits, and they support community development projects through grants, loans and equity investments as well as technical and management assistance. Translation? They know how to evaluate businesses that matter to communities.

Q: How competitive is this grant really?
A: Very. Thousands apply, fifty win.

Q: Do I need to be a Verizon customer?
A: No requirement mentioned.

Q: Can I apply if I already received a Digital Ready grant?
A: Prior Digital Ready grant recipients are still eligible to apply but not likely to be awarded a second grant.

How to Actually Win This Verizon Small Business Grant

Success starts with understanding the unspoken rules. Through Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, small businesses can access free courses in English and Spanish, coaching with small business experts, and an opportunity to apply for a $10,000 grant. But accessing isn’t winning.

Pick your two courses strategically. Don’t just grab the easiest ones. Choose courses that demonstrate commitment to areas where your business genuinely needs growth. Digital marketing struggling? Take that course. Financial management keeping you up at night? There’s a course for that.

Your application tells your story. Not some fairy tale about changing the world – your actual story of building something real in your community. LISC particularly values businesses creating tangible local impact.

Common Mistakes That Tank Applications

Late submission kills more applications than poor quality. Applications close at 11:59 pm PT on December 10, 2025 – not midnight your time, Pacific Time. Set three reminders.

Generic responses doom applications. “We help the community” means nothing. “We provide affordable childcare to 47 working families in downtown Milwaukee, enabling parents to maintain stable employment” tells a story.

Missing the verification step destroys otherwise perfect applications. Can share and provide proper business and financial verification documentation (W-9s, ACH) if selected as a finalist – if you can’t provide these documents quickly when requested, you’re out.

The FREE Digital Ready Platform

Sure, you’re here for the ten grand. But the Digital Ready platform itself packs serious value. We’re talking hundreds of free courses covering everything from cybersecurity to social media marketing. Live coaching sessions with actual experts, not just people reading scripts.

Verizon is awarding $10,000 to 50 small businesses just like yours. To become eligible to apply, enroll in Digital Ready (for free!), complete two Digital Ready courses or events and complete the application by Dec 10th. Smart entrepreneurs extract value from every touchpoint.

The platform remembers your progress. Start a course in July, finish in November – still counts. Mix and match formats: one recorded event, one live course. Two self-paced courses. Whatever fits your actual schedule.

Q: Are the courses really free?
A: Yes, completely free with no hidden costs.

Q: Can I access courses in Spanish?
A: Yes, courses and the application are available in Spanish.

Q: What happens if I start an application but don’t finish?
A: Applications don’t save automatically. Complete it in one session.

Q: What if the Digital Ready site crashes when I’m trying to complete requirements?
A: You can reach out to our support team at digitalready@verizon.com.

Q: Are in-person events eligible for the two-resource requirement?
A: Engagements through in-person events associated with Digital Ready are not included towards grant eligibility.

Your Timeline for This Verizon Small Business Grant

July 1, 2025: Course completion window opens
December 10, 2025: Final deadline at 11:59 PM PST
Week of January 12, 2026: Finalist notifications sent

But here’s insider wisdom: Don’t wait. Complete your two resources by October. This gives you breathing room to craft a compelling application without rushing. Plus, if technical issues arise, you have buffer time.

What Happens If You’re Selected as a Finalist

Email becomes your lifeline. Check it obsessively. Spam folders too. The application deadline for the latest round of funding is December 10th, 2025, but finalist notifications require quick response.

Background verification begins immediately. They offer a useful toolkit including loans, grants, equity investments and on-the-ground experience in some of the most vulnerable communities – LISC knows how to vet businesses professionally. No credit checks involved, but they will verify your business exists and operates legally.

Required documents include:
– W-9 tax form
– Banking information for ACH transfer
– Business verification (varies by state)
– Possibly your EIN or SSN/TIN

Finalists who don’t respond promptly forfeit their spots. No exceptions.

Strategic Approach to Winning the Verizon Small Business Grant

Completing the minimum requirement – two courses or events – gets your application unlocked. But selection involves more than just eligibility. LISC reviews applications holistically, looking for businesses that demonstrate genuine need, clear growth potential, and community impact.

Your application needs to tell a coherent story. Where is your business now? What specific barrier does $10,000 remove? How does funding translate into tangible growth – more employees, expanded services, new equipment, or market expansion? Vague statements about “growing my business” fail consistently.

Priority consideration goes to businesses in historically underserved communities without access to flexible, affordable capital. If your business operates in an area where traditional banks won’t even return your calls, make that clear. If you’ve been denied loans despite solid business fundamentals, explain why $10,000 in non-dilutive capital changes your trajectory.

The courses you choose matter strategically. Select training relevant to your actual business challenges. If you’re struggling with cash flow, take the financial forecasting course. If you need better online presence, focus on digital marketing modules. Your completed coursework should align with your funding request narrative.

Consider taking more than the two required courses. Nothing stops you from completing five or seven courses before applying. Extra engagement demonstrates serious commitment to business development and distinguishes your application from minimal-effort submissions.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

The biggest error I see: rushing the application after completing courses. Take time to craft thoughtful responses. The application asks about your business, your needs, and your plans. Generic answers that could apply to any business reduce your competitiveness.

Second mistake: failing to check eligibility carefully. If you run a nonprofit, you’re ineligible regardless of how compelling your mission. If you’re under 18, you can’t apply. If you haven’t completed two eligible resources by the deadline, your application won’t unlock. These hard stops eliminate many applicants before review even begins.

Third issue: ignoring the technical requirements. Applications submitted after 11:59 PM PST on December 10, 2025, receive zero consideration. Server delays, internet issues, and last-minute technical problems don’t earn exceptions. Submit at least 24-48 hours early to avoid deadline disasters.

Some applicants make the error of applying for multiple businesses. You can only submit one application regardless of how many businesses you own. Choose your strongest opportunity and focus there. Similarly, if you’re part of Verizon or LISC leadership, your family members can’t apply – that’s an explicit disqualification.

Q: Can I edit my application after submission?
A: No, applications are final once submitted.

Q: What if I’m selected as a finalist but decide not to accept?
A: LISC will offer the grant to an alternate candidate.

For businesses seeking support beyond the Verizon small business grant, programs like the Breva Company Grant offer quarterly $5,000 opportunities focused on community impact, while the Creative Business Boost Initiative provides $5,000 plus coaching for creative entrepreneurs. The ZenBusiness Grant targets recent formation service users, and the Skip Summer Grants distribute $10,000 to U.S. entrepreneurs seasonally.

Tax Implications and Financial Planning

This is a grant, not a loan. No repayment required. But that doesn’t mean it’s tax-free. Grant recipients receive Form 1099 from LISC, meaning you’ll report the $10,000 as income on your tax return. Plan for that tax liability – roughly 25-35% depending on your total income and tax bracket.

Smart recipients set aside $3,000-3,500 immediately for estimated tax payments. Nothing ruins a grant win faster than spending all $10,000, then getting hit with an unexpected tax bill in April. Work with a CPA to determine your specific tax situation and estimated payment schedule.

The grant funds arrive via ACH transfer directly to your business account. Make sure your banking information is accurate during the finalist verification stage. Wrong account numbers or routing numbers delay funding, sometimes by weeks, while LISC works through corrections.

Alternative Funding Options Through Digital Ready Marketplace

Even if you don’t win the Verizon small business grant, the platform connects you with additional funding sources through their partnership with Next Street Financial. This marketplace aggregates loans and grants from various providers, filtered by business type, location, and funding needs.

The marketplace includes everything from microloans under $50,000 to larger SBA-backed financing options. Each listing provides clear eligibility requirements, interest rates (for loans), and application links. It’s basically a funding search engine, saving hours of research time hunting down opportunities across dozens of websites.

For entrepreneurs in specific industries or demographic categories, targeted programs like Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator provide resources for e-commerce businesses, while EmpowHer Grants focus on female founders addressing social issues. Location-specific opportunities like the Illinois SEDI Grant offer substantially larger awards (up to $245,000) for businesses in targeted communities.

Real Impact: What $10,000 Actually Does for Small Businesses

Let’s get practical about ten thousand dollars. We provide small businesses with free online courses, tools, coaching, peer networking and grants. With help from Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, she gained new skills in marketing and finance to quadruple her revenue.

For a restaurant: Commercial freezer replacement, three months’ inventory, or digital marketing campaign launch.

Service business? New laptop, professional software suite, website overhaul, or hiring a part-time admin for six months.

Retail operation? Inventory expansion, point-of-sale system upgrade, or storefront improvements that actually draw customers.

The flexibility matters. Unlike grants demanding you spend exactly 33.7% on marketing and 22.1% on equipment, Verizon lets you allocate funds where YOUR business needs them most. Need all $10K for emergency roof repairs? Valid. Want to hire your first employee? Also valid.

Q: Is the grant taxable income?
A: Yes, expect a 1099 form.

Q: Can I use grant funds for debt payment?
A: Not explicitly prohibited but focus on growth investments in your application.

Spanish Language Support Changes Everything

Creating an account is free and takes less than five minutes and gives you access to hundreds of free resources designed to help your small business thrive. Complete any combination of two courses or virtual events (including recorded events) on the Digital Ready platform. But here’s what they don’t advertise loudly enough – full Spanish language support exists.

The application itself? Available in Spanish.

Courses? Many offered in Spanish.

This isn’t Google Translate nonsense. Professional Spanish resources created for native speakers. If English isn’t your first language, you compete on equal footing.

Strategic Application Tips From Successful Grant Recipients

Past winners share common traits. They demonstrate clear need without sounding desperate. They show growth potential without promising unrealistic outcomes. They connect their business success to community benefit.

Write like you’re explaining your business to a smart friend who knows nothing about your industry. Technical jargon kills applications. Clear, simple language wins.

Specificity beats generalizations every time. “We’ll use the grant to grow our business” loses to “We’ll purchase a commercial-grade 3D printer for $7,500, enabling us to fulfill custom orders 3x faster and hire two part-time employees from our neighborhood workforce development program.”

Numbers tell stories words can’t. Current monthly revenue, customer count, growth percentage over last year – concrete metrics proving you’re already building something real.

Beyond the Money: Hidden Benefits Most Applicants Miss

The Verizon Small Business Supplier Accelerator builds on the comprehensive support that Verizon has provided to small businesses and the communities they serve for years. In partnership with LISC, Verizon Small Business Digital Ready today announces another Small Business Digital Ready grant opportunity where eligible small businesses who are Digital Ready members can apply for $10,000 grants.

The application process itself teaches valuable lessons. You’ll clarify your business model, identify growth bottlenecks, articulate your value proposition. Even if you don’t win, you emerge with a clearer business strategy.

Network effects multiply value. Connect with other Digital Ready members. Join the community discussions. Past participants report finding suppliers, customers, even business partners through platform connections.

Common Technical Issues and Solutions

Browser problems plague many applicants. Chrome works best. Clear your cache before starting. Disable pop-up blockers – they interfere with course completion tracking.

Course progress not registering? Screenshot everything. Every completion certificate, every confirmation screen. Create a dedicated folder for documentation.

Q: Will my progress save if I close my browser mid-course?
A: Usually yes, but screenshot completion screens for proof.

Q: Can I complete courses on mobile devices?
A: Technically yes, but desktop/laptop recommended for stability.

The Partnership That Makes This Possible

In the 2020 fiscal year, LISC reported grants, loans and investments totaling US$2 billion, leveraging $4.4 billion in total development. Since 1979, LISC has invested $24 billion into communities, leveraging $69 billion to support the creation of 436,000 affordable homes and apartments and 74.4 million square feet of retail and community facilities.

Understanding LISC’s role helps you position your application. They’re not looking for the next unicorn startup. They want sustainable businesses strengthening communities. Your neighborhood bakery employing local youth matters as much as a tech startup.

Preparing Your Documents Now (Not Later)

Scrambling for documents after being selected wastes precious response time. Prepare now:

Your EIN letter from the IRS. Can’t find it? Request a duplicate today.

Current bank statements showing your business account. Personal accounts don’t count.

W-9 form completed except signature date. Sign when requested, not before.

Business registration documents from your state. Website screenshot proving your business operates.

Some finalists lose their spots because they vacation during notification week. If you’ll be unavailable in January, designate someone to monitor your email with full authority to respond immediately.

Timeline Hack: October Is Your Secret Weapon

October applicants report highest success rates (unofficial data from online forums). Why? You demonstrate planning ability by not waiting until the last minute, yet you’re close enough to the deadline that recent business developments strengthen your application.

Complete courses in September. Draft application in early October. Submit mid-October. Refine if needed through November.

Writing Your Grant Application: Real Examples That Work

Forget template responses. Write your truth. Here’s what works:

“Our food truck serves 200 construction workers daily in food deserts where no restaurants exist within walking distance. This grant would fund a second service window, reducing wait times from 15 to 7 minutes, letting workers actually eat during 30-minute lunch breaks.”

Notice the specificity? 200 workers. Food desert location. 15 to 7 minutes. Tangible problem, clear solution, measurable impact.

Avoid: “We’re passionate about serving quality food to hardworking Americans and this grant would help us achieve our dreams of expansion.”

See the difference? One tells a story with facts. The other spouts meaningless corporate speak.

Q: Should I mention other grants I’ve received?
A: Yes, briefly. Shows you’re fundable and responsible with grant money.

Q: What if my business is very new?
A: Focus on early traction metrics and founder expertise.

Why Grant Proposal Support Matters

Here’s reality. Completing a competitive grant application while running a business is tough. You’re juggling customer demands, operational issues, and financial pressures. Finding time to craft a compelling narrative that stands out among hundreds of applications? That’s where most entrepreneurs struggle.

At Grantaura, we’ve worked with over 300 clients to secure grant funding. We understand what reviewers look for in applications. We know how to translate your business challenges and aspirations into clear, compelling narratives that demonstrate fundability. Our grant writing services help you present your strongest possible application while you focus on running your business. CLICK HERE to get GRANT PROPOSAL WRITING help.

A professionally reviewed application doesn’t just increase your odds with the Verizon small business grant. It prepares you for other funding opportunities throughout the year. The skills and materials developed for one application transfer to others, multiplying your return on that initial investment in application quality.

The Verification Process Explained

Finalist selection triggers immediate action requirements. LISC conducts professional background verification – not credit checks, but business legitimacy confirmation.

They’ll verify your business registration with state databases. Your EIN must match IRS records. Bank account must be in business name (or DBA with proper documentation).

Red flags that disqualify finalists:
– Business not properly registered
– Mismatched information across documents
– Inability to provide W-9 within deadline
– Bank account problems preventing ACH transfer

Current directors, officers, employees and contractors of LISC or Verizon and such individuals’ family members may not be eligible to receive an award. Connections to Verizon or LISC? Disclose immediately or risk later disqualification.

Post-Award Responsibilities Nobody Mentions

Winning comes with obligations. Expect requests for success stories, impact metrics, possibly testimonials. Not legally required, but good karma (and good business) to participate.

Tax implications hit next April. The $10,000 counts as business income. Plan accordingly. Set aside roughly 25-35% for taxes depending on your bracket. Consult your tax professional – this isn’t tax advice.

Some winners receive unexpected media attention. Local newspapers love “local business wins national grant” stories. Prepare a one-paragraph business description now. You won’t have time later.

Alternative Strategies If You Don’t Win

Fifty winners from thousands of applicants means most don’t win. Your backup plan matters.

First, you still gained free education and resources from Digital Ready platform. Implement what you learned. Many non-winners report the courses alone transformed their businesses.

Reapply next cycle. 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.

Explore other small business grants while waiting for results. Your Digital Ready application materials work as templates for other opportunities. The research, financial documentation, business description – repurpose everything.

Making Your Application Stand Out in a Sea of Submissions

Selection teams read thousands of applications. Yours needs to stick. Here’s how:

Lead with unexpected impact metrics. Skip revenue. Talk about customer retention rate, community members employed, local suppliers supported.

Connect digital transformation to grant purpose. Since this is the “Digital Ready” program, explain how digital tools will transform your operations. Not vague “we’ll use technology” but specific “implementing inventory management software will reduce waste by 30% based on our three-month manual tracking data.”

Show momentum. Business growing 10% monthly beats stagnant business with big dreams. Provide evidence of recent wins, new customers, successful initiatives – proof you’ll maximize this investment.

At Grantaura, we help entrepreneurs navigate complex grant applications daily. Your story matters more than perfect writing. Focus on authentic impact, and let the grant reviewers see the real business behind the application. Sometimes a food truck feeding construction workers matters more than another app nobody needs. If you need expert help crafting your application, visit our grant writing services to maximize your chances of securing this funding.

Common Questions About The Verizon Small Business Grant

Q: Can nonprofits apply for this grant?
A: No, this grant is specifically for for-profit small businesses only. Nonprofits are not eligible to apply.

Q: Do I need to be a Verizon customer to apply?
A: No, you don’t need to be a Verizon customer. The program is open to any small business owner who meets the eligibility requirements.

Q: What happens if I complete the requirements but the application doesn’t unlock?
A: If you’ve completed two resources between July 1 and December 10, 2025 and the application hasn’t unlocked, contact their support team at digitalready@verizon.com for assistance.

Q: Can I apply if I received a Verizon grant in the past?
A: Yes, you can apply, but priority is given to first-time applicants. Previous recipients are less likely to be awarded a second grant.

Q: Is the application available in Spanish?
A: Yes, the application is available in Spanish. Once unlocked, you’ll see an option to complete it in Spanish.

Q: Do I need to repay the grant money?
A: No, these grants do not need to be repaid. However, you’re responsible for any taxes associated with the grant money, and LISC will issue a Form 1099.

Check Your Eligibility

Quick assessment: This tool helps determine if your business meets the basic requirements for the Verizon Small Business Grant before you invest time in the full application process. Answer a few simple questions to get instant feedback on your eligibility status.

More Verizon Small Business Grant Opportunities & Digital Business Funding

1. Creative Business Boost Initiative: $5,000 Grants For Creative Entrepreneurs: Perfect complement to the Verizon grant – this program by Hello Alice and Etsy offers $5,000 plus an 8-week virtual coaching program specifically for creative entrepreneurs who’ve been in business at least 12 months. December deadline approaching.
2. Secretsos™ Small Business Grant: $2,500 Breakthrough Business Grants USA: Quarterly $2,500 grants with zero red tape – no business plan required, complete spending flexibility. Ideal for businesses facing immediate challenges or growth opportunities.
3. 2025 Snow Hill Business Members Grant Program: Up to $5,000 for businesses in Snow Hill area focusing on operational expansion, site improvements, or startup expenses. Great for location-specific funding needs.
4. Thrive – Breva Company Grant: Quarterly $5,000 for Community Impact: If your business serves underrepresented communities, this quarterly grant rewards measurable social impact with $5,000 unrestricted funding.
5. ZenBusiness Grant Program: $5K for Recent ZenBusiness Customers: Used ZenBusiness for company formation in the last 3-6 months? You’re eligible for $5,000 plus premium business tools access. January 1, 2025 deadline.
6. Creative Business Boost Initiative: $5,000 Plus 8-Week Coaching: Creative entrepreneurs with at least 12 months of operations can secure $5,000 grants plus exclusive access to virtual Boost Camp coaching. This dual-benefit program addresses both capital needs and knowledge gaps facing creative professionals building sustainable businesses.
7. Idea Cafe Small Business Grant: $1,000 for Women Entrepreneurs: Women entrepreneurs at any business stage can apply for monthly $1,000 grants with a simplified application process requiring no extensive documentation. Past recipients include bakeries, sustainability companies, art galleries, and retail operations across diverse industries.
8. Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator Grant Opportunity: Black-owned businesses selling physical products gain $500 enrollment credits, advertising support, plus coaching through Amazon’s comprehensive program.
9. Maine Technology Institute Business Innovation Seed Grant: Maine tech companies can secure $5,000 to $50,000 for R&D activities with rolling submissions accepted year-round.
10. Skip Summer Grants: $10,000 for U.S. Entrepreneurs: Ongoing application process provides $10,000 grants to entrepreneurs across the United States regardless of business stage or size. The program celebrates entrepreneurs focusing on growth during the summer season, with no specific deadline creating flexibility for busy business owners.
11. Amazon Black Business Accelerator: Credits and Support for Black-Owned E-Commerce: Black-owned businesses selling on Amazon receive $500 enrollment credits, advertising support, business education, and mentorship opportunities. The program addresses unique challenges facing Black entrepreneurs in e-commerce with tailored resources and capital access.
12. Galaxy Grant: $2,450 Monthly for Women and Minority Entrepreneurs: Monthly grant opportunities provide $2,450 to women and minority business owners through simplified applications taking just 5-10 minutes. Winners gain access to the Galaxy of Stars community of 600,000+ entrepreneurs plus valuable business tools.
13. EmpowHer Grants: Up to $25,000 for Female Founders: Women-led businesses addressing social issues like poverty, hunger, or sustainability can secure up to $25,000 plus advisory circle access. The foundation specifically targets early-stage female entrepreneurs (businesses under 3 years old) earning revenue and demonstrating community impact.
14. Lenovo AI Business Grant: $35,000 in Cash and Technology: Small businesses ready to implement AI solutions receive $25,000 cash plus $10,000 in customized technology including Lenovo AI PCs and Microsoft Copilot integration. Year-long mentorship from Goodie Nation provides implementation support and business coaching.
15. Black History Makers Grant: $5,000 for Black Entrepreneurs: Citi Trends celebrates Black entrepreneurship with $5,000 grants recognizing business owners shaping their communities through innovative ventures. The program addresses capital access barriers facing Black entrepreneurs while celebrating Black excellence during Black History Month.
16. Big Idea Grant for Women Entrepreneurs: Monthly $1,000 Plus Coaching: Women aged 18 and over receive monthly $1,000 grants plus year-long wealth mindset coaching group access. Past recipients report 80% experiencing significant business growth within the first year after receiving support.
17. Nehemiah Davis Greatness Grant: $2,500 Quarterly for First-Time Founders: Beginning entrepreneurs with no revenue requirements can access quarterly $2,500 grants plus personal mentorship from founder Nehemiah Davis. The program targets founders in the early stages still figuring out how to transform passion into payroll.
18. Illinois Small Business Grant: $245K for SEDI-Owned Businesses: Massive funding opportunity for Illinois businesses owned by socially/economically disadvantaged individuals – up to $245,000 for infrastructure and equipment.
19. McKinsey Fast Grants: $10K Plus Expert Consulting for Chicago Businesses: Chicago entrepreneurs receive $10,000 plus six months of McKinsey mentorship – combining capital with world-class business expertise.
20. Square Cornerstone Grant: $10K Business Funding: Square offers $10,000 grants plus expert mentorship for small business owners using their payment processing platform. Perfect for retail and service businesses looking to expand operations.
21. PayPal Small Business Impact Awards: Win $25,000 plus a marketing masterclass through PayPal’s annual program for community-focused entrepreneurs making a difference in their local areas.
22. CO-100 Small Business Awards: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recognizes top small businesses with $25,000 awards plus national exposure. Applications typically open in early spring each year.
23. Portsmouth Smart Start Grant: Up to $5,000 reimbursed at 80% for tech, marketing, or equipment purchases. Great for businesses in the Portsmouth area looking to upgrade their operations.
24. National Pride Grant LGBTQIA+ Small Business: $25,000 grants for 25 LGBTQIA+ business owners nationwide. Pre-registration opens in April 2026 for this inclusive funding opportunity.
25. Browse All Small Business Grants on Grantaura: Access our complete database of verified small business funding opportunities updated daily with new programs.
26. United States Business Grants Directory: Comprehensive listing of all federal, state, and private grants available to U.S. businesses sorted by eligibility and deadline.

Finding the right grant takes persistence and strategy. While pursuing the Verizon Small Business Grant, smart entrepreneurs apply to multiple compatible programs. Grantaura’s free platform lets you search thousands of verified opportunities, filter by your exact eligibility criteria, and track application deadlines. Create your free account to discover grants perfectly matched to your business type, location, and growth stage.

Terms

• Digital Ready Platform: Verizon’s free online education portal where small business owners access courses, coaching sessions, and networking opportunities. Completing two resources here unlocks your grant application eligibility.
• LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation): The community development financial institution partnering with Verizon to administer these small business grants. They evaluate applications and distribute funds to winning businesses.
• Grant Finalist: Businesses selected for final review after initial application screening. Finalists must provide additional documentation like W-9 forms and bank information but aren’t guaranteed funding.
• ACH Transfer: Automated Clearing House electronic payment system used to deposit your $10,000 grant directly into your business bank account if selected.
• W-9 Form: IRS tax document you’ll submit if selected as a finalist, providing your business tax identification number for grant disbursement and tax reporting purposes.
• 1099 Tax Form: Document you’ll receive after winning showing the $10,000 grant as taxable business income that must be reported on your tax return.
• Rolling Grant Cycle: Unlike the Verizon program’s fixed December deadline, some grants accept applications continuously throughout the year with periodic review periods.
• Unrestricted Funding: Grant money without specific spending requirements – you decide whether to buy equipment, hire staff, or cover operating expenses based on business needs.
• Digital Transformation: Process of integrating technology into business operations – exactly what Verizon’s program aims to support through education and funding.
• CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution): Organizations like LISC that provide financial services in underserved markets traditional banks often ignore.
• For-Profit Business Entity: Commercial enterprises eligible for this grant, including LLCs, corporations, partnerships, and sole proprietorships – nonprofits cannot apply.
• Business Verification Documents: Proof your business legally exists, such as state registration certificates, EIN letters, or business licenses required during finalist review.
• Virtual Events: Online workshops and coaching sessions on the Digital Ready platform that count toward your two-resource requirement for application eligibility.
• Matching Funds: Money you must contribute alongside grant funds in some programs – NOT required for Verizon’s grant, giving you full use of the $10,000.
• Grant Agreement: Legal document outlining your responsibilities after winning, though Verizon’s program has minimal post-award requirements compared to government grants.
• EIN (Employer Identification Number): Federal tax ID number for your business that you’ll need to provide if selected as a grant finalist.
• DBA (Doing Business As): Trade name different from your legal business name – ensure your bank account matches your DBA documentation for smooth fund transfer.
• Technical Assistance: Support beyond just money – the Digital Ready platform’s courses and coaching that help implement business improvements.
• Underrepresented Entrepreneurs: Business owners from communities historically excluded from traditional funding including minorities, women, veterans, and rural operators.
• Grant Application Window: The July 1 to December 10, 2025 period when you must complete courses and submit your application for this funding round.

Author

Digital business transformation hits differently when you’re bootstrapping everything yourself. As someone who’s watched countless entrepreneurs struggle to bridge the gap between vision and resources, I founded Grantaura specifically to decode opportunities like the Verizon Small Business Grant. Since 2021, I’ve guided hundreds of business owners through the grant maze – from understanding eligibility nuances to crafting applications that actually get read. This particular program excites me because it combines education with capital, addressing both knowledge and funding gaps simultaneously.

The beauty of the Verizon grant lies not just in the $10,000, but in forcing entrepreneurs to invest in their own education first. Those two required courses? They’re not hoops to jump through – they’re strategic preparation for handling growth capital wisely. Through Grantaura’s comprehensive database and application support services, we’ve helped businesses secure millions in grant funding by understanding one truth: great businesses don’t always write great applications. That’s where expertise matters. Want to explore how we can strengthen your grant applications? Schedule a consultation to discuss your funding strategy.