We know just how difficult it can be to level up your business when you’re short on resources and tools. That’s why the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready program is designed to make small business learning accessible to all. From courses and live coaching sessions to personalized learning plans, it’s a free and easy way to bump up your skills and knowledge.
To further support active users of Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, we’re committing more than $1M in total grant funding directly to small businesses, to be deployed over the course of 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply?
To be eligible to apply for grants, users must complete at least two courses or live coaching events and submit an application. Awards will be made to a selection of qualified businesses who apply (not all applicants). Eligibility is based on accurate and complete submission, and priority will be given to businesses located in historically under-served communities who don't have access to flexible, affordable capital. Non-profit organizations are ineligible for this grant. Applicants may apply for one business only and must be 18 years of age to apply.
Can I change my application after it’s been submitted?
It is recommended that before completing and submitting the online form, respondents review answers carefully, as your work may not be saved if you leave the web page before submitting the application. You may also lose your work if your internet is disconnected, or as a result of other potential web browser issues. LISC cannot accept changes to the application once it has been submitted, so please review it carefully. We recommend using the Google Chrome browser for the application process.
Will I receive confirmation after I submit my application?
Every applicant receives a confirmation screen after hitting "done" as well as a follow-up email confirmation, as long as they have filled out all fields correctly.
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 round of grants in order to be considered for funding. Each round has unique aspects and application eligibility requirements.
If I applied in a previous round, am I eligible to apply again and be considered in this round?
Yes, you can submit a new application for this round, and it will be considered.
When filling out the application, I'm seeing the error message “3.1. You're creating a duplicate record. It is recommended you use an existing record instead.” What should I do?
Applicants may apply for only one business and submit only one application per round. If you've applied in previous rounds, please submit a new application with the exact same First Name, Last Name and Email Address as you did previously.
How will I be contacted or know if I will receive a grant?
LISC will primarily utilize email to communicate with all applicants.
Be sure to check email regularly, including spam folders. Email updates to all applicants will come from the LISC Small Business Relief Grant. Finalists will receive next steps from notifications@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 to include 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.
Any other questions?
We are monitoring inquiries sent to smallbusinessservices@lisc.org and will be posting answers and updates on this landing page in an effort to ensure transparency and equal access to information for all applicants.