San Bernardino, CA – Verizon today announced a new round of support for California’s small business community, offering $5,000 grants to 25 eligible entrepreneurs through the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready platform. In partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), this initiative aims to provide vital capital and digital training to help small businesses sustain and grow in an increasingly digital economy.
Since its inception, Verizon Digital Ready has provided small business owners with free access to over 400 educational resources, including tailored courses, live coaching, and peer networking. The platform is designed for the busy entrepreneur, with many learning modules taking as little as three minutes to complete.
“Small businesses are the backbone of California’s economy,” said Carl M Dameron, president at Dameron Communications. “By combining financial grants with accessible digital tools, Verizon is empowering business owners to enhance their operations and reach new customers in a competitive marketplace.”
Eligibility and Application Process
The $5,000 grant program is open to for-profit small businesses with a primary business address located in the state of California. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and prepared to provide standard business verification (such as W-9 and ACH documentation) if selected as a finalist.
To unlock the grant application, business owners must:
Register or sign in to the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready platform.
Complete at least one course, virtual event, or in-person coaching session between January 1, 2026, and March 31, 2026.
Submit the formal application via the platform by 11:59 PM PT on March 31, 2026.
This program is part of Verizon’s ongoing commitment to digital inclusion, aiming to provide resources to 1 million small businesses by 2030.
For more information and to begin the application process, visit https://digitalready.verizonwireless.com/?utm_source=orange-county-sbdc&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=digital-ready_local-partner_los-angeles
