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Verizon Digital Ready Provides the Free Skills Training and Grant Programs Entrepreneurs Need
- Verizon has launched Small Business Digital Ready. The free program gives small businesses access to digital tools and resources to thrive in today’s economy. The program offers free learning modules, expert coaching, peer networking and a marketplace of tools and solutions. The online resource is available to any small business across Michigan (and nationwide). Verizon has offered grants to GVSU's Veterans Entrepreneurship Lab and Detroit’s Black Business Alliance’s Capital Connect Program to provide support and financial assistance to veterans, military spouses, and Black-owned businesses. The company seeks to create more equitable pathways for entrepreneurs to succeed in the digital economy.
- Verizon Digital Ready’s community section allows businesses to connect with other businesses and resources by city. The program offers personalized learning and coaching resources to entrepreneurs, enabling them to identify target customers, network with others, and find the resources to launch profitably. Over 75% of small businesses pivoted their operations due to the pandemic. More than 50% of SMBs say their online interactions with customers have increased. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift to digital ways of working, making digital readiness critical for small business owners today.
- Verizon Small Business Digital Ready’s free courses, coaching sessions, mentoring and digital skills training are available to anyone who has joined the program. Entrepreneurs can access free digital transformation courses and financial assistance to support digital transformation initiatives, network with other small business owners and experts and receive support from Verizon and its partners.
- Verizon actively partners with Michigan small businesses to help entrepreneurs and provide access and opportunities. The $10,000 small business grant is one of Verizon's programs to help entrepreneurs thrive. Entrepreneurs can access free courses and events related to digital transformation, completing two courses to apply for the grants.
- Verizon’s Small Business Digital Ready program was built by (mostly BIPOC) small businesses for small businesses. The program was shaped by the Small Business Advisory Committee, including Jamiel Robinson (Grand Rapids Area Black Businesses). Diverse subject matter experts drive the program's content, interactive video modules, and coaching events.
- Verizon Small Business Digital Ready offers courses and events related to financing, digital marketing, and improving online presence. Attendees can connect with peers with similar interests and access resources for their business to launch and grow digitally. Small Business Digital Ready is partnering with Small Business Development Centers, CDFIs, and other organizations supporting small businesses every day.
- Verizon is partnering with various associations working with small businesses, such as the Detroit Regional Chamber, Grand Rapids Chamber, Dearborn Chamber, Automation Alley, Metro Detroit Black Business Alliance, MI Business Incubator Assoc. to share resources and expertise with their membership. Verizon participates in thought leadership events with these organizations.
- Verizon hosts virtual community dialogues and hearing the current challenges small business owners are facing. Attendees have included small business owners, small business support organizations, and chambers of commerce. Verizon continues to build long-term partnerships with the communities they serve by exploring opportunities to be supportive.
- Verizon works as a liaison between small business owners and the company. Liaisons build bridges of connection with internal business partners and external stakeholders to champion policies that enrich lives and enable a digital future. They leverage relationships within Verizon, business support organization partners to team up and disseminate information about Verizon tools and resources.
- Verizon seeks to enable small businesses to adapt to shifting customer preferences, compete in today's digital economy, and succeed through digital transformation. Digital transformation is a critical aspect of the company's support for small businesses and entrepreneurs they work within Michigan and nationwide.
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