At Columbia City Connect, part of supporting a strong downtown is helping local businesses find resources that can support their growth. That includes sharing funding opportunities that may be a good fit for Columbia City entrepreneurs and small business owners.
One opportunity currently available is the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready $10,000 Grant, offered by Verizon in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC).
What Is the Opportunity?
Verizon and LISC will award $10,000 grants to 10 small businesses each month from June through December 2026.
The application process starts with a simple requirement: register for Verizon Small Business Digital Ready and complete any two free courses or events through the program.
Once those requirements are completed, you’ll be able to submit the grant application. You only need to apply once, and your application will remain eligible for grant selections throughout the remainder of 2026.
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is available to owners of for-profit small businesses located in the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
If you own multiple businesses, you may apply for one business.
How Does the Selection Process Work?
LISC uses a multi-step process to select grant recipients.
An anonymous drawing is first used to narrow the applicant pool. If needed, an algorithm is then used to create a balanced mix of industries and geographic locations.
Priority is given to businesses in under-resourced, low- to moderate-income communities and businesses that may have limited access to flexible, affordable capital.
Selected applications then undergo additional review for accuracy, community impact, and the proposed use of funds. Businesses must also complete a verification process before grant funds are awarded.
When Will Businesses Be Notified?
Applications are reviewed monthly from June through December 2026, with 10 businesses selected each month.
If you aren’t selected in one month, your application remains eligible for future selections throughout 2026. All applicants will receive a final decision by January 12, 2027.
A Resource Worth Exploring
For a small business, $10,000 can provide valuable flexibility to invest in the business. The grant opportunity also begins with free educational courses and events that can help business owners build their digital skills.
At Columbia City Connect, we encourage local entrepreneurs and business owners to keep an eye out for opportunities like this. You don’t have to know whether you’ll be selected before deciding whether it’s worth applying. If you meet the eligibility requirements, completing the free courses or events can open the door to the application.
Ready to get started?
Register for Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
Browse free courses and events
Learn more about the $10,000 grant and eligibility requirements
Grant details, eligibility requirements, and deadlines are subject to the program’s official guidelines. Business owners should review the full requirements before applying.
