NACCE helps bring digital transformation to diverse small businesses in U.S. with Verizon Small...

NACCE Press Releases,
NACCE helps bring digital transformation to diverse small businesses in U.S. with Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
In partnership with Next Street and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Verizon Small Business Digital Ready aims to focus on women- and minority-owned businesses in under-resourced communities
 
The online curriculum will provide resources and in-depth support - including coaching, networking and incentives
 
Raleigh, NC—October 27, 2021—Today, NACCE announced its plan to help bring a new online curriculum to small businesses across the United States: Verizon Small Business Digital Ready. In partnership with Next Street and LISC, the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready online curriculum is designed to give small businesses the tools they need to thrive in today's digital economy, including access to personalized learning plans, coaching from experts and networking opportunities with diverse, industry-specific businesses.
 
More than 100,000 small businesses closed due to the pandemic, with a disproportionate impact on Black and Lantinx-owned small businesses. Verizon Small Business Digital Ready offers businesses support, aiming to enable digital readiness and drive digital transformation through a customized curriculum that accounts for industry, size and interests. NACCE is proud to be working with Verizon to reach those businesses most in need of support within the United States.
 
"NACCE is pleased to partner with Verizon Small Business Digital Ready to help move one million small businesses forward. Community colleges are entrepreneurial catalysts and we can't wait to see how this program helps advance minority-owned small business owners across the United States," noted Dr. Rebecca Corbin, President and CEO of NACCE.
 
Developed by small businesses, Verizon Small Business Digital Ready offers a personalized experience - providing resources, networking and coaching tailored to a small business’s specific needs. The program can help small businesses move forward in four ways:
 
  • Personalized Learning - Content presented by small businesses through brief, information-packed lessons small businesses can use right away.
  • Expert Coaching - Guidance from business experts across marketing, business planning, legal, and more.
  • Peer Networking - Connections to other small businesses to build their networks.
  • Incentives - A marketplace of tools, solutions, products and services that can help small businesses. Participants will also be eligible to apply for grant funding exclusive to users of Verizon Small Business Digital Ready.[1]
  • For registration and access, visit verizon.com/smallbusinessdigitalready.
 
This initiative is just one part of Verizon’s commitment to providing one million small businesses with digital tools and resources by 2030 and is central to Verizon’s responsible business plan, Citizen Verizon, for economic, environmental and social advancement. Launched in 2020 to move the world forward for all, Citizen Verizon leverages technology, innovation and resources to address the world’s most pressing issues across digital inclusion, climate protection and human prosperity. As part of Citizen Verizon, Verizon plans to exceed $3 billion in its responsible business investment from 2020-2025 to continue helping vulnerable communities bridge the digital divide and prepare for the digital economy of the future.

ABOUT VERIZON
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) was formed on June 30, 2000 and is one of the world’s leading providers of technology, communications, information and entertainment products and services. Headquartered in New York City and with a presence around the world, Verizon generated revenues of $128.3 billion in 2020. The company offers data, video and voice services and solutions on its award-winning networks and platforms, delivering on customers’ demand for mobility, reliable network connectivity, security and control.
[1] Participants who register for Verizon Small Business Digital Ready and complete two courses or mentoring events will be eligible to apply for a $10,000 grant.