GWHCC helps bring digital transformation to diverse small businesses in the DC region with Verizon Small Business Digital Ready

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GWHCC helps bring digital transformation to diverse small businesses in the DC region 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.

For Immediate Release

April 24, 2024

Washington, DC - Today, he Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce announced its plan to help bring a new online curriculum to small businesses across the DC region: 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.

"Verizon Small Business Digital Ready is a game-changer for the 100,000+ businesses that closed during the pandemic, especially Black and Latino/Hispanic-owned ones." said Nicole Quiroga, GWHCC President and CEO. "With personalized learning, expert coaching, networking, and incentives, we're fueling their success in the digital era. Let's rebuild and revitalize together!"

Developed by small businesses, Verizon Small Business Digital Ready provides 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]

To register and access, visit verizon.com/smallbusinessdigitalready.

This initiative is 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.

About the GWHCC: GWHCC is a membership driven non-profit organization that supports the economic development of the Greater Washington region by facilitating the success of the businesses and the communities they serve through networking, advocacy, education and access to capital.

PRESS CONTACT

Idaliz Ortiz Morales

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