U.S. small businesses can currently apply for $10,000 grants through Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation.

The 2026 programme operates differently from many traditional grant cycles.

Entrepreneurs submit one application and remain in consideration for monthly awards through the end of the year.

Verizon and LISC are selecting 10 small businesses every month from June through December 2026 to receive $10,000 each.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must own a for-profit small business based in the United States, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands and be at least 18 years old.

Nonprofit organisations are not eligible.

If an owner operates several businesses, only one business can be entered.

What Must You Do Before Applying?

Entrepreneurs first create a free account on the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready platform.

To unlock the grant application, the owner must complete any combination of two eligible courses or events during 2026.

Eligible learning activity can include courses, virtual events, recorded events and specified in-person events.

The requirement is important because simply registering for Digital Ready does not automatically qualify the business to submit the grant application.

How Much Funding Is Available?

Each selected company receives a $10,000 grant.

The funding does not need to be repaid.

Since 2021, Verizon says more than 1,500 unique small businesses have received Digital Ready grants.

How Does the Rolling Selection Work?

Founders apply once during 2026.

If the business is not selected during the first monthly review, the application remains eligible for later monthly selections.

Applicants therefore do not have to submit the same information every month.

Selections run through December 2026, and all applicants should receive a final decision by January 12, 2027.

To unlock the grant application, the required Digital Ready learning activities must be completed by December 7, 2026.

How Are Winners Chosen?

LISC first uses an anonymous drawing to narrow the pool.

An algorithm may then be used to help ensure grants are not excessively concentrated in one industry or geography.

Priority is given to businesses located in under-resourced and low-to-moderate-income communities.

Applications reaching the deeper review stage are assessed for accuracy, community impact and proposed use of funds.

How to Write a Strong Application

Explain what the business already does for its customers and community.

Then make the proposed use of $10,000 concrete.

Rather than saying the company needs working capital, describe the equipment, inventory, hiring, technology or marketing investment and the business outcome you expect.

Finalists also need to provide business and financial verification documents, so applicants should make sure that company records are accurate before applying.

Official Application Route

Register for Verizon Small Business Digital Ready and access the grant

Because the application remains active throughout the year after submission, qualifying businesses benefit from applying as early as possible rather than waiting until December