Charleston, W.Va. — The West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WV SBDC) recently announced its plan to help bring a new online training platform, Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, to entrepreneurs across the state. In partnership with Next Street and LISC, the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready online curriculum equips small businesses with the tools they need to thrive in today’s digital economy. Any small business can register online at bit.ly/WVSBDC-Verizon-Training for free, with no Verizon commitment required. Course categories include financial health, workplace culture, digital marketing, legal and security, and business strategy.
“Providing small business owners with support, connecting them with resources, and helping them develop the necessary skills for success is central to the WV SBDC’s mission,” says State Director Will Miller. “That is why the WV SBDC is excited about this opportunity to work with Verizon and further empower our state’s entrepreneurs through access to the Small Business Digital Ready program’s complimentary courses.”
To complement the hundreds of free resources available, Verizon, in partnership with LISC, is awarding $5,000 grants to 25 small businesses in West Virginia to help them sustain and grow. The grant will be awarded directly to selected business owners and does not need to be repaid. Awards will be made to a selection of qualified businesses who apply (not all applicants). Eligibility is based on the accurate and complete submission of the application. To be eligible, small business owners must register using the provided link: bit.ly/WVSBDC-Verizon-5Kgrant; complete a course, workshop, or event; and submit the application by March 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.
“Our business coaches are regularly fielding questions and concerns about funding from our clients,” Miller adds. “Grants are typically very limited, and this could be the opportunity a small business needs to get started on the right foot or level up. I would encourage all entrepreneurs to fulfill the requirements and apply.”
This initiative is one part of Verizon’s commitment to providing one million small businesses with digital tools and resources by 2030. It is central to Verizon’s responsible business plan, Citizen Verizon, for economic, environmental and social advancement.
About the West Virginia Small Business Development Center
The West Virginia Small Business Development Center, an accredited partner program with the U.S. Small Business Administration and a division of the West Virginia Division of Economic Development, helps small businesses at all stages of development by connecting entrepreneurs to coaching, training, and resources.
WV SBDC business coaches hold professional certifications, including Certified Business Advisor® (CBA) and Entrepreneurship Development Professional (EDP), and hold MBAs, with expertise in design thinking, AI, cybersecurity, exporting, technology, innovation, manufacturing, finance, management, HR, and marketing.
This program is supported by federal funding. Full disclosures available at wvsbdc.com/fundingdisclosure.
For more information about the WV SBDC and its services, visit wvsbdc.com.
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.