For many small businesses, especially those owned by women and people of color, navigating the existing COVID economy presents new opportunities and challenges — particularly when it comes to the digital demands required to operate in today’s business world.

That’s why Verizon teamed with Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and Next Street to create Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, a free online curriculum designed to give small businesses the tools they need to thrive in the digital economy. It includes access to personalized learning plans, coaching from experts, and networking opportunities with diverse, industry-specific businesses.

“As our country works to help all sectors regain their financial footing, there is a strong need to focus on small businesses, who are the backbone of our economy. The past two years revealed that the lack of a digital presence, appropriate tech resources, and support systems made it difficult for some small business owners to survive,” says Rose Stuckey Kirk, Senior Vice President, and Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer at Verizon. “We knew we had to step in and help.”

LISC Interim CEO Lisa Glover knows there’s a need and opportunity to help women-owned businesses and entrepreneurs of color, who all too often get caught in the crosshairs when unforeseen events occur.

“When you look at the businesses that were hardest hit during this pandemic, they were retailers and restaurants and salons — traditionally the types of businesses that have high percentages of ownership by women and people of color,” she says. “It’s more important than ever for those businesses to have a solid digital presence, and I think the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready curriculum helps these businesses build the digital operations that are really critical.”

Read the full article about supporting BIPOC and women entrepreneurs by Natalie Webb at LISC.