Last Updated on March 13, 2026 by The HD Post Staff
CALIFORNIA – Verizon is offering $5,000 grants to small businesses in California through its Digital Ready program, with applications due March 31.
California is home to about 4.2 million small businesses, representing 99.9% of all businesses in the state and employing roughly 7 million workers, according to the Employment Development Department (EDD).
Access to funding remains a challenge for many entrepreneurs. Studies show cash-flow problems contribute to about 82% of small business failures.
Verizon, in partnership with LISC, is awarding $5,000 grants to 25 California small businesses to help them sustain and grow.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the $5,000 California grant, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a for-profit business. Nonprofits are not eligible.
- Be based in the United States with a primary business address in California. The business address must be provided during the application and will be verified for finalists.
- Be 18 years of age or older.
- Be able to provide required business and financial documentation, such as W-9 and ACH forms, if selected as a finalist.
To apply for the grant, applicants must complete one Digital Ready course, virtual event (including recorded events), or in-person event by March 31, 2026, to unlock the application.
The grant will be awarded directly to selected business owners and does not require repayment.
Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PT on March 31, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
For more information, visit https://digitalready.verizonwireless.com/course-details/id_CA_grant
