$5K Grant Program: New York

The New York $5,000 Grant is part of Verizon’s ongoing commitment to supporting small business development through its Digital Ready platform. In collaboration with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Verizon has established this funding opportunity to empower entrepreneurs in New York by providing them with direct, non-repayable grants. These grants are designed to help small businesses strengthen their operations, enhance stability, and invest in growth, with an overarching goal of bolstering local economic development and resilience. This specific opportunity awards $5,000 to each of 25 selected small businesses operating in the state of New York. A key feature of this grant program is its integration with Verizon Small Business Digital Ready—a platform that offers a wide range of free educational resources, coaching, and networking events tailored to small business owners. To access the application for the New York $5,000 Grant, business owners must first register for the Digital Ready platform and complete at least one eligible course or event between January 1 and March 31, 2026. This step serves as a qualifying activity and unlocks the grant application portal. Eligibility criteria are clearly defined: applicants must be at least 18 years of age, own a U.S.-based for-profit business with a verified business address in New York, and be prepared to submit standard financial and business verification documents such as a W-9 and banking details for ACH payment. Nonprofit organizations are explicitly ineligible. While past grant recipients are allowed to reapply, priority will be given to first-time applicants. Additionally, employees, contractors, and immediate family members of Verizon or LISC are not eligible to receive awards. The grant funds can be used broadly for business sustainability or growth. While specific spending categories are not detailed, the funds are delivered with flexibility, enabling recipients to apply them where they are most needed in their operations. The application process itself is streamlined but requires prompt and complete submission. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM PT on March 31, 2026. No late submissions will be accepted. After submission, a review period will follow, and finalists will be contacted by the week of May 17, 2026. If selected as a finalist, additional documentation will be required, including verification of identity and business legitimacy. This may involve providing an EIN, TIN/ITIN, W-9, date of birth, and appropriate bank account information. Background verification, though not involving credit checks, will be conducted by LISC at no cost to the applicant. Communication with applicants will be conducted primarily via email from official LISC addresses. The application is also available in Spanish, ensuring accessibility for Spanish-speaking business owners. Verizon encourages all applicants to review the FAQ section prior to applying to ensure a full understanding of the program’s requirements and submission procedures. Those experiencing technical issues are advised to use Google Chrome on a desktop or laptop and clear their cache or try incognito mode if needed. Verizon’s support team is available via email to assist applicants who face platform-related difficulties.