New York-based Verizon Communications recently awarded $50,000 to the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the African-American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ & DE (AACC).
The chambers will use the funding for a six-month program designed for Philadelphia-based small-business owners. Participants will learn how to use technology to grow and thrive. Session topics will include artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and cybersecurity.
“Digital equity is more than having access to technology and broadband, it’s being able to use technology proficiently,” Regina Hairston, AACC president & CEO, said. “In Philadelphia, 2.5 percent of Black-owned businesses are employer firms, meaning many are micro businesses. This grant is essential in helping to build the capacity and potential of small businesses by providing them the tools and resources necessary to create a solid digital infrastructure. Being able to deploy technology efficiently can lead to increased productivity, revenue, and eventually create more jobs.”
The chambers believe that access to technology-focused training allows small businesses to grow and succeed.
The Community Enhancement Award is part of the Verizon Forward Community Enhancement Award, a $1 million national initiative providing communities with digital skills.
Verizon’s Citizen Verizon business initiative has the goal of helping 1 million small businesses succeed in the digital economy by 2030.