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Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: AWBC and Verizon's Partnership

The Association of Women’s Business Centers (AWBC) has revealed remarkable outcomes stemming from its partnership with Verizon, aimed at bolstering women's entrepreneurship across the nation. Since its inception, this collaboration has positively impacted over 30,000 small business owners, enhancing their digital skills, providing essential training, and expanding access to economic opportunities.

In recent years, this initiative has presented crucial technology tools, grant funding, and educational resources that support business growth in various communities, including rural, urban, and those traditionally underserved. The year 2025 marked a significant milestone in these efforts.

Highlights of Verizon Partnership in 2025

In 2025 alone, more than 8,435 business owners registered for Verizon Digital Ready, a program designed to aid in the enhancement of digital capabilities. Additionally, nearly 2,000 veterans participated in various programming activities, while over 2,200 courses were completed by entrepreneurs to refine their operational strategies.

Furthermore, the Verizon Skill Forward initiative saw 1,447 entrepreneurs signing up, with many completing frontline training that aims to align them with workforce demands. This comprehensive approach demonstrates how Verizon integrates its resources into the AWBC's network, supporting everything from onboarding processes to business plan development.

During the 2025 AWBC Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., Verizon played a pivotal role by connecting directly with small business owners and resource partners. The attendees were treated to firsthand accounts from subgrant recipients who eloquently described the transformative impact of Verizon's support, leading to record levels of interest in Verizon Digital Ready and Skill Forward.

Building a Robust Network of Support

This partnership ensures that digital readiness remains a focus throughout the AWBC network. It includes promotion through various platforms like HOPE2Women Funding Center, VeteranStartup.org, and even the TikTok Shop Veteran SOAR Business Accelerators. Each effort aims to deliver efficient access to training and resources regardless of an entrepreneur's stage or location.

Among the inspiring success stories is that of Amy Brooks Hoffmann, owner of Fleur de Lis Organized Solutions. She encountered Verizon's Small Business Digital Ready offerings through the Women’s Business Center of Kentucky, which eventually led her to win a $10,000 grant. Hoffmann expressed how courses such as Defining Your Brand: Connecting to Customers were instrumental in enhancing her marketing strategies and outreach to clients.

The collaboration has also successfully provided approximately $1.53 million across 100 subgrants, with nearly $545,000 allocated in 2025 alone to support 26 organizations nationwide. This initiative has enabled outreach to women entrepreneurs and veteran communities, particularly in rural areas and regions where access to digital resources is limited.

Continued Commitment to Entrepreneurs

The recognition of the partnership's achievements comes from AWBC CEO, Corinne Goble, who stated, "Five years into our partnership with Verizon, we are grateful for how this collaboration has strengthened our entire network and organization." The commitment remains to empower entrepreneurs from various backgrounds, ensuring they possess the necessary digital tools and support to build resilient businesses in an increasingly digital world.

The AWBC and Verizon partnership stands as a beacon of hope for countless women entrepreneurs striving to carve out their paths in the business landscape. With ongoing access to supportive resources and programs like Verizon Digital Ready and Skill Forward, the future for small business owners looks brighter than ever.

Conclusion

In an evolving economic climate where digital competency is paramount, the unwavering collaboration between AWBC and Verizon underscores the collective power of partnerships in fostering inclusive growth. As small business owners continue to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape, programs aimed at enhancing their skills and tools are indispensable. To explore these free programs, entrepreneurs can visit Verizon Digital Ready and Skill Forward today.

About AWBC

The AWBC serves as the national advocate for women’s entrepreneurship, supporting over 150 Women’s Business Centers across the United States. By providing free coaching, networking opportunities, and essential resources, AWBC aims to empower entrepreneurs to thrive and contribute positively to the economy.