The selection process includes a combination of an algorithmic scoring system, a randomized selection component, and in-depth review of a subset of applications for factors including:

Accuracy and completeness of the application, including optional questions

Verification of an online business presence (e.g., business website, social media, or customer reviews)

Impact on and/or engagement with the local community

Clarity and feasibility of the proposed use of funds

Please note: Given the high volume of applications LISC receives, some businesses that meet all eligibility requirements and align with the selection criteria may not receive a grant - not due to any flaw in their application, but simply because of overwhelming demand. Final selections are made at LISC’s sole discretion. Priority will be given to businesses located in under-resourced LMI communities that may not have access to flexible, affordable capital.

What is the current grant application timeline?

Grant applications are now open and close at 11:59 pm PT on December 10, 2025. 

What can I expect from the application process?

Once you’ve completed any combination of two courses or virtual events (including recorded events) on the Digital Ready platform between January 1, 2025 and June 30, 2025, the grant application will become available on the Grants page of the Digital Ready platform. Click "Get Started" to go directly to the application. 

The application is designed to be straightforward and accessible - no grant writer is needed or recommended. To ensure a smooth application process, here are a few best practices to keep in mind:

Use the Google Chrome browser to complete the application

Gather key details in advance, such as your most recent annual business revenue, structure of your business, and number of employees.

Set aside uninterrupted time to complete the application in one sitting. Your responses may not be saved if you leave the application page or lose internet connection before submitting the application.

Double-check your responses before submitting. LISC cannot accept changes to the application once it has been submitted.

Every applicant will receive a confirmation screen after hitting "done," on their application as well as a follow-up email confirmation, as long as they have filled out all the required fields. 

If I applied in a previous round, do I have to re-apply, or will my application roll over?

Applications do not roll over to later rounds. You must submit a new application for each grant cycle in order to be considered for funding. Each round has unique aspects and application eligibility requirements. If you meet the current round’s eligibility requirements, you can apply again, even if you applied in a previous round. 

When filling out the application, I'm seeing the error message “3.1.  You're creating a duplicate record.  It is recommended you use an existing record instead.” What should I do?

Applicants may apply for only one business and submit only one application per round. If you've applied in previous rounds, please submit a new application with the exact same First Name, Last Name and Email Address as you did previously.

How will I be contacted or know if I will receive a grant?

LISC will primarily utilize email to communicate with all applicants. You can expect to hear whether or not you have been selected for funding by August 10, 2025. 

Be sure to check your email regularly, including spam folders. Email updates to all applicants will come from the LISC Small Business Grants. Finalists will receive next steps from an “@lisc.org” email address domain. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the legitimacy of an email about your grant application status, please contact smallbusinessservices@lisc.org. 

Finalists will be notified by email and must respond promptly. The return of any grantee notification message or document as undeliverable may result in disqualification of the applicable grantee, the forfeiture of his or her interest in the grant, and the selection of a substitute from among all remaining eligible finalists.

What does it mean to be a “finalist” and will there be additional documentation required?

If your business is selected as a finalist, you will be notified via email. Being selected as a finalist does not guarantee that you will receive a grant. As a finalist, additional documentation will be required to screen and verify business information. This may include a background search that LISC will conduct at our expense and submission of additional information including verification information such as date of birth, SSN, TIN/ITIN, EIN, W-9, and appropriate banking information in order to receive funds via ACH if awarded. The background verification does not involve a credit check or credit score pull. LISC will never request copies of personal documentation such as driver’s licenses, passports and/or green cards.

Does anything need to be repaid?

No, these grants do not need to be repaid. However, all taxes associated with the acceptance and/or uses of cash awarded are the sole responsibility of the individual grantee. LISC will issue a Form 1099 for these grants.

Applicants may apply once for this round and for one business only. For business owners with multiple businesses, please complete this application based on your largest business owned. Each grant is limited to one grant per individual business tax ID. Awards will be made to qualified businesses, and eligibility is based on accurate and complete submission.

Eligibility is based on accurate and complete submission. Priority will be given to businesses located in under-resourced LMI communities that may not have access to flexible, affordable capital. Non-profit organizations are ineligible for this grant. Applicants may apply for one business only and must be 18 years of age to apply. 

If your business is selected as a finalist, you will be notified via email. Being selected as a finalist does not guarantee a grant will be awarded. As a finalist, additional documentation will be required, including Date of Birth, Social Security Number, Tax Identification Number, Individual Tax Identification Number and/or Employer Identification Number for the applicant and/or the business in order for us to perform the due diligence required by the program’s funding source. This due diligence inquiry may include a background search that we will conduct at our expense. If the due diligence step is successfully completed, we will ask for your business's W-9 and banking information so that we may transfer funds by ACH to your designated account. If your W-9 and banking information does not match your application, you may be ineligible to receive grant funds. 

Privacy: Information provided through the application process is the responsibility of each applicant. Applications submitted to the portal remain confidential to the general public and any fellow applicants. For further information please see LISC’s privacy policy. Data entered on this secure form utilizes FormAssembly. More info.

Conflict of Interest: Current directors, officers, employees and contractors of LISC or Verizon and such individuals' family members (spouse, parents, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and spouses of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren) may not be eligible to receive an award. 

Submission Guidance: LISC cannot accept changes to your application once it has been submitted, so please review it carefully. Your work may not be saved if you leave the web page before submitting the application. You may also lose your work if your internet is disconnected, or as a result of other potential web browser issues. 

You will see a confirmation page after successful completion of this application.