Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current grant application timeline?
Grant applications are now open and close at 11:59 pm PT on June 30, 2025. All applicants will be notified about whether or not they have been selected as a grant finalist by August 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.