It started in July 2010 when Verizon Wireless’ HopeLine Program launched an innovative program to provide Domestic Violence Entrepreneurship Grants to domestic violence survivors to help them start or expand a small or home-based business.
One of the first to receive a grant is Ebony Fletcher who almost lost her life to an abusive ex-boyfriend after he sat on her back and shot her in the head. The $5,000 grant she received from the Verizon Wireless’ HopeLine Program in 2011, allowed Ebony to grow her business by purchasing new equipment and expand her line of hair products.
Over the years the program expanded and even more survivors were offered a grant to start-up or expand a business.
Last week Verizon launched entrepreneur training programs in New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Albany to continue to support domestic violence survivors and help them rebuild their lives.
Verizon’s $500,000 in grants to five workforce development organizations across New York State will fund the development of training programs to help survivors start or expand their own small or home-based businesses, which can lead to greater financial stability and independence, crucial factors in breaking the cycle of violence.
Read more...Contact the editor: vzsmallbiz@verizon.net
Mark leads the way to bring innovative solutions to small businesses.
Mark works with and identifies entrepreneurial companies for Verizon to invest in and fund.
Dan works with and identifies entrepreneurial companies for Verizon to invest in and fund.
Paul handles corporate communications for Verizon Wireless with a focus on enterprise and government sectors.
Ellen provides PR support to Verizon's small business team, landlines and FiOS in apartment buildings and small and medium-sized commercial properties such as strip malls, and street-level shops and offices.
Kathy manages the SMB product Marketing Messaging Strategy for the Business Solution Group. She also develops and manages various SMB marketing programs to support channel enablement.
Jarryd provides PR support to Verizon in CA and TX.