Starting a small business is exciting… but no one really prepares you for the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it.
One moment you’re celebrating the fact that your LLC is officially established, and the next moment you’re staring at an email that begins with, “Unfortunately…” Trust me, I’ve been there already.
After establishing Revenue Rx Pro, I immediately began searching for resources that could help me grow my business. Like many new entrepreneurs, I started looking into grants, educational programs, and business tools that could help turn my vision into reality.
And honestly? The grant process humbled me very quickly.
The Grants I Didn’t Win (Yet)
The first grant I applied for was through my membership with the The National Society of Leadership and Success. This wasn’t a quick application either. I had to submit an essay explaining my business dream, share my academic transcript, and provide a recommendation letter — all for the opportunity to win $25,000.
I spent hours making sure everything was perfect.
Unfortunately, I didn’t receive the grant.
Was I disappointed? Absolutely.
But entrepreneurship teaches you something very early: rejection is not the end of the road — it’s usually part of the journey.
Not long after that, I applied for the Amber Grant Foundation, an organization known for supporting women-owned businesses. Their application process was much simpler, requiring a small $15 application fee and a section where I could explain the vision behind Revenue Rx Pro.
I didn’t win the March $10,000 grant either.
However, there was one thing I really appreciated about the Amber Grant process: your application stays active for 12 months. That means women entrepreneurs continue to have opportunities to qualify for future grant categories without paying to reapply.
Since June focuses on business support services, I’m still hopeful.
And honestly, hope is something every entrepreneur needs.
The Unexpected Opportunity That Helped Me the Most
Even though I didn’t win the Amber Grant, something valuable still came from applying.
They introduced me to Verizon’s Verizon Digital Ready program — and this resource has honestly been one of the most helpful tools I’ve found so far as a small business owner.
When you first start a business, there are so many things nobody teaches you:
- How do you market your business?
- How do you build a website?
- How do you track finances properly?
- How do business loans even work?
- How do you confidently pitch your business to investors or customers?
Verizon Digital Ready breaks these topics down in a way that actually feels understandable for beginners.
Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I started feeling educated.
What I’ve Learned Through Verizon Digital Ready
One of the biggest things I learned about was microloans.
Before watching one of their educational videos, I honestly didn’t know much about how microloans worked for small businesses. I discovered that microloans are designed specifically to help entrepreneurs secure smaller amounts of funding when traditional financing may not be accessible yet.
Right now, I’m still pursuing grants because, let’s be honest, every entrepreneur dreams of hearing the words “approved for free funding.”
But if grants continue not to work out, I now understand that microloans could become another option to help launch and grow Revenue Rx Pro.
And that knowledge alone gave me confidence.
Another major lesson reinforced through Verizon Digital Ready was the importance of financial tracking and organization within a business.
Understanding your finances allows business owners to make informed decisions, control spending, identify financial leaks, and create a stronger foundation for long-term growth. As someone building Revenue Rx Pro, this was especially valuable because financial clarity plays a major role in helping businesses operate efficiently and sustainably.
I also learned how important it is to pitch your business effectively.
A strong business pitch is more than just explaining what you do — it’s telling a story people believe in. It helps attract customers, partnerships, funding opportunities, and support for your vision.
As a new entrepreneur, learning how to communicate your value clearly is a skill I know will help me for years to come.
Why I Recommend Verizon Digital Ready
One thing I genuinely appreciate about Verizon Digital Ready is that it doesn’t just focus on funding. It focuses on education too.
That matters because many people have business ideas, but not everyone has access to business knowledge or mentorship.
According to Verizon Digital Ready, the program has awarded more than $15 million in grants to over 1,450 small business owners since 2021. They also provide more than 60 free courses along with thousands of educational videos, audio tips, and downloadable resources.
I’m currently enrolled in Verizon’s $10,000 grant opportunity after completing two educational courses, and I’m excited to continue learning and growing through the platform.
Final Thoughts
Starting a business has already taught me that success doesn’t happen overnight.
There will be rejected applications.
There will be moments of doubt.
There will be times when you question whether you’re doing enough.
But there will also be moments where one opportunity leads you to another resource, another lesson, or another breakthrough you didn’t expect.
For me, Verizon Digital Ready became one of those unexpected blessings.
So if you’re currently building a business from the ground up, don’t get discouraged by the “no’s.” Sometimes the biggest opportunities come disguised as redirection.
And who knows? The next application could be the one that changes everything.
Add comment
Comments