USHBC praises Verizon’s small business and AI investments

The United States Hispanic Business Council says Verizon’s new supplier and workforce programs could help small businesses win more work and prepare workers for an AI-driven economy. The initiatives include a $5 billion small-business spending goal and a $70 million AI-skills investment.

Why it matters: - Verizon’s programs target two pressure points for the economy: small-business access to large procurement networks and worker readiness for AI-driven jobs. - The initiatives could mean more revenue, faster growth and more subcontracting opportunities for small businesses nationwide. - The AI effort expands free training and local workforce support at a time when many workers need new technical skills.

What happened: - The United States Hispanic Business Council praised Verizon’s Small Business Supplier Accelerator and Verizon AI Skills for America. - Javier Palomarez, USHBC president and CEO, said Verizon is investing in America’s main street and should be a model for other businesses. - The statement was released Oct. 1, 2026, from Washington.

The details: - The Small Business Supplier Accelerator includes a digital platform called IMPACT Ready. - Verizon says the platform will help vet, validate and develop small businesses. - Verizon’s procurement goal is to spend $5 billion with small businesses nationwide by 2030. - The supplier program includes faster payment terms, modified insurance requirements and adjusted indemnification requirements. - The accelerator also offers training, mentorship and matchmaking. - Small businesses may subcontract with prime contractors and become Verizon partners through the program. - Verizon AI Skills for America represents a $70 million investment in AI readiness. - That total includes $50 million in new funding plus an existing $20 million Reskilling and Career Transition Fund. - The AI initiative offers free access to AI training from leading tech companies. - Community organizations involved in workforce development will provide localized support.

Between the lines: - Verizon is pairing supplier diversity with workforce development, which can strengthen both the company’s vendor pipeline and the broader labor market. - The USHBC framed the move as especially important for Hispanic-owned businesses, which Palomarez said have often been left behind by past industrial and digital shifts. - The message to other employers is clear: expand procurement and training now or risk falling behind as AI changes how businesses compete.

What's next: - Verizon will need to turn the supplier accelerator into actual contracts and measurable spending with small businesses by 2030. - The AI-skills program will likely be judged by how many workers complete training and how many move into new jobs or higher-value roles. - USHBC urged businesses nationwide to follow Verizon’s lead and invest in small businesses and workers.

The bottom line: - Verizon is using procurement and AI training as business strategy, and the USHBC is casting that approach as a roadmap for economic resilience and inclusion.