Verizon SBDR Event: The Critical Thinking Child

Have you registered for Verizon's Small Business Digital Ready platform?
Access amazing educational resources and grant opportunities here!

Once registered, members of nglccNY may also register to attend the virtual live events including:

June 18th, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM:
"Small Business Chat: The Critical Thinking Child, Lotus Rosery"



Join us for an inspiring and interactive Small business chat where each session we bring together a new panel of innovators, problem-solvers, and small businesses like yourself to share their personal journeys and the solutions that shaped their business.

These conversations will unpack the challenges they've faced, the strategies they've employed and the lessons they've learned along the way.

This session features Lemi-Ola Erinkitola from The Critical Thinking Child, focused on education, and Anwar Dougsiyeh from Lotus Rosery focused on entertainment.

This series is designed to spark new ideas, connect you with your small business peers and encourage creative thinking to help you approach challenges with a fresh perspective.

Tune in for candid conversations, inspiring stories, and practical takeaways.

Register now and be part of the conversation!

Lemi-Ola Erinkitola is an award-winning educator and author of the Cyber Security Book Series, teaching young children about cybersecurity through engaging methods. In 2015 she founded The Critical Thinking Child, offering tutoring and test preparation for students from preschool to high school. Erinkitola has been featured in local and national media outlets, including ABC, WGN, and Good Morning America. She received the President Barack Obama Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteer Service and was named Educator of the Year by the Global Forum for Education and Learning in 2020. Currently, she Co-Chairs the NICE K-12 Community of Interest group under the National Institute of Standards and Technology. She holds a Master's degree from Rush University and enjoys puzzles and traveling in her spare time.

Anwar D. is the Co-Founder of Lotus Rosery, a festival dedicated to empowering small businesses and creatives. As an entrepreneur and influencer marketing expert, he specializes in building brand partnerships, managing digital campaigns, and connecting brands with top creators. Anwar is passionate about fostering a community of digital entrepreneurs and helping them turn their passions into sustainable businesses. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, he creates impactful initiatives that drive growth and success. His work is grounded in storytelling, community-building, and supporting creatives in navigating the digital landscape.

Apply for a $10,000 grant today.
To complement the hundreds of free resources on Digital Ready, we're awarding
50 small businesses with $10,000 grants. 

Who can apply?
Owners of for-profit U.S.-based small businesses. Nonprofits are not eligible.

Applicants may apply for one business only and must be over the age of 18.

Learn more about the selection process and view the full Terms and Conditions on LISC's website here.

How to apply?
Complete any combination of two eligible courses or events between Jan. 1, 2025 and June 30, 2025 to unlock the application.

Submit the application by 11:59 PM PT on June 30, 2025.

Late applications will not be considered.