Small Business Listening Session
We’re inviting a select group of small businesses to participate in an upcoming virtual listening session focused on expanding access to major contracting opportunities.
What: Small Business Listening Session
Date: Friday, April 17, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (Virtual)
Registration and Info: register here
Why this matters to you:
Verizon has committed $500M in procurement spend, and we want to ensure small businesses like yours are positioned to access these contract opportunities.
California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF), in partnership with CalAsian Chamber of Commerce, is hosting this session to hear directly from you.
What you’ll gain:
- Direct access to decision-makers influencing future contract opportunities
- A chance to share real challenges you face when pursuing bids
- Input that will shape how contracts and programs are designed moving forward
- Visibility for future procurement and funding opportunities
What we’re looking for:
We’re seeking business owners who have experience (or interest) in contracting and are open to sharing insights on their experiences, barriers and opportunities. If this is you and you are interested in speaking about your experience to directly shape these opportunities, please register and respond to us that you are interested in speaking.
2026 Procurement Focus Areas:
- Network & infrastructure
- IT & digital transformation
- Corporate & professional services
- Operations & logistics
Your voice will directly influence how opportunities are structured – and help ensure small businesses are not just included, but prioritized.
Questions for feedback:
- What are the barriers for small businesses not addressed by the Verizon Programs?
- Do you have challenges in finding employees?
- What assistance will be the most helpful?
- How can you reach and engage small businesses in the Verizon Programs?
- What kind of support do you need to optimize the benefit of the Verizon investment?
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We hope you can join us. Please review the below materials ahead of the listening session. We will have an optional pre-meeting for all registered small business ahead of the virtual session.
Additional Resources:
- CalAsian Listening Session Invitation (attached)
- Overview – Small Business Supplier Accelerator (attached)
- Verizon Briefing on the Digital Ready and Small Business Accelerator Program