The COVID-19 pandemic impacted our economy in an unexpected way. Tech is working to rebuild the economy by hiring workers, offering career training, and supporting small businesses through grants. See below for more information about how the tech industry is working to rebuild the economy.

Tech Works To Rebuild The Economy

New Amazon Program Offers Free Career Training in Robotics (Amazon)

Amazon employees that see the program through can make more money and acquire the skills necessary for better career opportunities and higher wages — all at no cost.

Verizon Puts Purpose Into Action, Helping One Million Small Businesses and $10M Commitment (Verizon)

Verizon is committing $10 million to provide grants to small businesses through a national nonprofit and will launch a customized multi-week training program for small business owners and entrepreneurs, offering tools, technology and resources.

GM to Convert More Than 650 U.S. Temporary Employees to Full-Time Status (GM)

General Motors announced that more than 650 hourly employees at its sites in the U.S. will transition from temporary to regular full-time employment. These employees work at nine GM manufacturing plants and other sites in four states: Michigan, Indiana, Texas, and Missouri.

Working Toward a More Diverse and Inclusive Workplace with Path Forward (Grubhub)

Grubhub’s Reconnect Returnship Program is a 16-week paid program for experienced professionals returning to the workforce after spending time caring for their families.

The COVID Recovery: How Technology Can Drive a More Inclusive Future (Cisco)

Building upon the lessons of 2020, Cisco is committed to using technology not just to cope with our current challenges, but to power a better, more inclusive world.

Expanding Our Main Street Strong Program to Further Empower Restaurants (DoorDash)

Data for Good: New Tools to Help Small Businesses and Communities During the COVID-19 Pandemic (Facebook)

Cisco’s Connected Experiences Simplify Remote Working (Cisco)

What’s New in Tech

The Next Chapter for HQ2: Sustainable Buildings Surrounded by Nature (Amazon)

Last January, when Amazon began construction at its second headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, they could not have imagined how different the year would look. Today, this work continues under extraordinary health and safety measures. Despite many of their employees working from home at this time, Amazon views its Arlington headquarters as a long-term investment, and it remains committed to creating 25,000 jobs and investing $2.5 billion in Arlington over the next decade. Read more here.

Before You Start Your Weekend

After the big game on Sunday, Verizon is teaming up with Alicia Keys and more amazing artists to put on a first-of-its-kind after-party concert in support of small businesses. They’re performing the songs you love to raise money for the businesses we all love. All proceeds will go directly to LISC — the Local Initiatives Support Corporation on the ground in communities around the country delivering urgent funds. (Verizon)