Blandin Foundation
Broadband Stimulus Initiative
Seeking funds for Sustainable Adoption
of Broadband Technologies in Greater
Minnesota

Our Goal
Receive $5 – $7 million in funding for all
of greater Minnesota for the purposes of
enhanced public access, increased market
development and sustained adoption of
broadband to increase community vitality
and economic competitiveness

Confirmed and Prospective Partners
• Regional Development • Regional Library Systems
Commissions • E-government, e-health, e-
• University of MN Extension commerce, e-education
• MNSCU application vendors
• MN Renewable Energy • MTA (considering letter of
Marketplace support)
• MN Initiative Foundations • Broadband Demonstration
Communities
• MN DEED
– Workforce • MWFCA
– SBDC • Your organization?

Our Application Framework
Intelligent Communities

The ICF Virtuous Cycle
INNOVATION

Statewide Activities
• Enhanced public access at libraries and
community centers
• E-entrepreneurship / small business training
and support
• Support community broadband initiatives in:
– Community planning
– Market development
– Application development
– Feasibility studies

Broadband Demonstration Communities
• 6 – 10 greater Minnesota Communities
• Funds for adoption of community-impacting
technology applications (health, education,
government, business)
• Community may be city, county, region or
reservation
• Requires community commitment of key
partners, including providers

http://broadband.blandinfoundation.org
Bill Coleman
bill@communitytechnologyadvisors.com
651-491-2551