This document discusses how broadband networks can promote economic development in communities. It outlines the Intelligent Community Forum framework that Blandin Foundation has used to work with 30 communities over the past decade. Some key benefits of the framework are that it attracts stakeholders, encourages systems thinking, facilitates collaboration, and reinforces that broadband is a tool rather than an outcome. The document then provides strategies for improving small and medium sized business tech sophistication, promoting tech entrepreneurship, engaging schools to create a tech workforce, and marketing community connectivity to build a culture of broadband use.

1. Broadband Networks
+
Market Development
=
Economic Development

2. Broadband
Knowledge
Workforce
Innovation
Digital
Equality
Intelligent
Community
Indicators
Sustain-
ability
Advocacy

3. Blandin Foundation has worked with
30 communities over the past
decade using the ICF Framework.
Our “communities” have been cities,
counties, school districts, tribal
governments and multi-county
geographic areas!

4. Key Benefits Of The Framework
• Attracts interest of key community stakeholders
• Encourages systems thinking
• Facilitates cross-sector collaboration
• Answers “Why is broadband important?”
• Reinforces concept that broadband networks are
a tool, not an outcome
• Smart providers can use this process to work the
back of the room, where the sales are!

5. Broadband-Based Economic
Development Strategies
• Improve tech sophistication of SMBs
• Promote tech entrepreneurship
• Engage schools to create tech workforce
• Market community connectivity
BUILD A CULTURE OF USE!

6. Improve SMB Tech Sophistication
• Technology assessments
– SBDC
– Private consultants
• Social Media Breakfasts
– Vendor and peer presentations
• Desktop renovation grants or loans
• Ease decision-making
– Provider in-house consulting
– Vendor network

7. Promote Tech Entrepreneurs
• Create a place
– Co-working center
– Tech center
• Provide mentors
– Retired C-level
– Regular events/presentations
• Financing
– Angel network
– Revised public loan program guidelines

8. Engage with Schools
on Tech Workforce
• Classes
– Computers and networking
– Coding
– Digital media
• Clubs and Camps
– In School
– Summer
• Events
• Internships

9. Market Community Connectivity
• Goal – Attract people and investment
• Market Audiences
– External
– Local
• Message
– Connectivity better than metro
– Customer service and support
– Growing and active tech culture
– Shared marketing message
• Chamber
• Schools
• Government
• You

10. Growing Broadband Markets =
Economic Development
• More customers
• More value-added services
• More commerce
• Smarter workforce
• Better schools
• Higher real estate values
• More attractive communities
• More sustainable communities