The future of work is changing. For better or worse, more and more people are participating in the “gig economy” meaning more flexibility but less stability. With broadband, working from home or operating a home-based business is becoming the norm. What can communities do to help local people successfully adapt to this trend and bring more income and wealth to the area?

• Angie Dickison, MN Dept of Broadband Development
• Ryan Pesch, U of MN Extension
• Mark Erickson, moderator

Notes: Supporting Freelancers-Tech-based Entrepreneurship and Telework.

Angie Dickison

–          Ways we can use the investment and use the infrastructure to promote growth in the community.

–          Telecommuter forward was started in Wisconsin, will be launched in MN soon. Its not a commitment for the community to invest in infrastructure but it is a commitment for support and a single point of support for technology in the community.

–          Helps make it possible to work from home.

Ryan Pesch

Showing the percentage of people who are moving to rural areas and working from home.

How do we support Positive Entrepreneurial Climate?

High-speed internet, Local patronage, business networks and fair treatments. Support one another and how do we learn technology from this. It’s about building knowledge and community to help teach others how to use technology.

Surveys showing how many people work in rural areas and how technology and network would be beneficial to their work.