We are so excited to welcome Maggie Drummond-Bahl and the Maine Connectivity Authority to the RuralRISE stage later this month.
Maggie asks:
Why should broadband and digital equity matter to rural ecosystem building, and ecosystem builders in general?
What should ecosystem builders do to get engaged in the BEAD and Digital Equity efforts happening in their states, and why?
The Infrastructure and Jobs Act has created a generational opportunity to provide access to high speed, reliable, and affordable internet and now all the states are grappling with the technical requirements, processes, and steps to making this investment matter on the ground. Engagement from ecosystem builders can ensure that this work super charges the impact for entrepreneurs and businesses, but it will take being at the table helping to craft solutions and integrate digital inclusion into our ecosystems to ensure benefits for all of us.
This session will share some of the lessons from the State of Maine so far, help connect digital inclusion more explicitly to ecosystem building and entrepreneurship, and shine a spotlight on our newest grant program supporting Connectivity Hubs in rural and underserved communities.
Mark your calendars now for March 21st at 2 pm Eastern, be sure you’re registered for the new Zoom link, and we’ll see you there!