SCORE – Encouraging Small Business to Adopt Broadband and Achieve Online Success

Ken Yancey CEO of SCORE is very passionate about the topic of helping more small businesses getting high-speed access with broadband and go global with e-commerce. In a recent conversation over a cup of coffee he told me about the SCORE Public/Private Broadband Consortium.

Getting small business to use the power of a fast internet connection is the goal SCORE and partners AT&T, Best Buy, Cisco, Constant Contact, Google, HP, Intuit, Microsoft, Skype and Time Warner Cable Business Class Small business partners  DRT Strategies and Engage Inc. Research has found that over 50% of Small Business do not have a website (see Network Solution’s growsmartbusiness.com). A Small business with a web site is a global business. In today’s world online search engines are the prime places where buyers are looking for products and services and every business needs to manage its online presence.

“High-speed Internet is a critical tool for helping small businesses find new markets, grow and create jobs. This new initiative is aimed at helping not only increase access, but also leveraging opportunities. SCORE’s partnership, expansive reach and tireless volunteers will only increase the potential benefits that broadband offers for small businesses.” Karen Mills, SBA Administrator.

From the SCORE website :

On April 7, SCORE held a national launch event to debut the formation of a public/private partnership to accelerate small business growth through access to broadband. The new alliance will focus on increasing digital literacy, web skills, e-commerce capabilities and use of online communications tools.

Upcoming SCORE Broadband Consortium projects include:

• Free online workshops to train entrepreneurs on broadband access and e-commerce.
• Regional training events to introduce broadband to small businesses.
• Free how-to materials and tools with tips and strategies for e-commerce and high speed success.

For small business who want some information on getting online can also check out http://networksolutions.com/education .