Business and Technology Telecenters
The e-NC Authority has launched seven business and technology telecenters and has identified potential areas for two additional sites. Telecenters are technology and entrepreneurship hubs within communities. In North Carolina’s most rural areas, these telecenters provide free high-speed Internet service to the public and a variety of fee-based business and technology services to local nonprofits and businesses. The telecenter system offers employee training, state-of-the-art office space, technology expertise and business advice.
This program has the potential for not only incredible local impact, but also systemic economic growth across the state. By the end of 2003, the four original telecenters had provided free Internet access to more than 50,000 individual citizens. They had created more than 200 jobs and provided technical and business support services to more than 1,000 public and private sector clients. They had leased space to more than 20 organizations and brought computer training to more than 10,500 people through nearly 900 training classes. More than anything else, the telecenters acted as catalysts for economic development in their regions.
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The Authority works closely with the e-NC telecenters. Each telecenter has its own unique focus and partners within the project. However, all telecenters provide the following services:
• Technological resources and services: Examples of such services include high-speed Internet connections, video conferencing equipment, Web site design and e-commerce assistance for local businesses. The services are offered to new and existing businesses as well as to local governments and non-profit organizations.
• Training programs: Telecenters provide technological training programs to prepare local people for higher-skilled jobs and to support the needs of area businesses. These programs are conducted in cooperation with public and private organizations that have a proven track record in technology training.
• Telework programs: One of the primary goals of the telecenters is to provide on-site employment opportunities. For example, telecenters might contract with businesses (local or distant) to provide services from the telecenter, or provide space or work stations for companies that wish to set up their businesses at the telecenter site.
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