Massachusetts lands $600K to enhance broadband adoption

NEW BEDFORD – Massachusetts’ small businesses and nonprofit organizations are up for a piece of $600,000 in grants to enhance broadband adoption, the Community Economic Development Center of Southeastern Massachusetts announced Thursday, April 13.

Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray and members of federal, state and local officials joined center officials in New Bedford to announce the $600,000 in federal funds supported by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

The $600,000 will be distributed to four community development corporations – each receiving $150,000 – to provide technical assistance and resources to 40 small businesses and non profit organizations throughout the Bay State.

“Providing connectivity to small businesses is vital to our economic recovery,” said Gov. Deval L. Patrick in a prepared statement. “We are working hard with the Obama administration and our Congressional partners to connect businesses with broadband and other critical technologies to position Massachusetts for future growth and prosperity.”

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In addition to the Community Economic Development Center, funding is being awarded to the Dorchester Bay Community Development Corp., Pittsfield Economic Revitalization Corporation, and the Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation.

Of the $150,000 each community development corporation will receive, the organizations will use $60,000 to provide technical training and support to small businesses and nonprofit organizations in their service area for two years, and $90,000 to help small businesses purchase computers, software, broadband access and implement long-term strategic and sustainability planning.

As part of the grant, each organization and small business will provide 25 percent in matching funds.

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