Rural Businesses and the Impact of the Digital Divide

Lack of broadband Internet access limits growth opportunities for rural businesses throughout the nation. This lack of Internet access is termed the digital divide, by the federal government, and refers to the gap in high speed Internet availability between different socioeconomic brackets, age groups, race, physical disabilities and geographical regions.

For businesses, geography makes a huge impact because those located in urban areas have a variety of different high speed Internet options to choose from while those in rural areas do not. Without access to high speed Internet, opportunities for businesses vary greatly today, creating a disconnect between the growth of urban and rural businesses.

Efficiencies are Decreased

Every business is different. However, they all stand to benefit from efficiencies that can be created online. This can include streamlined billing procedures, accounting tools, data storage, outsourcing of tasks, efficient sourcing of needed materials, project management and much more. Rural businesses without high speed Internet access are stifled in their attempts at efficiencies, because in order to avail of these opportunities, you need an always-on, dependable high speed Internet connection.

Lack of Tech Skills in Employees

Rural businesses are primarily staffed by rural employees, who like businesses in the area, have limited access to rural broadband services. Many of today’s technological advances rely on a high speed Internet connection. Because these employees are unfamiliar with technology and Internet use, or may only be used to high speed connections via a smartphone, their productivity is lower than it would be for a tech savvy employee.

Shortage of Marketing Options

Lack of access to online marketing opportunities stifles the rural business’s options for growth. Today’s businesses that have adopted strategic online marketing strategies have found that their marketing costs have dropped and results have increased. The rural company without high speed Internet is missing out on the effective and efficient use of social networking and targeted online marketing that delivers results.

The Solution for Rural Businesses

No matter the size of the business, there are efficiencies and improved opportunities awaiting online. For that reason, it makes sense to seek out solutions to the need for high speed Internet. According to the White House’s June 2013 Broadband Growth Report, broadband Internet speeds are those delivered at 3 Mbps for downloads. However, it also states that speeds of 10 Mbps downstream respond better to the needs of today’s Internet.

Luckily, there are high speed Internet services available that deliver such speeds to every area of the country. Even if cable and fiber providers have ignored rural businesses and DSL providers can’t deliver on the needed speeds, high speed satellite broadband service like those from Blue Fire Broadband ensure that rural companies have what they need. Today, rural businesses throughout the nation have the option to close their own digital divide by getting satellite Internet service for business and enjoying the opportunities fast Internet brings.

Crowdfunding- Business Enterprise Center- Los Angeles

Hi, I will be on a panel speaking about Crowdfunding on January 22, 2014!

Business Enterprise Center at 6109 S. Western Avenue Los Angeles 90047.

To register, please contact:

TERRY GUBATAN
Business Development Loan Officer
Vermont-Slauson Economic Development Corp.
1130 W. Slauson AVenue
Los Angeles, CA 90044
323-753-2335 ofc
323-753-6710 fax

From Home Care Franchise to Burger Franchise, Owners Make Profit

Have you ever thought about owning your own franchise? Hundreds of thousands of business owners around the United States own franchises, and for good reason. Depending on the franchise, the owner can stand to pocket a significant amount of money on a monthly and yearly basis. Keep reading for a few reasons why you should take the next step and invest in a quality franchise soon.

Financing – It’s pretty simple – lenders are more inclined to loan you money to finance a franchise because the franchise is already established, and has a proven track record of making money for those who invest in one. Your lender will be more likely to shell out cash because they see franchisees as lower risks when it comes to defaulting on payments.

Support – One of the biggest reasons why franchise owners love owning a franchise is because they get the feeling that they are never alone. When you own a franchise, you are basically part of a large family that is constantly growing. If you ever have a question, all you have to do is pick up the phone and call the franchisor to find out the answer.

Marketing and Advertising – Your franchisor will take care of a lot of the advertising and marketing initiatives necessary to help maintain the success of the franchise. If you have ever watched TV, you know that it seems like every other commercial is for McDonald’s or Subway. Even if these commercials get old, they’re doing their job whether you like it or not.

Multiple Locations – When you are part of a franchise system, you will always have more room to grow and open other locations. For instance, men and women that own a home care franchise often times open up other senior care franchises in towns adjacent to the one that they started in, allowing them to have a large share of the local market.

Buying a franchise with a popular franchisor can mean big money for you in the future. Lenders are also more inclined to dish out money to franchise owners, so get that financing and start paving a path to your success.

« Previous Page — Next Page »