Apply Now for Community Internet Project Funding

Communities provincewide are being encouraged to take advantage of a fund to help them pursue Internet-based economic development projects and provide online learning opportunities and services to people.

There is one month left to apply for a portion of the $100,000 Building for a High Speed Future fund, announced earlier this year.

The province's broadband initiative has connected more than 600 communities with high-speed access to the Internet, which means thousands of Nova Scotians and hundreds of businesses are now able to subscribe to reliable, affordable broadband.

"Reliable broadband is now available to 93 per cent of the province, putting us well on our way to 100 per cent coverage," said Economic and Rural Development Minister Percy Paris. "This is a very complex, groundbreaking initiative that is opening up all sorts of possibilities for communities in rural Nova Scotia for business development and exports, and a wide range of online educational and skill development opportunities."

Communities applying for funding must first participate in a Planning for a High Speed Future workshop provided by the broadband initiative. The workshop helps participants identify how broadband applications can help communities survive, grow and prosper.

Dana Perry, co-ordinator of the Association of Western Valley C@P sites, recently hosted a broadband planning workshop in Bridgetown, Annapolis Co.

"The day's activities challenged me to think about the host of benefits broadband can bring to my community," said Mr. Perry. "Some examples include increased employment through skills development, and better access to government programs and other services online."

Funding projects that deliver online content and services, support broadband leadership, and Internet-related learning and development, are among the types of program development the funding could help initiate.

Partners of the proposed project must provide at least 25 per cent of the costs in funding or in-kind services. Proposals will be accepted until Dec. 18.

More information on program criteria is available at www.gov.ns.ca/econ/broadband .

The Broadband for Rural Nova Scotia initiative will give all of Nova Scotia's schools, businesses and families the opportunity to connect and compete worldwide. This project is cost shared by the provincial and federal governments and high-speed service providers. In addition to the planning workshops and funding opportunities, the province continues to meet with community organizations, and give presentations at meetings and conferences. In the new year, the eMarketing seminars held in several communities in October and November will be offered to additional communities.