Tech-Talk February 2017: Blue Sky Net Receives Three More Years of Operating Funding, the BEAM Program Accepting New Applications, and More.

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NEWSLETTER HIGHLIGHTS

Blue Sky Net Receives Operating Funding
The BEAM program accepting new applications
Connectednorth.ca and how you can help advocate for better broadband
Tech-Talk news and articles

FedNor Invests More Than $1.2 Million to Help Northeastern Ontario Communities and Businesses Adopt New Technologies and Grow

February 10, 2017 – North Bay, ON – Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario – FedNor

The Government of Canada is investing $1,285,000 to enable communities and businesses to adopt and benefit from information and communications technologies, spur innovation and create good middle-class jobs.

Anthony Rota, Member of Parliament for Nipissing–Timiskaming, made the announcement today, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor. Of the total, $885,000 will enable Blue Sky Net to provide information and communications technologies training, education and awareness throughout the region, helping local residents and businesses prepare for success in the global economy.

The remaining $400,000 will be used by Blue Sky Net to deliver its BEAM initiative, designed to assist small and medium-sized enterprises develop digital skills and incorporate innovative technologies into their operations. Since its inception in 2011, the program has supported 287 businesses and helped leverage $580,000 in private sector investments, while creating more than 110 full-time jobs in the region.

We are happy to announce that the Broadband for E-Business And Marketing (BEAM) program is once again accepting applications for projects.

Established businesses within the Blue Sky Net service region may qualify for support when it comes to e-business, social media campaign planning, software projects and websites.

Visit www.blueskynet.ca/BEAM to learn more about the BEAM program, eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Please contact Jerry Poliszczuk at Blue Sky Net if you have any questions about the BEAM program or if you have interest in applying.

Jerry Poliszczuk
jerry.poliszczuk@blueskynet.ca
705-476-0874 ext 213

Have you been to www.connectednorth.ca? ConnectedNorth.ca offers a unique experience catered to Northern Ontarians. It boasts tools and resources which help you learn more about broadband and what services are available in your region.

Not only is connected.ca a resource for broadband education, it also allows you the opportunity to influence improvements to broadband in Northern Ontario by participating in speed tests and internet access surveys.

Connectednorth.ca features:

An address lookup feature which provides you a list of internet service providers.
A speed test tool which you can use on your desktop or even your mobile phone without needing to download an app!
An FAQ on the different types of ways internet can be provided to a home.
Information about the status of broadband coverage in Northern Ontario.
Information on how to connect with an ICTN that provides support in your region.

5 Ways You can Improve Your Business' Visibility on Google Maps

New businesses need all the help they can get to attract customers, generate revenue and establish themselves to compete with existing companies. And for brick-and-mortar storefronts, being found on Google Maps is key to driving traffic to the business.

Small Businesses Can be Easy Targets for Hackers (And How to Prevent This)

As more organizations make the shift to digital, the threat of contracting viruses or suffering a data breach increases. Arguably the most vulnerable organizations are small businesses and non-profits, who often do not have dedicated IT teams in-house to shield and protect against threats or guide employees toward digital best practices.

Retailers Rejoice: Mastercard Bringing Mobile Ordering Platform to Canada

Aimed at retailers in general and bars, clubs, and restaurants in particular, the Qkr platform allows users to place orders ahead of time, pay for services, and even set up tabs on their mobile devices.