Wyoming Tech Talk

Just a few days ago, I wrote that money is everywhere. Then low and behold NetWorking World comes out with a story to the contrary in Wyoming. Their article "The Five Worst States For Start-ups" details that this may not be the case. As you can imagine Wyoming was considered one of the worst. The other four were Alaska, Vermont, Maine, and Puerto Rico.

This brings up some very interesting questions: Can companies raise money in our state? How difficult is it to raise money in Wyoming?

Living in Wyoming you can understand why those outsiders may think that. However, they must not be aware of all the things happening in Wyoming.

1. The Wyoming Business Technology Center is opening its doors as we speak.
2. Companies continue to win SBIR awards.
3. Entrepreneurs always find a way to make it work.

Let us know what you think about this topic.

The WTO is in the process of launching its own Job Center. During the process of determining how to best launch this program, I spent some time discussing the issue with the CIO of the Department of Workforce Services. The discussion centered around both organization's desire to help companies in Wyoming find, attreact and retain workers for Wyoming's growing sectors.

Take some time to visit their web site they have several tools that many companies in Wyoming can benefit from. Come to find out how the Wyoming Department of Workforce services can support you.

"There is money everywhere. You just have to know where to look." A state official made that statement to me just three weeks ago. He continued to say that if you worked hard enough you could fund any idea. So, I started to do some research on places to find funding for technology in Wyoming.

Low and behold, I did not have to look very far. A quick search in Google on rural economic development took me straight to the USDA Rural Development Web site. After a call to the state office, two references later I am speaking with Claiborn Crain in Washington D.C. about grant funding and subsidized loans for broadband Internet initiatives, independent telecommunication company development, and distance learning and telemedicine initiatives.

Mr. Crain went on to state that the two biggest barriers to receiving funding are: a) knowing that the money exists and b)filling out the application correctly.

So for those of you that are interested here are the links.

* Broadband Program
* Distance Learning and Telemedicine
* Community Connect

Have you participated in any of these program? Did you find this article helpful?

Ok...maybe not "the talk of the town," but I heard someone mention the word technology the other day.

Nonetheless....today, we are launching the WTO TechTalk Blog. This blog will cover all things technology. We will cover rants on business issues facing technology companies from the highest level down to the miniscule. From marketing and sales to bits and bytes, the WTO TechTalk will discuss issues facing you and your company.

The TechTalk blog will, from time to time, publish PodCast of interviews with tech company entrepreneurs and CEOs. The first of these PodCasts will come next week, so keep checking back. Already scheduled are discussions with VoiceViewer Technologies, IDES, Inc, and Happy Jack Software.

If you are interested in participating in any of our blogs or have a topic that you would like to see covered feel free to email me at smills@wyomingtechnology.org.

TechTalk Out!

- S