Blandin Broadband Webinar

1. Aitkin County Web Diagnostics Program for Small Business
•Bring the expert advice to the businesses place of business.
•Like everybody, we did workshops and presentations on using e-marketing,
social media, web location services.
•Phone books a thing of the past, stats from MN Extension etc.
•We are in a Tourism area, how will people find you?
•Workshops were not well attended, never really knew if the subject matter was
being used, laptops were supplied if needed, tablets didn’t work, passwords
forgotten, just never caught on.

2. Aitkin County Web Diagnostics Program for Small Business
•Did not want to give up on our businesses not having access to these tools.
•“Our board members just don’t use those things”
•Roughly 1,000 micro businesses in Aitkin County according to MN DEED
Aitkin County Labor Market Report.
•At the time Aitkin County became a member of the Central Woodlands
Blandin Broadband Community.
•Eligible for grants with a 25% match from Blandin through the BBC, vs. 50%
so went to the County Board for match to launch the program.

3. Aitkin County Web Diagnostics Program for Small Business
•Developed program using the MN Extension Service presentations, social
media, developed an application form.
•Sent out RFP’s throughout MN., I was naïve.
•Grossly underestimated the costs of consultants, plus had to pay travel
expenses. Evidently no kindly retired persons willing to do for low cost.
•Sent out press releases, chamber e-blasts, workforce center, personal contacts.
•So, with a total budget of $5,000.00, couldn’t get to as many business as hoped.
•However, program was very successful with great feedback from 12 businesses
in Aitkin and McGregor.

4. Aitkin County Web Diagnostics Program for Small Business
•With “pilot project” a success, applied for $25,000, and received, to offer over
the whole Central Woodlands BBC.
•East Central RDC supplied local match.
•Goal is to concentrate on Lake Mille Lacs area first.
•“People up here need to understand that just because they know were
everything is, out of towners do not.” Dan Randolph, MNI.
•Largest employer to one person shop.
•Hospital contact also used for husbands business in McGregor.
•Shire in the Woods, MN National could have used more hours.
•Would have liked it to be more hands on.