Successful Technology Planning

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Successful Technology Planning
By: Susan Murphy

Cindy Krise, Sue Dillon and Donna Yale may be the “Technology Trifecta” for small businesses in Pennsylvania. The three recently teamed up to present a webinar for small businesses on developing a technology plan, providing a wealth of information for business owners who are looking to tackle technology upgrades. The three represent the Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Commission, University of Scranton Small Business Development Center and Penn State’s Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program (PennTAP), respectively. (If you missed this webinar, you can view it at “http://www.paecomm.org” or see sidebar for contact information.) The three presenters provide eCommerce and technology seminars on a regular basis and businesses can obtain a schedule by contacting their respective organizations.

Assistance is Available

A technology plan outlines the operational aspects of an internet presence as well as other software and hardware acquisitions and upgrades. It represents the process, the business reasons for acquisition, objectives and outcomes, budgets and timelines. Two common obstacles to acquiring and implementing new technology, especially eCommerce, are employee training and lack of appropriate broadband connections. The Northern Tier Regional Planning and Development Council (www.northerntier.org) has a solution for businesses making the transition to electronic commerce, according to Cindy Krise. Her organization offers Internet business grants of up to $1500 for web site development, domain registration or software to develop web programs. The grant amount is used as a match to the owners investment and may only total 50% of the total project cost.

“New technology often requires training,” explains Krise, “so Northern Tier offers a training grant for small business owners and their employees.”

Again, the grant is up to $1500 and may only total 50% of the total project cost which may include training conference registration fees, transportation and lodging. Check out the specifi c program requirements at “http://www.northerntier.org” under “What’s New – Grant Opportunities.”

The Northern Tier grant program is just one area where the group assists businesses – they offer business loans as well. All three organizations offer no cost consultation and low cost educational events.