Those of us who have easy access to the internet often take for granted the benefits we reap from it. By providing equitable access to the internet across our rural communities, we are opening doors for these individuals to start a business, finish their degrees, participate in programs, and reap the benefits as well. This week, season 2, episode 4 of Entrepreneurship on the RISE Podcast, is about the impact of internet access! 

RISE Collaborative is striving to create a more inclusive and vibrant regional economy in which makers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and service providers interact organically and collaboratively. Our mission is to enhance equity and access to entrepreneurship and innovation for people who have been underserved based on geographic location (anyone who lives, works, or owns a business in Southern Virginia), and for people who have been underrepresented based on race, gender, religion, or other factors. We are doing this by creating regionally-relevant incubator services and accelerator programs that can be accessed at many locations across our service area.

In this episode of Entrepreneurship on the RISE Podcast, Jacob and Lauren, joined by their guest Trinity Thorpe-Lubneuski are sharing the importance of providing equitable access to the internet and how both data and personal stories weave together to drive decisions. 

Some of the talking points discussed in this episode include:

• What programs Comcast is working on to make a difference in rural communities. 
• How Trinity’s background in policy and advocacy has shaped how she is active in her career today. 
• The importance of inclusion and iteration in policy creation.
• Where Trinity and her team are being recognized for their heart-centered work. 
• Using digital navigators to connect one another and provide equitable resources. 

Providing equitable resources goes far beyond setting up the internet in a community but going one step further to educate and fill the gaps on how to utilize these resources to their benefit. 

Learn more about RISE Collaborative at https://sovarise.com/ 

CONNECT WITH COMCAST AND TRINITY THORPE-LUBNEUSKI:

Apply for the Comcast Rise Program 

LinkedIn

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 

National Digital Inclusion Alliance

Boston Consultant Group Study

The Investment and Infrastructure Jobs Act

Poor Economics

Good Economics for Hard Times

Furiously Happy 

Talking to Strangers

The Pew Charitable Trusts