Through the use of technology, the Rockingham County Business and Technology Center (RCBTC) will help individuals and enterprises access resources and acquire and use the knowledge and skills necessary to participate successfully in a digital economy.

The RCBTC is intended to:

• work with business/economic development groups and local governments,
• provide applications and support services to build economic strength in the community,
• build community awareness of the opportunities afforded by technology and access to the Internet, and
• provide opportunities for individuals and groups to acquire digital literacy and Internet skills.

Training will be an important focus of the center, especially training that relates to information technology and strategic focus areas for the community or that prepares individuals for Telework opportunities. In light of the integral role that Rockingham Community College plays in Rockingham County, they will be a critical partner in all facets of telecenter development and operation.  

Part of the development of our center involves planning for long-term sustainability, including a business and funding plan.  Some on-going public sector support may be a part of the sustainability plan. 

The Rockingham County Telecenter will focus on the following components:

• Small Business/Entrepreneur Assistance and Support

• Technology Services and Resources,

• Training/Skills Development, and

• Telework.

The telecenter technology resources and services component will serve businesses and economic developers, individuals and community groups, and possibly, local governments. The RCBT C will work together with other technology resources and services in the community to optimize total community resources. 

Business/economic development support will be a key role of the technology resources and services component in the RCBTC. This support can be key to the success of local businesses, self-employed individuals, current and potential entrepreneurs, and non-profit organizations. It is anticipated that the following categories of service would be provided to support business viability and economic development:

• high-speed Internet connection,
• video conferencing capability,
• direct services,
• training,
• resource room, and
• meeting space.

Direct services would involve providing a variety of technology and business services such as accounting services, information technology systems support, assistance with e-commerce strategies, and web-page design. Users of these services could include local existing and emerging businesses, entrepreneurs, non-profit organizations, and business incubators that might be housed in the telecenter or elsewhere in the community.

Training services here would be focused on business needs, including technology and software training, web page design, and e-commerce strategies as well as soft skills training as related to business needs. The availability of this kind of focused business training will allow small/medium sized businesses and self employed individuals to learn about and incorporate business technologies and strategies that could dramatically enhance their businesses.