USDA Broadband Workshop

April 20-21, 2011
Sheraton Downtown Hotel
1550 Court Place
Denver, Colorado

Please join us to learn more about how to apply for Rural Development’s broadband programs. On March 14, 2011, Rural Development published its new Broadband loan program regulations and a Notice of Solicitation of Applications (NOSA - available at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/utp_farmbill.html). Rural Development also recently announced a NOSA for the Community Connect Grant Program (available at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/utp_commconnect.html). Rural Development Broadband Division staff will offer a workshop for prospective applicants for both programs at the Sheraton Downtown Denver Hotel, Denver, Colorado on April 20 and April 21, 2011. The workshop is free; however prior registration is required. See below for registration instructions. The workshop will be recorded and available on our website at a later date.

AGENDA

Day 1: Wednesday, April 20, 2011

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Registration
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM Opening Remarks
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Overview of the Farm Bill Broadband Loan Program

10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Breakout Session 1 - Broadband Loan Program: Equity/Additional Cash Requirements
Breakout Session 2 - Broadband Loan Public Notice Requirements
Optional Breakout Session 3 - Tips from a Broadband Loan Recipient

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Breakout Session 4 -Broadband Loan Market Survey Requirements
Breakout Session 5 - Broadband Loan Competitive Analysis
Optional Breakout Session 6 - FCC's Accessing Wireless Spectrum

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Lunch on your own

1:30 PM - 2:45 PM
Breakout Session 7 - Broadband Loan Financial Analysis
Breakout Session 8 - Broadband Loan System Design

Breakout Session 9 - Broadband Loan Program: Equity/Additional Cash Requirements
Breakout Session 10 - Broadband Loan Public Notice Requirements
Optional Breakout Session 11 - SBA's Tips on How to Write a Business Plan

4:15 PM -4:45 PM
Breakout Session 12 - Broadband Loan Market Survey Requirements
Breakout Session 13 - Broadband Loan Competitive Analysis

Day 2: Thursday, April 21, 2011

9:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Breakout Session 14 - Broadband Loan Financial Analysis
Breakout Session 15 - Broadband Loan System Design

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Open Q & A Session
Closing remarks on the Farm Bill Broadband Loan Program
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Community Connect Registration (for people just attending Community Connect portion)

1:00 PM - 1:30 PM Community Connect Grant Program: Regulation and Notice of Solicitation of Applications

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Community Connect Grant Program: Application Process

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM Listening Session - How does RUS improve the DLT, Community Connect, Farm Bill Broadband and Telecommunications Infrastructure Programs?

How to Register: The workshop is free but prior registration is required. Information on how to register can be found at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/RUSTelecomPrograms.html
Hotel Reservations: Reservations can be made at http://www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/USDA2011April

For more information, contact Jenifer Stevenson at Jenifer.stevenson@wdc.usda.gov or 202-205-9386. Application and Program Information: Information about the Broadband Loan Program can be found at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/utp_farmbill.html. Information about the Community Connect Grant Program can be found at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/utp_commconnect.html