Today's global economy has created a high demand for broadband access as high speed provides a new tool for business growth and competitiveness, increased job creation and enhanced quality of life. In fact, the benefits of high-speed access spill over into almost all areas of the workforce and the economy. Entrepreneurs and progressive employers want the option of working efficiently and productively from a home-based location, farmers need to utilize the technology to check weather patterns, soil conditions and to compete in world markets; grandparents want affordable ways of connecting with their children and grandchildren in other parts of the world.

In order to help Dufferin-based residents, businesses and farmers make informed decisions regarding available options for high-speed access and how to maximize the benefits of broadband, the Orangeville & Area Small Business Enterprise Centre will be delivering a series of Connecting Dufferin @ High Speed workshops designed to address the specific needs of our community. All sessions will include slideshow presentations, interactive discussions, live demonstrations, and examples.

Internet for the Family @ High Speed

Grand Valley -- June 11, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; Orangeville -- June 25, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

In addition to receiving an overview of the Connecting Dufferin Project, participants will be informed about the various high-speed options available to them and how to assess the value and benefits of high speed in relation to their personal needs.

Setting up email accounts, accessing government resources, completing on-line banking and education, as well as navigating the Internet safely, protecting your online privacy and protecting your family and children from online threats are just some of the topics that will be covered in these sessions.

Agricultural Applications @ High Speed

Shelburne -- May 20, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m ; Grand Valley -- June 11, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

This workshop will provide participants with an understanding of the technology of high speed and its capabilities in the agricultural sector, as well as how to manage agricultural businesses more efficiently through new information management systems.

Participants will learn how to utilize high speed strategically for growth, productivity, profitability and monitoring changes in agriculture and in knowledge sharing.

Business Development @ High Speed

Shelburne -- May 20, 1 to 3 p.m.; Orangeville -- June 25, 9 to 11 a.m.

Business owners attending this session will learn how to measure the potential impact of high-speed access on their ventures and how to implement high speed as part of their strategic plans for growth.

In addition to learning how to design simple, online communication tools for business, participants will also gain an understanding of how to ensure information privacy for potential clients and protect themselves against online threats.

Accessing government resources for small business management and researching competitors in the marketplace will also be addressed.

For exact locations and to register for any of the above workshops, Dufferin area residents are encouraged to contact the Orangeville & Area SBEC office at 519-941-0440, ext. 286 or by emailing sbec@orangeville.ca.

Ruth Phillips is the coordinator of the Orangeville & Area Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC). She can be reached at rphillips@orangeville.ca or by calling 519-941-0440, ext. 291. The SBEC provides entrepreneurs with one-stop services from start-up through the crucial first years of growth.