Imagine your business playing a central role in making the internet accessible for low-income communities. This program offers a unique chance to receive grants covering up to 100% of the installation costs for broadband networks. With a total funding pool of $30.1 million, this is a great opportunity to fund crucial infrastructure to connect those who currently lack access to broadband service.

By applying for this program, you not only support your community but also align your business with a worthwhile mission. Your involvement can help bridge the digital divide, improving lives through better internet access. Plus, the funding can significantly lower your upfront costs, allowing you to focus resources on growing your business while making a real difference.

With no revenue or employee restrictions, this program is designed to accommodate businesses of all shapes and sizes. You can play a vital role in enhancing digital infrastructure while capitalizing on the benefits of this funding. It's an uncomplicated path to fostering both community support and business growth.

The financing provided under this program includes both grants and loans.

• Grants: These can cover up to 100% of the costs to install necessary broadband infrastructure, including last mile infrastructure, inside wiring, and broadband network equipment. There are no repayment terms associated with grants.

• Loans: The loans will have specific repayment terms and potential interest rates. While the exact details may vary, typically expect flexible terms to meet your financial needs.

Eligible Expenses

The funds can be allocated for various expenses directly related to building the broadband network. This includes costs for:

• Last mile infrastructure
• Inside wiring
• Broadband network equipment

Ineligible Expenses

It is important to note that these funds cannot be used for:

• Operational and maintenance costs.

Fees Associated

As for fees, it will depend on the loan specifics, but there are no fees specifically mentioned in the program description for either grants or loans. Always double-check with the program details to confirm.

• Location: Must be based in California.
• Type of Service: Business should build broadband networks offering free service to low-income residents.
• Target Population: Must serve low-income communities, including:
  • Publicly supported housing developments
  • Farmworker housing
  • Other housing developments or mobile home parks with low-income residents
• Access Requirement: Residents should currently lack access to any broadband service provider offering free service that meets or exceeds state standards.
• Funding Limitations:
  • Grants can finance up to 100% of the costs for installing last mile infrastructure, inside wiring, and broadband network equipment.
  • Cannot finance operations and maintenance costs.

Disqualifications:

• Businesses providing paid broadband services do not qualify.
• Businesses outside of California do not qualify.

This program offers a unique chance for your business to support low-income communities by building essential broadband networks. You can receive grants to cover up to 100% of the installation costs for infrastructure, inside wiring, and broadband network equipment. The total funding pool for this initiative is $30.1 million for 2024-2025, which means there's a significant opportunity to enhance internet access where it's needed most.

Your business can play a crucial role in connecting residents who currently lack any broadband service provider. This funding ensures that the low-income households in publicly supported housing, farmworker housing, and similar developments gain access to free broadband service that meets state standards. However, it's important to note that operational and maintenance costs are not included in the funding.

By participating in this initiative, you can contribute to bridging the digital divide in your community while benefiting from generous funding support. This is about creating lasting connections and improving lives through better internet access.