How these 4 organizations team up with the government to advance local tech

That’s why the tech community’s ecosystem builders — universities, law firms, accelerator programs, economic development groups, coding bootcamps and corporate entities — often partner with the government to advance their cause. These cooperative efforts take many forms, from grants and scholarships to specific technology platforms to funding mechanisms and more. Each organization has its own lane and area of expertise, and together they provide opportunities for startups and innovators to realize their visions and push the entire tech world forward.

For the month of October, Technical.ly’s reporting has explored the theme of Tech + Government for our editorial calendar. For some additional perspectives, we asked our Technical.ly Ecosystem Builder organizations the following question:

How does your org interact with the government to support and advocate for the tech community?

Here are their replies, and if you like what you see, follow the links to organizations’ Directory Pages to learn more.

Ballard Spahr

“Ballard360 is a technology driven platform that provides a custom suite of client applications, developed to promote transparency and efficiency. Tools include COVID-19 Federal and State Legislation Trackers, a Stimulus Enforcement Tracker and interactive portals. Coupled with deep knowledge of how governments operate, we reinforce the benefit of technology and leverage our strategic planning experience to help clients implement proactive solutions.” — Kimberly Klayman, partner

TEDCO

“As an instrumentality of the State, TEDCO works closely with the Maryland Governor and General Assembly on funding and programs to continue and expand our support for the State’s technology community. TEDCO’s support comes in the form of investment and grant funding, business resources and connections for early-stage technology companies. At TEDCO, we identify, invest in and help grow technology companies in Maryland, and this would not be possible without the support of the Governor and the Maryland General Assembly.”  — Mindy Lehman, chief government relations and policy officer

Verizon 5G

“The expansions of broadband connectivity and digital inclusion continue to be top policy goals for government entities and the tech community. Complemented by federal initiatives, including the Affordable Connectivity Program, Verizon collaborates with state and local governments to enhance broadband expansion for unserved and underserved communities — bolstering STEM education, remote telemedicine, workforce upskilling and other dynamic programs. And the Verizon Forward Program eliminates the cost barrier for qualifying households to access high-speed connections that are increasingly essential for broadband ubiquity and true digital inclusion.” — Eric Fitzgerald Reed, public policy and state government affairs, Pennsylvania and Delaware region

Zip Code Wilmington

“Delaware is becoming a recognized tech hub in our region which requires building and maintaining a sustainable tech labor force. Zip Code Wilmington, a nonprofit software coding training program located in the heart of Wilmington, is happy to help build it!

Zip Code Wilmington’s ‘Break into Tech’ Scholarship is possible through a generous grant of $4.5M provided by the Office of the Governor of Delaware. This funding is specifically intended to support low to moderate income First State residents who attend Zip Code Wilmington’s award-winning software developer training program. Each Break Into Tech Scholar receives a full scholarship covering 100% of tuition along with a biweekly stipend to mitigate living expenses during the full-time training program.

This unique collaboration will support training of over 200 qualified Delaware residents as they reskill and transition into good paying tech careers as Java Software Developers and Data Engineers. Coding builds our community!” – Desa Burton, executive director

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Want to help advocate for your local tech scene? Check out all the Ecosystem Builders and Technical.ly Talent companies here, and learn more about their missions.

P.S. If you’re curious about Technical.ly Talent to help grow your own org, find more info here and connect with us.