Interns would be put to work on one-off and on-going projects, which would be paid for by local “socially conscious” sponsorships.  Entrepreneurial activities, an on-line marketplace and a video business directory would all help support and nurture this “ecosystem effect.”  The measurable results of the pilot project would be to prove that by breaking down the silos and connecting various government and business efforts together – an integrated ecosystem effect can be kickstarted which would lead to a sustainable engine that creates on-line jobs.  This ecosystem would sit on top of an open software platform and become a on-going means of on-line job creation.

The focus of the pilot would be on creating on-line jobs and teaching trainees the skills necessary to exist in a global marketplace of project based on-line workers.  Individuals entrepreneurism, rather than company based – will be the emphasis of this project.  The ["insert your city or region here"] training system would pick up where beginning computer skills classes leave off; placing trainees and interns into active projects, paired up with professionals and college educated workers.

These project teams would then produce work-for-hire sponsored projects, ranging from mobile and PC based content to educational software, visualizations and simulations.  Sponsored viral marketing campaigns (via custom produced games and apps) would focus on Barbados history, culture and people.  On-line startups and entrepreneurial activities would be supported by the pilot project, as well as a wide range of community engagement.  By directly showing community members and organizations the benefits and rewards possible by utilizing on-line social media based tools, marketing campaigns and blogging – we hope to build trust in these local communities and bridge the disconnect between government/business and citizens.

The ["insert your city or region here"] pilot project would fund one year of training, internships and an underlying open software ‘platform.’  This software ‘portal’ would enable training to happen in a classroom, or virtually anywhere in ["insert your city or region here"] – with  an Internet connection and PC/laptop.  Flexible training techniques, experiential learning and extensive usage of multimedia (videos, photos and interactive games or mobile applications) would be combined together into an integrated approach to job creation.

The software platform would feature assignments, curriculum, an on-line marketplace and business directory and real-time video help desk – which would be manned by professionals, interns and volunteers.  On-going programs, one-off projects and web services would be offered to a wide range of trainees – ranging from youth, ‘Baby Boomers’ and Moms returning to work to re-entry and welfare populations.  Returning vets and currently  under-employed workers would also participate – but only those who are the “best and brightest” – willing to make the entrepreneurial sacrifice of sweat equity – to learn a new way of doing business.

Volunteerism, mentoring and community engagement would all be taught as an effective means of job creation.  Community newsletters and media channels would be produced and utilized to provide interns real-world skills which could be applied to a wide range of online marketing techniques and professions. The idea is to get the “Haves” to help the “Have Nots.”

The ultimate goal of the DCB Pilot project to have individual and community organizations reap the benefits of on-line technology (beyond what is possible by simply using MS Office.)  The synergistic effect of combining education, business and government efforts together will create a cyber workforce (made up of both individuals and companies) ready to do business around the world – virtually via the Internet.

“What do you do WITH all this bandwidth?” – our answer to the Gigabit networking, broadband infrastructure question.

Building on existing training and educational efforts - cause every city already has LOTS of schools and educational training efforts.  So what makes what we’re doing different or better?

Digital City Mechanics, Gigabit Challenge Finale from Curt McMillan on Vimeo.

“So what can I say – which will make a difference?”

1.  We’re all still operating in silos – in our own unique worlds and networks.

2. By inter-connecting between each other, yes knowledge can be shared, but also money can be used more efficiently.  Share space, help each other create web sites and viral campaigns, support each other’s efforts.

3. Utilize government money more efficiently.  Get this money “on track”.  OUT in-efficiency.  It’s your duty as a tax paying citizen to do so.

4. Work with community organizations to show them the value and benefits of on-line technology.

5.  Remember – jobs today are not 40 hr a week, they’re freelance, on-line and virtual.  JOBS is the #1 issue in society today!

6.  Do as Steve Jobs suggested “connect the dots”, “love what you do”, and “make sure to make THIS life count, stick to your instincts and gut”

In four minutes.

Things are looking great for the launch of our program down there – soon!

Tampa has a rich history, plenty of diversity and immigrant population, potential investors – who wish to help out their communities – and LOTS of industry who can potentially sponsor programs and projects.  These are all the ingredients necessary for a successful creation of a “digital economy ecosystem.”

Every Digital City needs a champion and in our case that person is Marv Scaff.  I’ve known Marv for over 20 years and he’s a co-founder of a local business accelerator (which is part of the TechStars network) “GazelleLabs”.  I had the pleasure of meeting all the Gazelle portfolio companies yesterday and I was amazed how GOOD the ideas were!  Now its all about execution!

Marv is the epitome of a serial entrepreneur and brings with him a Rolodex that goes from Brad Feld and the TechStars network to California, NYC, Texas and everywhere in-between.  Most importantly Marv has been tracking our progress with the “Digital City project” and he knows that Tampa would be an ideal place for a pilot project.  Finding folks willing to sponsor large-scale on-line multimedia projects is key and the subject matter (financial services, cigars, call centers, fishing, retirement living) are all ripe for the picking down in Tampa.

The best part is that I met a gazelle investor and guess what?  His wife is from Cleveland!

Tampa has an area called “YBor City” which reminds me of New Orleans, Key West or Savannah.  This is where we’re hoping to open up a “Digital Bureau” and start “building our digital city.”

Big up and shutout to David Glass, Linda Olsen, Alex Sink and Joe Dubois for helping to put together the event.  And special thanks for Marv for getting me down there – in the first place!