Tech Readiness: Opening Doors to Innovation

Building Digital Bridges During Cook County Digital Equity Week!

The Carver Innovation Center, in partnership with R.I.S.E. Reentry Program, the LWCC Veterans Ministry, and the Illinois Small Business Development Center at The Joseph Center, will host a transformative digital equity workshop on Thursday, October 9, 2025, as part of Cook County Digital Equity Week. This no-cost community event aims to bridge the digital divide while opening pathways to innovation and entrepreneurship for underserved populations including veterans, returning citizens, and aspiring entrepreneurs.

The initiative represents a unique collaboration between faith-based organizations, workforce development programs, and innovation centers, demonstrating how technology readiness can serve as a catalyst for both personal transformation and community economic development. The workshop directly supports Cook County's Digital Equity Action Plan by addressing all four cornerstones: Accessibility, Confidence, Safety, and Infrastructure.

Agenda coming shortly.

Info: ● Essential Tools: Email, cloud storage, video calling
● Safety First: Password management, avoiding scams, protecting data
● Mobile Power: Using smartphones for productivity
● Government Services: Accessing benefits, job boards, health resources

Info: Track A: Career Readiness (Led by R.I.S.E. team)
● Creating professional online presence
● Job search platforms and applications
● LinkedIn basics and networking
● Digital interview preparation
Track B: Business Innovation (Led by Illinois SBDC at The Joseph Center)
● Simple online business presence
● Digital payment systems
● Social media for small business
● Introduction to e-commerce
Track C: Maker Introduction (Led by Carver Innovation Center)
● Tour of 3D printing and laser cutting equipment
● Demonstration of rapid prototyping
● How digital skills connect to physical creation
● Pathways to inventor training

Host or Publisher Illinois SBDC-ITC at The Joseph Center