Accessing Technical Assistance

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Practical advice and useful suggestions are just a click or phone call away. Through our technical assistance resources, staff at Neighborhood Networks centers may participate in monthly conference calls, network with other centers' staff, develop a business plan, or share ideas.

START is an online business planning resource. It helps centers define their mission, lay the groundwork for center sustainability and growth, and identify steps needed to achieve center goals. START performs calculations and provides estimates to help you plan your program. When you complete the START process, you will have a business plan--a blueprint for your center's operation. A business plan is essential if your center plans to apply for financial support from foundations, corporations, and government agencies. The plan also will help you achieve your center's goals at minimum cost.

Each month Neighborhood Networks centers have the opportunity to participate in a conference call that can help grow and enhance your center. Future topics will include job training, employment, afterschool programs, microenterprise activities, increasing resident participation, a START update, business planning, and locating grant funding. Check the Web site homepage regularly for detailed information about upcoming conference calls.

Online networking allows participants to exchange ideas and information on topics related to Neighborhood Networks via the Internet.

Technical Assistance Hotline

Neighborhood Networks centers can request additional technical assistance by calling toll-free (888) 312-2743, selecting from a prerecorded menu, and speaking with a technical assistance specialist. The hearing impaired may access this number via TTy by calling the Federal Information Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.