Ecosystem Builder Interview with Tad Deriso of Mid-Atlantic Broadband & SOVA Innovation Hub

 

Connectivity is a key consideration when it comes to bringing new people, businesses, and job markets to the region and MBC works to do just that. That’s why episode 7 of Entrepreneurship on the RISE Podcast is about how MBC is allowing our region to get connected!

CO.STARTERS Generator is a modular self-paced program that helps middle school, high school, and college students explore their passions through generating, testing, and launching ideas for businesses and social ventures. With the ability to participate individually or with a classroom or community group, CO.STARTERS Generator is a great way to inspire youth with the vision, enthusiasm, and tenacity needed to move from idea to action. 

In this episode of Entrepreneurship on the RISE Podcast, Jacob and Lauren, joined by their guest Tad Deriso are sharing what you can expect to see from MBC in the near future and how learning from your mistakes not only allows you to grow as a person, but allows you to better provide for the communities you serve.

Tad Deriso standing outside the SOVA Innovation Hub in South Boston, VA

Tad Deriso

President & CEO of Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation and Board Chair of the SOVA Innovation Hub

 

In this episode, we sat down with Tad Deriso, President & CEO of Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation and Board Chair of the SOVA Innovation Hub.

Podcast Episode Coming Soon

Key Takeaways

  • The ways in which Tad’s role and the ecosystem has shifted during his time working with MBC. 
  • How getting connected creates a pathway to bring jobs to the area. 
  • What we cam expect to see in terms of universal broadband over the next 2-5 years. 
  • What digital equity means for a community and how to get involved. 
  • How MBC and Microsoft are coming together through the SOVA Innovation Hub to better serve the people in the region. 
  • The skills and mindsets we should be instilling in our students to prepare them for the job market. 
  • Learning to accept your mistakes in order to learn and grow from them.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag us!  And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell me your key takeaways!

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About Mid-Atlantic Broadband

Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation (MBC) is a 501(c)4 social welfare organization committed to the economic advancement of Southern Virginia through the operation of nearly 2,000 miles of open-access fiber optic network, providing wholesale telecommunications transport, dark fiber and colocation services. With presence in major internet peering exchange points, MBC reduces the cost of Internet access for wholesale customers and reduces the time and cost to reach customers in rural Virginia markets. MBC’s network supports job creation as a critical element in the recruitment of major commercial investments.

MBC is also committed to advancing the innovation economy in Southern Virginia through the SOVA Innovation Hub, a 501(c)3 partnership between MBC and Microsoft. The goal of the SOVA Innovation Hub is to bring together business and education partners to offer innovative programs that inspire the citizens of Southern Virginia to pursue digital careers and entrepreneurship. 

CONNECT WITH TAD DERISO:

Linkedin 

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Reprogramming the American Dream by Kevin Scott