The mission of the New York State Urban Development Corporation d/b/a Empire State Development (ESD) is to promote a vigorous and growing state economy, encourage business investment and job creation, and support diverse, prosperous local economies across New York State through the efficient use of loans, grants, tax credits, real estate development, marketing, and other forms of assistance. The expansion of safe, reliable, affordable, high-speed internet access is key to growing New York’s economy and increasing economic opportunity for everyone in the state. ConnectALL is Governor Kathy Hochul’s initiative to address the digital divide, transform the state’s digital infrastructure, and ensure that all New Yorkers have access to high-speed, reliable, and affordable broadband internet service. Through the Working to Implement Reliable and Equitable Deployment of Broadband Act (WIRED Broadband Act), the New York State Legislature confirmed that this initiative is consistent with the economic development purpose of Empire State Development. To that end, Empire State Development’s ConnectALL Office, as the entity responsible for implementing the ConnectALL initiative, offers grants through multiple programs to close the digital divide, promote a robust broadband marketplace, and ensure all homes and businesses have access to safe, reliable, affordable, high-speed internet.? 

ConnectALL’s Digital Equity Program specifically addresses the opportunities to improve how people can use the internet through increased skills, access to digital devices, and with the appropriate technical support.