SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - San Diego-based tech giant Qualcomm is offering help to small businesses as they adapt to the mobile-first way of working during the Coronavirus Pandemic.
The company has launched the "Small Business Accelerator Program," offering up to $25,000 worth of equipment and tech support so other companies can connect with employees and customers online.
"Connectivity is more important than ever right now because of the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic," says Don McGuire, Qualcomm's Vice President of Global Product Marketing.
"If we can marry the right solutions and we can help you with your business, then it's a match made in heaven."
Companies across the US with less than 100 employees are eligible to apply through Qualcomm's website. The company has pledged $250,000, which they'll allocate based on need. They hope to help as many as 50 companies with new equipment and provide the expertise and support they need to use it effectively.
"It'll be a combination of products," says McGuire. "Always connected PCs, 5G smartphones, Wi-Fi mesh capability devices, hotspots; So it's really a basket of customized solutions that can help them with their business situation and the challenges that they have currently in operating their business."
Qualcomm partnered with Best Buy, Verizon, and Microsoft on the program.
Applications are due by the end of June, and they hope to begin delivering the equipment in August or September.
They're looking for companies that can genuinely benefit from a tech upgrade.
"We want to hear your story," says McGuire, who told 10News that applications could be written or on video. "How have you struggled? What issues are you having with keeping your business relevant and keeping your business afloat during this pandemic situation? And how can technology help you improve your situation?"
