IBM OFFERS TO LEND START-UPS EARNEST MONEY FOR BROADBAND GRANTS

摘要

IBM said it's making $2 billion in loans available for projects that will be supported by federal stimulus spending. Organizations of all sizes "looking to implement technology projects consisting of a majority portion of IBM hardware, software and technology services components" are invited to apply for the money, the company said. IBM's lending unit, IBM Global Financing, said the money can go to projects involving health IT, smart grid technologies or increasing broadband access. Applicants for federal broadband money are required to put up at least 20 percent of a project's capital costs, putting stimulus out of the reach of many start-ups.