How Central Ohio is Closing the Digital Divide with Heart, Hustle, and a Human Touch

If you’ve ever felt like technology is both saving your sanity and driving you up the wall, you’re not alone. On a recent episode of “Looking Forward Our Way,” hosts Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson chat with Brad Griffith. He’s the brains behind Buckeye Innovation. We learn more about making tech more accessible, useful, and (most importantly) human for nonprofits, small businesses, and everyday people in Central Ohio.

Tech That Brings Us Together

Technology is supposed to make life easier, but sometimes it feels like it’s doing the exact opposite. Brad, a dad himself, summed up what a lot of us are thinking: the best tech is the kind that actually helps us connect with others, not just scroll mindlessly or drown in busywork. “I want great human connection,” he says 09:54. “Tech should give us more time for life, not take it away.”

The dream? Tech that takes care of the boring stuff, like scheduling, paperwork, endless emails. That let’s us focus on being creative, solving real problems, or just hanging out with family. That’s the North Star for everything Buckeye Innovation builds.

The Digital Divide is Still a Big, But Fixable, Problem

There are neighborhoods in Columbus, OH and Central Ohio where reliable internet and devices are still a luxury. And the people affected most are those who could really use a leg up. Like families with low income, new Americans, seniors, and communities of color. That gap got even more obvious during the pandemic.

But Central Ohio isn’t just sitting around waiting for someone else to fix it. Groups like the ConnectUs Coalition (formerly the Franklin County Digital Equity Coalition) are making a big difference by helping people get digital skills, devices, and internet access 20:20. Buckeye Innovation helped create a portal that’s so simple, even folks with very little computer experience can sign up for classes and get matched with tech they actually need.

Removing Barriers for Nonprofits and Small Businesses

Nonprofits and small businesses do more with less, often way less. Brad and his team help these groups find “bottlenecks”, and use tech to clear the way. Here’s a question he always asks: “If you suddenly had to help ten times as many people, what would have to change?” 26:50. That usually gets people to think outside the box.

The solutions might look like a web app to help volunteers sign up faster, or a mobile tool that lets people book services without getting lost in phone trees. But whatever the tool, the focus is on making work easier without losing that human spark. Technology’s only helpful if it makes real-life connections deeper and more meaningful 29:11.

Same goes for small businesses. Sometimes someone starts a boutique or a service because they love what they do, then gets swamped keeping up. Accelerate Columbus, one of their partners, gives these entrepreneurs the know-how (and the website) to level up, even if they don’t have a tech background 38:08.

Prepping Everyone for the Jobs of Tomorrow

Tech isn’t just for “techies.” Good jobs now require at least basic digital skills, whether you’re 25 or 65. There are new careers out there (hello, “prompt engineer”!) that didn’t exist even five years ago 51:42. The good news is that Central Ohio is loaded with organizations, like Goodwill Columbus, Columbus State Community College, Color-Coded Labs, and local libraries. These organizations are offering training, bootcamps, resume help, and free classes for everyone.

Brad’s optimistic: tech can take away a lot of the repetitive stuff and even open doors for people who need new opportunities, as long as we’re intentional about how we use it 52:24.

Tech That Works With Us, Not Against Us

Brad’s last piece of advice is simple but powerful: Ask yourself if technology is helping you be more creative, connected, and productive, or just making you more stressed. “Is my use of technology enhancing my connection with my family and friends… or is it just draining?” 01:04:42. For businesses and nonprofits, the same question applies.

So yes, tech is always changing, and it can be intimidating. But in Central Ohio, people are working together to make sure no one gets left out, and tech stays a tool, not a boss. Whether you’re running a nonprofit, starting a side hustle, looking for your next job, or just trying to keep up, there’s help, and hope. ahead. Let’s keep asking: how can we make tech truly work for all of us?

FAQ about Buckeye Innovation

1. What is Buckeye Innovation and who founded it?

Buckeye Innovation is a company that provides software engineering and design solutions for organizations, especially those that are mission-driven like nonprofits and small businesses. It was founded by Brad Griffith, who serves as CEO. The company aims to help organizations access high-impact technology regardless of funding or accessibility issues 00:17.

2. How does technology enhance human connection according to Brad Griffith?

Brad Griffith emphasizes that the perfect technology should enhance human connection and creativity, not replace it. He believes technology should automate tedious tasks, allowing more time for meaningful interpersonal interactions and personal growth 09:54.

3. What resources are available in Central Ohio for nonprofits and small businesses to improve their technology access?

Central Ohio offers several resources such as the Columbus Library’s digital skills classes, the ConnectUs Coalition, Goodwill Columbus, Columbus Foundation, and Accelerate Columbus. These organizations help improve digital skills, provide access to devices, and connect users to valuable technology tools 17:58, 21:09, 01:04:03.

4. How does Buckeye Innovation help organizations remove technology barriers?

Buckeye Innovation works with nonprofits and small businesses to identify process bottlenecks and applies technology to eliminate these obstacles. They develop web apps, mobile apps, and tools that automate processes and improve service delivery while maintaining empathy for diverse user needs 18:20, 26:29.

5. What advice does Brad Griffith give for using technology responsibly?

Brad Griffith suggests regularly reflecting on how technology is used: Is it enhancing your connection with others and fostering creativity, or is it detracting from relationships? He encourages users to take advantage of local resources, keep asking questions, and ensure tech adoption serves to enrich life and organizational missions 01:04:42, 01:05:39.

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Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.

Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson

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