LIFE City
LIFE City is an interactive online portal with educational resources that focus on business applications for widely available information technology (IT) tools. The portal is a valuable asset for current and aspiring entrepreneurs who live in remote areas or in locations without access to an HP LIFE Center. The site allows HP and its partners to reach and support entrepreneurs whom we expect will foster future economic development and growth, and use their talents to address pressing world problems.
LIFE City provides an innovative, user-friendly, and entertaining way for aspiring entrepreneurs to gain small business knowledge. Users navigate through the site at their own pace, focusing on individual interests. Interactive and animated presentations help users learn about technological tools for marketing, finances, operations, management, and communications. And practical business games help players advance their IT knowledge, gain business acumen, and find out what goes into managing a small business.
For example, the Blossom Flowers game allows players to experience what it's like to be an entrepreneur. Users face business challenges commonly encountered by microenterprises. They manage costs, learn about marketing strategies, handle daily operational tasks, and avoid communications pitfalls. By successfully navigating these situations, players gain valuable technical skills and increase their business knowledge. Branded certificates are given to players who successfully complete the game.
Available in Chinese, Czech, English, French, Polish, Turkish, and Russian, LIFE City has received more than 42,000 visits since its launch in 2008. In 2011, we expect LIFE City to evolve into LIFE Community—an online meeting place where trainers, students, and entrepreneurs can go to share ideas, seek information, and start conversations with people all over the world. LIFE Community will feature tips and advice for entrepreneurs, success stories, and videos about how to start and grow a business. The community will be able to share its best practices and invite other entrepreneurs to join the LIFE experience.