The SRDC is pleased to announce the availability of a new round of funding to invest in the development of innovative e-commerce educational products. The grant program, sponsored by the SRDC in partnership with CSREES/USDA and the Regional Rural Development Centers (RRDCs), provides grants of up to $25,000 to develop and pilot test new educational products that align with one of the priority topics from this year's competitive grants program. Land-grant university faculty/Extension educators from any 1862, 1890 or 1994 institution in U.S. are eligible to apply. Proposals must be postmarked no later than July 20, 2009 or submitted by e-mail to the SRDC by 5 p.m. CDT on July 20. To access the complete RFP and list of e-commerce-related topics being given priority in this year's round of funding, please visit the Center's 2009 National e-Commerce Competitive Grants Program site.

The National e-Commerce Extension Initiative Presents A Beginner’s Guide to e-Commerce: Easy Tools for Profit by Dr. Kimball Marshall.  This learning module provides guidance to entrepreneurs that may have limited computer skills while promoting the benefits of small-scale Internet-based business. Complete with case studies of successful businesses to serve as role models as well as exercises to sharpen Internet skills, this curriculum also encourage learners to use examples of small businesses that sell online from their own lives.  Through the use of this learning module beginning e-commerce students will be able to identify the financial, social and psychological desired rewards of an online business.

View A Beginner's Guide to e-Commerce: Easy Tools for Profit