The National e-Commerce Extension Initiative

Spanish e-Commerce learning is added to the Learning Center!

Web site Basics: A Primer for Hispanic Small Businesses is the latest offering added to our Learning Center. This learning module can open doors for Hispanic Small Businesses through effective Web site design and online shopping options. So whether you have a business and are thinking about adding Spanish offerings or you are a Spanish speaking business looking to add ecommerce as a value added measure, this module has something for you.

Fall 2009 Webinar Series Featured on Extension Radio Program

Rachael Carter, Extension Associate in Community and Strategic Planning and a scheduled presenter for the upcoming Fall 2009 Webinar Series, interviewed for Farm and Family Radio to discuss the program. Kicking off October 29, this exciting series aimed at Extension educators, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. Topics include beginning e-commerce activities, e-commerce for Hispanic small businesses, marketing food online, and introduction to e-tailing. Hear Carter answer questions about the program and learn how it can benefit you.

Listen to the Radio Interview [mp3]

New Round of e-Commerce Mini-Grants Available

The Southern Rural Development Center (SRDC) is pleased to announce the continuation of its initiative to foster implementation of one of its new e-commerce curricula. U.S. Land-Grant Extension educators or teams are invited to submit proposals outlining how they propose to implement one of the FOUR new e-commerce educational curricula that the SRDC is scheduled to release by this fall. The maximum amount allowed for any proposal is $3,000. For more information, visit The Program Implementation Mini-Grants page.

Download the Complete Request for Proposals [PDF]

Fall 2009 Webinar Series Schedule

The National e-Commerce Extension Initiative is excited to re-launch the 2009 fall Webinar Series! These Webinars are designed for Extension educators, economic development professionals and other interested parties who have a desire to work with local leaders, citizens, and organizations to build a strong, vibrant plan for introducing and effectively using broadband in their communities. The Fall 2009 Webinar Series will spotlight newly developed online learning curricula. Participation in the Webinar Series is highly recommended for those Extension Educators interested in applying for the Implementation Mini-Grants Program.

Currently scheduled Webinars are featured below:

	Web site Basics: A Primer for Hispanic Small Businesses November 19, 2009 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. (Central Time) Dr. Brian Whitacre Participation link: https://admin.na4.acrobat.com/_a828402417/r37898579 The Internet can open doors for Hispanic Small Businesses through effective Web site design and online shopping options. To learn how to use the Internet to add value to a Hispanic Small Business or increase awareness of the products and services provided by these small businesses among Spanish speaking consumers, join us for “Web site Basics: A Primer for Hispanic Small Businesses.” The SRDC will broadcast this free learning opportunity on November 19, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. (Central Time).
	Marketing Food Specialty Products Online December 3, 2009 2 - 3 p.m. (Central Time) Rachael Carter Participation link: https://admin.na4.acrobat.com/_a828402417/r94784336 How can food retailers – such as grocery managers, farmers, restaurants, or food specialty entrepreneurs – utilize the vast amount of online marketing options? If you or a client want to gain skills in online business decision-making, tune in to “Marketing Food Specialty Products Online” on December 3, 2009 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. (Central Time). This free interactive Webinar is sponsored by the SRDC.
	Electronic Retailing: Selling on the Internet December 10, 2009 2 – 3 p.m. (Central Time) Dr. Julie Sexton Participation link: http://msues.na4.acrobat.com/r48867548/ Getting a Web site is just the first step. Learning how to conduct business and sales online, from understanding what motivates consumers decisions and trends to make practical choices for efficiency, can make all the difference. On December 10, 2009 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., the SRDC will preview this upcoming learning opportunity.

How to Participate in Webinars
To join a Webinar session, click on the participation link directly below the schedule time above. When you to go to that URL, you will find yourself at a login page. Simply enter your name under the "Enter as a Guest" heading. Click on "Enter Room."

We will be using the Internet connection (not phone lines) for audio. You will need speakers for your computer to hear the presentation and a microphone if you wish to be able to participate in the discussions. A chat box will be available for those who do not have microphones.

Questions?
For additional information or questions, visit the 2009 Webinar Series page or contact Bo Beaulieu at ljb@srdc.msstate.edu.

2009 e-Commerce Educational Resource Development Grant Recipients Announced

The National e-Commerce Extension Initiative would like to congratulate the following recipients of the 2009 Educational Resources Development Competitive Grants Program:

Dr. Brian Whitacre, Oklahoma State University; Dr. Connie Handcock, University of Nebraska; Dr. David Shideler Oklahoma State University; and Dr. Michael Wilcox, University of Tennessee; for their collective submission Web Presence Strategies for Small Communities and Local Governments.
Dr. Lisa Chase, University of Vermont, for her curriculum development project Using Social Networking Tools to Enhance Small Businesses.
Stacey McCullough, Dr. Jefferson Miller and Dr. Leslie Edgar, University of Arkansas, for the project titled Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Strategies.

Each project will result in a new online curriculum that will assist in meeting the ever-changing technological educational needs of Extension educators. See previous recipients at the Grant Recipients’ page.