The National e-Commerce Extension Initiative

Focusing In on Farm Business Management

Internet Strategies to Improve Farm Business Management has been utilized to help farmers and those in agriculture understand the advantages of e-commerce. Recently updated with new PowerPoint slides, the modules primary purpose is to educate farm managers about existing Internet-based technologies that they can use to enhance or compliment their managerial skills. The six lessons included flow from a basic understanding of the internet and internet searches to developing, maintaining and promoting a Web site. Full of examples, interactive learning and video testimony from actual farmers themselves, this module has a lot to offer the learning agriculturally based business owner.

Learners are introduced to common and useful terminology and get a brief tutorial on performing searches on the Internet; reasons for business communications and their importance to management, as well as reasons include sales and marketing, customer service, public relations, professional networking, and internal management as part of a value added business plan. Learners will also review how to use other Web sites to market and sell their products. The more technical issues of developing and maintaining their own Web site are also addressed in detail. And lastly, the Web site promotion lesson will focus on getting registered with and listed by search engines, using banner advertisements, generating media exposure, getting involved with professional organizations, getting listed on other peoples' Web Sites, and using product and existing marketing materials as Web site endorsement tools.

Register now for NACDEP pre-conference workshop "E-commerce and More: Community Development through Digital Engagement"

If you are attending the upcoming National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals conference, consider joining us for the National e-Commerce Extension Initiative pre-conference workshop focusing on using digital technology to engage your local community and businesses.

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The National e-Commerce Extension Initiative Awards More Mini-Grants

On August 8, 2011 the Initiative's advisory board selected two mini-grant applicants and one educational resource applicant to receive funding for their e-commerce activities.

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Getting Connected

Mississippi is getting on the broadband wagon. While currently Mississippi residents have the lowest broadband (high speed) Internet usage rate in the country—about 60 percent—the Mississippi Broadband Connection Coalition (MBBC) aims to help more Mississippians get high-speed Internet connections.

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Building Quality e-Commerce Educational Resources to Support Extension Programming

The Southern Rural Development Center (SRDC), in partnership with NIFA/USDA and the Regional Rural Development Centers, is pleased to announce a new round of funding for its e-commerce competitive grants program.

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The Initiative's Role in Rural Broadband Adoption Featured in Choices

Choices: The Magazine of Food, Farm and Resource Issues releases a themed issue, with Guest Editor James Barnes, focusing on broadband expansion into rural areas. Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the United States will spend almost $12 billion dollars to develop infrastructure and provide education to encourage rural adoption of high-speed Internet or broadband.

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e-Commerce Trainings

Information

The National e-Commerce Extension Initiative has concluded the 2009 fall Webinar Series. These Webinars were 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 spotlighted newly developed online learning curricula. Participation in the Webinar Series was highly recommended for those Extension Educators interested in applying for the Implementation Mini–Grants Program.


Recent Webinar Series (2009)

A Beginner’s Guide to e-Commerce:
Easy Tools for Profit
October 29, 2009 (Archived Webinar)

Web site Basics: A Primer for Hispanic
Small Businesses
November 19, 2009 (Archived Webinar)

Marketing Food Specialty Products Online
December 3, 2009 (Archived Webinar)

Electronic Retailing: Selling on the Internet
December 10, 2009 (Archived Webinar)


For more information and archives on the Webinar Series, please visit our Webinar page.