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agricultural Entrepreneurship Programs Extension agricultural entrepreneurship programs include assistance in the technical and management operations of farmers markets and training in Beginning Farmers Programs for young farm families. In addition is access to Regional Food Hub Programs, a business model that connects producers with buyers. This is done by providing production, distribution and marketing services, providing increased consumer access to local food, expanded markets for local products, increased access to new buyers, increased producer income and reduced producer transportation and marketing costs.
USU EXTENSION IMPACTS: Small Business Development
Production Distribution & access to Marketing local food
Expanded Markets
Increased Producer income
Reduced Marketing costs
Access to new buyers
Reduced Transportation costs
winter 2016
extension.usu.edu Small businesses in Utah create most of the jobs and economic growth in the state. The SBDC program was created to help increase the rates of new small business growth and decrease the rates of their failure. The centers provide management assistance and training to new or existing business owners in such critical areas as marketing, planning and financial management. They also provide entrepreneurs access to capital by helping them work with banks and lending institutions as well as modified e-station or incubator facilities for fledgling new businesses. In addition, most centers are connected to the Governor’s Office of Economic Development program for rural business outreach, which helps local officials direct resources to small businesses needing assistance. Together with other local and state economic development resources, SBDCs help local public and private institutions create entrepreneurial communities and an economic engine for growth and development.
Sbdc Success stories Onrucas Mobile Solutions
Epik Solutions
Onrucas Mobile Solutions is a software solution that allows a business manager to plan, schedule, track and confirm business processes. Originally it was created to focus on the energy industry, but the application can also be applied to any other business. Owner James Bird needed help with sales and support, and his attorney suggested that he meet with Mark Holmes, director of the Vernal SBDC.
Dawnell and Blake Collins opened Epik Solutions in Blanding in July of 2013. They established a method to negotiate with companies and clients before taking them to court for non-payment, allowing customers to pay off debts with lower interest without affecting their credit.
“Holmes was very helpful,” said Bird. “Along with some great suggestions, he provided me with a business plan template to formulate my business from every angle. He also helped me with a cash flow projection to help forecast payables, receivables and future profits.”
Because of the resources of the Blanding Small Business Development Center and the help of Tim Chamberlain, business advisor of the SBDC, they have hired six full-time employees, with plans to hire 35 more. The SBDC provided them with a variety of trainings, especially money management fundamentals needed to fund, market and grow a business.
With the help of SBDC, Bird started a “mastermind” group consisting of entrepreneurs who get together to network and share ideas.
USU has SBDCs at central campuses in Logan and Price and at regional campuses in Brigham City, Tooele, Vernal, Blanding and Moab. — Marion Bentley, USU Extension business and economic development specialist
Small business assistance 2014 USU Extension
SBDC Impacts Capital Infusion
$31,837,300
Sales Increase
$22,157,448
SBDCs provide management assistance to current and prospective small business owners. Counseling and training are provided to clients, generally free of charge. The program at Utah State University is a cooperative partnership of the private sector, USU Extension and federal, state and local governments. The seven USU Extension SBDC offices are part of a larger network of 12 SBDCs located at colleges and universities throughout Utah. SBDCs have become valuable resources for local economic development initiatives.
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BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTERS
Job Creation Business Starts
“The SBDC catapulted me through many of the learning curves you go through as a new business owner.” – James Bird
Utah Lt. Governor Spencer J. Cox presenting 2014 SBDC Network Client of the Year Award to Epik Solutions owners Dawnell and Blake Collins.
Produced by USU Extension Marketing. Utah State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution.
Small Business Development Centers
39
Total Clients
838
Ave. Hours Per Client
5.95
Counseling hours
5,543
BRCs provide coordination of business support, education, tracking of clients, access to sources of funding, training, technical expertise, talent and networking for new and existing businesses. Most BRCs are co-located with SBDCs and provide support to rural business development programs. Start-up and small business assistance is provided to international refugees through a joint USU Extension and International Rescue Center project in Salt Lake County. This partnership includes the Microbusiness Connection Center and small business curriculum development and training.