Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/14
Outputs
Target Audience: Target audience - This Comprehensive Entrepreneurship Extension Team Project (CEETP) worked to address the need for comprehensive entrepreneurship training among the states underserved and disadvantaged populations through a Virtual entrepreneurship Center (VEC). The primary goal of this project was to provide research based information and training to individuals seeking to improve their knowledge on entrepreneurship to start a new business or to expand an existing business. The VEC was designed to reach individuals who had not been fully integrated into the economy and traditional entrepreneurship training programs. This disadvantaged section of the population has the greatest potential for economic growth as well as the greatest need for entrepreneurship training. The primary target audiences for the VEC included current and future entrepreneurs within the state of Alabama with a special focus on disadvantaged and hard to reach populations. This group can be further divided into the following categories: youth entrepreneurs, rural adult entrepreneurs, low income urban entrepreneurs, and rural entrepreneurs. Efforts - The above groups were reached through the web based training portal (myvec.org). Individuals were able to access training modules that cover a wide variety of topics important to business start-up and development. Individuals also were engaged through social media (twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook) as a part of the projects support services and community building efforts. The content provided through the various virtual mediums was developed by regional experts within their respective fields. Changes/Problems: During this reporting period as a result of new discoveries in pedagogy for online program delivery the project launched a serious of incentive programs. These programs increased participation and evaluation response rates. The initiation of a micro-grant program bolstered the entrepreneurship training program and provided one-on-one interaction with participants. Many of the certificate program graduates and micro-grant recipients have requested that we develop an intermediate and advanced training course. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The internal review committee has assisted with the documentation of project accomplishments, evaluations, recommendations, and impacts. This information has been and continues to be presented in written format throughout the state and region to both practitioners and clients. The successes of the project have been disseminated through the SMLC, AAMU website, and the annual report to all ACES county offices. The success stories of the program have been distributed using ACES online reporting system and appear in the extension annual report of accomplishments. The achievements of the project have also provided the foundation for Public Service Announcements and Radio interviews throughout the state. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The Comprehensive Entrepreneurship Extension Team Project (CEETP) worked to address the need for comprehensive entrepreneurship training among the states underserved and disadvantaged populations through a Virtual entrepreneurship Center (VEC). The primary goal of this project was to provide research based information and training to individuals seeking to improve their knowledge on entrepreneurship to start a new business or to expand an existing business. The VEC was designed to reach individuals who had not been fully integrated into the economy and traditional entrepreneurship training programs. This disadvantaged section of the population has the greatest potential for economic growth as well as the greatest need for entrepreneurship training. During the Life of the project the partnering institutions worked to set up a Virtual Entrepreneurship center that could provide free entrepreneurship training to individuals throughout the state regardless of location and income level. There were over 1200 visitors to the online video archives for specific help with one or more areas of entrepreneurship. The training modules were also grouped together to provide an Entrepreneurship Basics Certificate program. The program had 59 individuals register for this program. Of the program participants responding to surveys 73 % said that the information was very or extremely helpful. Of the program participants responding to the survey 62% reported that they were extremely satisfied with the training and website. Of the respondents 83 % said that they were very or extremely likely to use this info in starting or developing a business. Of the program participants responding to the survey 26% said that they had used information to start or develop their business. increase the number of adults participating in extension entrepreneurship training During this period we have increased the number of program participants in extension entrepreneurship training by grouping training modules together to develop the Entrepreneurship Basics Course. The program has registered 59 participants with 25% completing and 62% actively pursuing completion. The program participants were 80% small business owners and 20% were individuals seeking to start a business in the near future. Of the participants all reported an increase in knowledge in five out of 7 knowledge areas (licenses/permits, start-up, entrepreneurship basics, problem solving, legal entities, marketing, leadership). Of the program participants responding to the survey 26% said that they had used information to start or develop their business. Of those graduating from the program 7 have been awarded micro grants in the following Alabama counties: Mobile, Birmingham, Madison. Of the individuals receiving micro-grants 3 have started a new business and 4 have purchase equipment to expand their existing business. increase the number of youth participating in entrepreneurship training During the project 2 youth Entrepreneurship training camps were conducted with an approximate attendance of 80 students. Of those that participated all had the opportunity to engage VEC staff and to become familiar with the program. Of the participants all reported an increase in knowledge in five out of 6 knowledge areas (start-up, entrepreneurship basics, problem solving, business plan development, marketing, leadership). Within the youth entrepreneurship category 8 individuals started and or expanded a small business. increase the number of small business Of the 1200 individuals who have received information and training through the VEC 26% of survey respondents reported that they used the information to start or develop their business. Through the direct support and training of the program 15 individuals within the start-up phase of their business received direct assistance from the project. provide continuous education and support online for entrepreneurs in the state The VEC through its Social Media Learning Center (SMLC) has and continues to bring entrepreneurs together. There are currently over 900 participants connected to the center through one or more social network platforms. These individuals are not only able to communicate with one another but also able to receive support for their entrepreneurial endeavors.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Richardson, Roger A., Virtual Business Development, Action, Cooperative Extension, 2012 summer edition.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
The project presented and participated in contributing to the proceedings of the Center for Governmental Services at Auburn Universitys Globalism in Today's Workforce conference in Atlanta, Georgia in May of 2014.
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Virtual Entrepreneurship Center website 2nd version completed (MyVEC.org)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
The project presented for the Southern Regional Program Leader Network Conference on Connecting with Communities: Preparing for the Next 100 Years in Nashville, Tennessee in August of 2013.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
The project presented at the Economic & Community Development Institutes Alabama Community Leadership Networks conference entitled Our Communities Depend on You in Auburn, Alabama, in October of 2013.
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Progress 09/01/12 to 08/31/13
Outputs
Target Audience: The primary target audiences are current and future community leaders, decision makers, and local and state governmental officials in all communities across the state. The VEC targets individuals contemplating starting a business or preparing for future entrepreneurial endeavors. The target audience also includes existing entrepreneurs looking for additional training and support for current and future ventures. The project focuses on providing services to new and nontraditional populations that may be underserved by traditional entrepreneurship training activates. Changes/Problems: During the implementation of the grant significant obstacles have been overcome. There have been delays in module development due to the availability of high quality professionals to provide content. A technical framework had to be developed in order to integrate materials and transmit content from one university to the other. Training and infrastructure had to be developed to support the social media learning center and to provide continuous staffing. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? During this program year the VEC (through working with its advisory board, contacting program participants, and conducting research) has endeavored to stay abreast of changes in the business environment as well as the needs of emerging entrepreneurs. As a result of these efforts timely topics were selected for new module development and launched on the VEC platform and advertised through traditional mechanisms and via social media. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? In accordance with the project dissemination plan. The annual accomplishments have been distributed throughout the state of Alabama via the county extesnion offices. These accomplishment have also been showcased at local and regional conferences. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? During the next reporting period we plan rto launch a Entrepreneuership Grant program. The program will provide start-up grants to new Entrepreneurs looking to start there business. In order to qualify for the program individuals must have compleed a series of traINING cources through the VEC. This effort will help attract serious individuals to the site as well as provide an incentive for entrepreneurship training.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Individuals participating in the Virtual Entrepreneurship Center were contacted through social media and via email to provide feedback on the program. Of the program participants that responded to the survey they reported the following: 70% reported that they thought that the VEC videos and printed materials were extremely informative; 60% said that they were extremely likely to use the information to improve entrepreneurship activities; 50% were extremely likely to recommend the VEC to others; 60% reported that they were extremely satisfied with the training and website.
Publications
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
myvec.org
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Progress 09/01/11 to 08/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The Comprehensive Entrepreneurship Extension Team Project has successfully completed the development phase of the project. During the course of the program year Alabama A&M University, in partnership with Auburn University, and Tuskegee University are proud to report the following outputs. Activities: Equipment was acquired and installed to develop a social media laboratory; A survey was conducted of online non degree Entrepreneurship programs; A curriculum was developed for entrepreneurship training modules; Program staff was hired and trained to utilize social media and graphic design software; Website was developed using SharePoint and Adobe Create; Social Media Presence was established on Facebook, You Tube, Twitter, LinkedIn. Events: Auburn University conducted the ACLN Conference; Alabama A&M University conducted the Business Opportunities Conference in partnership with the African American Chamber Of Commerce. The project was presented at 5 regional meetings and or conferences. Entrepreneurship workshops were conducted (3) by project staff and partners. Services: Program staff responded to inquiries for additional information on various business topics; Program staff made referrals to various agencies based on the need of each individual. Products: Virtual Entrepreneurship website (MyVEC.org) Virtual Entrepreneurship Facebook Page (facebook.com/myvecorg) Virtual Entrepreneurship Twitter account (twitter.com/myvec_org) Virtual Entrepreneurship LinkedIn account (Alabama VEC) Virtual Entrepreneurship YouTube Channel (Alabama VEC). The following videos were created: Work-Life balance and the PEACE strategy, USDA Rural Development, Conducting Effective Meetings, Advancing Innovation and Small Business Success, Entrepreneurship Spirit - Dare to Be Different, Formula for Wealth Creation - The Success Potion, Effective Leadership Practices, Grant Writing Tips and Funding Resources, Entrepreneurship 101, New Economy: Resources for Entrepreneurs, Corporate Leadership, Social Media, Funding your business, Government jobs, Economic Outlook, Selling your business. Dissemination: The project used Social Media, Conference Presentations, Online Advertising, and distribution of materials throughout the state. PARTICIPANTS: Project Staff: Dr. Roger Richardson serves as the principal investigator. In this role he organizes and coordinates the project staff at each institution and insures that the goals of the project are being accomplished. Dr. Prosper Doamekpor serves as a project Co-PI. In this role he leads the youth entrepreneurship activities of the project. Dr. Arturo Menefee serves as a project Co-PI. In this role he coordinates the projects website and audio-visual efforts. Mike Osaji serves as a graduate assistant. In his role he assists with program development and reporting. Jasmine Green serves as a graduate assistant. In her role she oversees the social media laboratory. Jasmine Champion serves as a graduate assistant. In her role she serves as the video editing supervisor. Partner Organizations: The two partnering organizations for the project are Auburn University and Tuskegee University. Training or professional development: Each graduate and undergraduate student completed 3 days of training on the use of social media. One graduate student and one undergraduate student completed 2 days training on graphic design. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
This report is for the initial program year of the project. The Comprehensive Entrepreneurship Extension Team Project is a new effort and partnership. The initial year's primary focus was the establishment of the partnership and the development of the program. Outcomes and impacts will be reported in year two of the project.
Publications
- Richardson, R., 2012. Entrepreneurship: Virtual Business Development. Action: Alabama Communities in Transition. Summer Edition.
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