University of Wyoming Extension (UWE) will create a Rural Business Innovation Resource Center that will serve multiple functions including:
- Identification, information, and access support to the resources provided by the Wyoming Community Navigator Program to include Hub and spokes providing capital and business advising assistance to underserved and rural businesses.
- Act as a virtual education center with content focused on big ideas, innovation, and success stories for small businesses in Wyoming.
- Serve as a networking site for small business owners in Wyoming to foster peer-to-peer learning, mentoring, and community support. Due to the importance of networking in the success of a business, we may also develop and facilitate networking events for aspiring and existing small business owners.
The Rural Business Innovation Resource Center will utilize a whole person approach to reach aspiring and existing small business owners. This type of online experience has been shown to help business owners develop the skills needed to succeed, and help business owners successfully navigate the challenges they face.
Through the Rural Business Innovation Resource Center, we intend to strengthen engagement with underserved businesses, and provide high-quality technical education and assistance, and in particular focused on programming that focuses on supporting all residents in rural communities, including those where English as Second Language is prevalent.
Within each category, we anticipate creation of content that will include educational videos with ability to stream 24/7, and online chat features for interactive engagement with experts and networking with fellow aspiring and existing business owners.
Our goal is to bring together a diverse set of resources and experts to allow people to firmly establish their business and/or recover from COVID setbacks with a new business toolkit.
Below is a breakdown of the core benefits Wyoming entrepreneurs
can expect from the Rural Business Innovation Center.
Education
- How-to develop business plans
- Marketing strategies
- E-Commerce opportunities
- Mindset of an entrepreneur: resiliency, persistence, and flourishing
Resources
- Funding opportunities
- Link to the Community Navigator Program Hub and Spokes
- Templates and checklists for general usage, i.e. business plan, marketing plan, risk management, succession planning
- Templates to meet specific needs for specialized businesses, i.e. food safety plan
Networking
- Ability to network with fellow aspiring and existing business owners.
- Interactive engagements with University of Wyoming Extension personnel and consultants
About the UW Extension
Since 1914, UW Extension has helped Wyoming citizens and communities respond to challenges and changes. We have offices in each of the state’s 23 counties and the Wind River Indian Reservation. Although our roots are in agriculture, UW Extension has broadened its educational mission to encompass many of the contemporary challenges facing Wyoming’s people and its rural communities. We’re committed to providing lifelong learning opportunities as we bring the resources of UW to all Wyoming residents.
University of Wyoming Extension faculty manages grants on a regular basis, and is intent on making positive impacts in the lives of all Wyoming residents including aspiring and existing small business owners. We have both Extension Educators and Specialists with the content knowledge and expertise that will work together with Associate Directors to create the Rural Business Innovation Center.