Providing Opportunities for Social and Economic Development
Jobs and Infrastructure
Ryan Farley, Adam Probst, FCS Agent, Horticulture Agent
Financial Education - General
Family and Consumer Science
Economic Development
FCS Employment Skills
According to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data, small businesses with less than 20 employees constitute 96% of all businesses and employ 25% of all employees in Woodford County. This coupled with only a 2% projected increase in jobs by 2022 and negative economic impacts imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, has prompted local stakeholders to identify small business development as a top priority. Implementation of programs or services, and cooperating with other agencies such as the Chamber of Commerce can assist in developing and retaining businesses in Woodford County.
Long-term Outcomes:
Clientele will improve personal financial stability. The county will retain jobs and the small business growth rate will increase.
Clientele will apply the training and instruction gained to better equip themselves for their personal finances and the job market. Clientele will also determine areas of economic opportunity within the community.
Clientele will identify positive financial management techniques. Employers or small business owners will recognize positive business management concepts.
Evaluation:
Longterm Outcome: Clientele will improve personal financial stability. The county will retain jobs and the small business growth rate will increase.
Indicator: US Census Data
Method: Census and Economic Development Reports
Timeline: Annually
Intermediate Outcome: Clientele will apply the training and instruction gained to better equip themselves for their personal finances and the job market. Clientele will also determine areas of economic opportunity within the community.
Indicator: Personal interviews
Method: Observation
Timeline: Annually
Initial Outcome: Clientele will identify positive financial management techniques. Employers or small business owners will recognize positive business management concepts
Indicator: Evaluation data/Personal interviews
Method: Workshop evaluations/Observations
Timeline: Annually
Audience: Classroom Clubs
Project or Activity: Consumerism Lessons
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Consumerism Education
Inputs: Agent/Assistant Time, School/Classroom time
Date: September - March
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Communications Contest
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Communications Curriculum
Inputs: Agent/Assistant Time, Materials, Volunteer Time
Date: January
Audience: Farmers and Small Business Owners
Project or Activity: Commercial Kitchen
Content or Curriculum: Content and facilities for commercial processing of food items for public sale and improved revenues.
Inputs: Agent/Assistant Time, Agriculture Resource Building Commercial Kitchen, Local and State Health Departments, University of Kentucky Food Systems Innovation Center, Home Based Processor and Microprocessor Program
Date: Annually
Audience: Adult Residents
Project or Activity: Employment Preparedness Program
Content or Curriculum: Positive Employability Curriculum
Inputs: Agent Time, Materials, Curriculum
Date: Spring
Audience: Community Residents
Project or Activity: Farmers Market
Content or Curriculum: CES Publications and KDA Guidelines
Inputs: Extension Agents, Specialists, and KDA
Date: Annually
Audience: Beginning and Future Farmers
Project or Activity: Beginning Farmer Program
Content or Curriculum: CES Publications,
Inputs: Agents time, Specialists time,
Date: Bi-annually
Audience: Homeowners, Business Owners, Farmers
Project or Activity: Educational Programming
Content or Curriculum: Fiscal, legal, and resource management
Inputs: Agents time, Specialists time, Managing in Tough Times Newsletter, Ag & Economic Policy Update, Woodford County Chamber of Commerce, Woodford County Economic Development Authority
Date: Annually