Adair County CES

Title:

Improving Small Businesses in Adair County

MAP:

Community & Economic Development

Agents Involved:

Nick Roy, Tony Rose, Kelli Bonifer

MAJOR PROGRAM 1:

Business Retention and Expansion

MAJOR PROGRAM 2:

Local Food System Development and Mapping

MAJOR PROGRAM 3:

Community Strategic Planning

MAJOR PROGRAM 4:

Building Healthy Coalitions

Situation:

In Adair County, small businesses with less than 20 employees constitute 96% of all businesses that employ 26% of all employees. These small businesses are an integral part of Adair County’s economy.
In 2016, the Adair County Extension Council identified small business development as an immediate priority for County Extension programming. In order for small businesses to maintain viability, they must achieve adequate exposure to consumers using a variety of methods to reach clients both locally and beyond.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Through improved marketing and awareness, small businesses in Adair County will increase profitably and develop sustainable businesses.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Local businesses will expand their reached beyond the county level and become recognized regionally, statewide, and nationally.

Initial Outcomes:

Local consumer awareness of local businesses including agriculture, artisans, crafters, and other small businesses.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Local awareness of businesses
Indicator: Consumer reported awareness of local businesses
Method: Post-program surveys
Timeline: September 2017-May 2018

Initial Outcome: Youth developing Businesses
Indicator: Number of Youth Enrolled in Farmers Market
Method: Pre and Post-program surveys
Timeline: September 2017-May 2018

Initial Outcome: 4-H Entrepreneurship Club
Indicator: Consumer reported awareness of local businesses
Method: Pre and Post-program surveys
Timeline: September 2017-May 2018

Intermediate Outcome: Local small businesses develop websites
Indicator: Number of participants who develop websites.
Method: Post Program Surveys
Timeline: September 2017-May 2018

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Local Businesses
Activity: Adair County Farm, Home, & Garden Expo
Content or Curriculum: UK Publications
Inputs: Agents, Specialists, CEC members, vendors, Sponsors
Date: Spring 2018


Activity: Website Development Course
Audience: Small Businesses
Content or Curriculum: CEDIK
Inputs: Specialists, Agents, LWC business students.
Date: Winter 2018

Activity: CAIP Cost share
Audience: All Farmers
Content or Curriculum: GOAP
Inputs: Cattlemen’s Association, Agents, Ag Development Council.
Date: Late Summer 2017

Activity: Farmers Market
Audience: Farmers & Youth
Content or Curriculum: KY Farmers Market Manual, UK Publications, Plate It Up
Inputs: Agents, Volunteers
Date: Summer 2017

Activity: Youth Farmers Market and Gardening Enterprise
Audience: Youth
Content or Curriculum: UK Curriculum
Inputs: Agents, Volunteers
Date: Spring Summer 2018

Activity: 4-H Entrepreneurship Club
Audience: Youth
Content or Curriculum: BE the “e” Entrepreneurship, 4-H Curriculum
Inputs: Agents, Volunteers
Date: September 2017-May 2018


Activity: Home-based Micro processing Workshop
Audience: Producers
Content or Curriculum: Home-based Micro processing Certification and renewal
Inputs: Agents, Volunteers
Date: Year round 

Success Stories