UW Extension offers new online resource for rural entrepreneurs

In partnership with the Wyoming Community Navigator program, the University of Wyoming Extension recently launched a new online resource center for rural entrepreneurs across the state.

Located at wyoextension.org/ruralentrepreneurship, the Rural Entrepreneurship Center provides resources for aspiring business owners to grow and expand their businesses – at their own pace.

“UW Extension’s Center for Rural Entrepreneurship is designed to provide technical education through an online format,” says Cindy Garretson-Weibel, UW Extension’s Community Navigator Program Coordinator. “This format is designed to make information available to entrepreneurs at their convenience.”

The Rural Entrepreneurship Center is funded by the Wyoming Community Navigator Program, which provides small business resources and mentoring to traditionally underserved individuals, including rural and agricultural entrepreneurs. The site features video-based content from UW Extension educators and specialists focusing on three areas of emphasis: agribusiness, food business and youth.
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Those interested in agribusiness will find resources for raising chickens, direct marketing beef, marketing lamb and beekeeping. For those looking to get started in food production, the Rural Entrepreneurship Center offers guidance on Wyoming food laws, inspection requirements, production practices and guidelines for the home kitchen.

For youth entrepreneurs in Wyoming, this site provides advice on how to choose a business structure, look for financing options, and how to get started as a small producer. All areas of emphasis will be consistently updated with new information and training videos, notes Garretson-Weibel.
To explore the Center for Rural Entrepreneurship, visit wyoextension.org/ruralentrepreneurship.

For more information about the small business programs and services provided by the Wyoming Community Navigator Program, visit wyomingcommunitynavigator.org.