1. Comprehensive Launch Pad for Rural and Community Business Development Ginger S. Myers University of Maryland Extension Director, MREDC gsmyers@umd.edu

2. The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Community Resources and Economic Development Initiative- Virtual Center growing from: Web Stakeholders CommunityAccess to Expertise

3. Purpose & Platform  What is the purpose? To increase rural prosperity while contributing positively to developing and sustaining Maryland’s rural communities.  Delivery Platform- Participatory  ▪ 24/7 web portal is a one-stop-shop for the latest, most successful business development innovations and support.  ▪ First agricultural site in the State totally dedicated to agricultural and natural resource business development.

4. It’s Not our Father’s Farming Community Anymore Farming no longer dominates the Rural Economy. In 2000, of the more than 2000 non-metropolitan counties, only 420 (1 in 5) were farming dependent. ERS defines farming dependent as receiving 15% or more of earnings or employment from farming. Maryland has no farming-dependent counties according to this definition.

5. It’s not our Father’s Rural Economic Development Strategies  The traditional rural economic development tools of available land and cheap labor no longer apply.  We must retain our rural human resources by developing profitable and community-centric businesses.  More and more people first identify where they want to live and then consider their livelihood.

6. Jobs & Profitability  44 percent of new jobs in the U.S. are generated by startup firms with only a few employees.  “We are moving into an ‘entrepreneurial age.’ If current trends continue it has been estimated that one out of every four rural citizens will be self-employed by 2015. Small Business Administration

7. Original Topics Business development Entrepreneurship Legacy planning Access to expertise New & next generation farmer programs Added Since Launch Comprehensive Food Processing Section Expanded Distance Learning Modules Maryland Business Resources Site Map Links to Resources

11. Key Search Words- December 2009 marketing food product maryland regulations integrated pest management ppt dairy farm business plan maryland home home food regulations is it legal to process baked goods and meat in the same food facility?s maryland milk haulers md law consumer products produced in licensed facilities crop production and management ppt creating a cattle farm business plan mobile cheese pasturization processing plants Other phrases

15. Expanding Collaborative Network Entrepreneurship Business Development All things Food STEM / STEAM