Children, Youth and Families Education and Research Network

Author and Contributors:
Publisher: Southern Rural Development Center (November 2008)
Copyright: © Copyright SRDC 2008, All rights reserved.
Review Level: Peer review
Primary Content Area: Community
Content Type: Professional Development
Audience: Parents
Resource Type: An extension or a land-grant developed resource
Keywords: e-commerce, entreprenuers, small business
Description: Entrepreneurs considering using e-commerce as a business development strategy can learn from the experience of others. Case studies can provide insight into the opportunities, challenges and potential impacts of e-commerce on business. Since many business owners seek assistance through counseling and classes, these case studies may be used by instructors to help illustrate the promise and the reality of e-commerce strategies. Standing as examples of other entrepreneurs, these case studies help relate the story behind the business and serve as inspirations for small business owners seeking to develop or enhance their Web presence. In addition, they can relate to the processes which other small businesses undertook to develop and manage their e-commerce strategies and accompanying Web sites. These case studies focus on locally – owned rural businesses as opposed to branch plants or franchises. The selected businesses include rural firms of different sizes and in different stages of business development. These firms represent different types of communities with populations ranging from 300 to 57,053.
Media Type: HTML
Resource Listed: July 28, 2009
Resource Last Updated: January 15, 2013
Language: EN, ES

e-Commerce as a Strategy for Improving Business Vitality: Lessons Learned from Rural Businesses