Southeast Dairy Business Innovation Initiative (SDBII)

Helping Southeastern Dairy Farmers Grow Their Brands and Businesses

Dr. Michelle Childs and Dr. Heejin Lim are proud to be part of the Southeast Dairy Business Innovation Initiative (SDBII), a USDA-funded project supporting the future of dairy farming across the Southeast.

In partnership with UT Extension and the UT Institute of Agriculture, their work focuses on helping local dairy farmers strengthen brand identities, develop strategic marketing approaches, and grow sustainable businesses.

Through hands-on workshops and easy-to-use publications, they provide real-world marketing advice to both educators and producers — from building a strong brand to connecting with customers in fresh, authentic ways.

Explore UT Extension Publications:

Whether you’re launching a new product, refreshing your brand, or looking to expand into new markets, the Southeast Dairy Business Innovation Initiative equips you with the tools and knowledge to thrive.

Learn More About SDBII

Educational Programs to Thrive through Uncertainty 

Building Stronger Businesses in an Ever-Changing World

In today’s rapidly shifting landscape, rural businesses must be prepared to adapt to unexpected disruptions — from global pandemics to local crises.

Through this USDA-funded program, Dr. Michelle Childs and Dr. Heejin Lim offer small business owners the leadership, agility, and resilience skills needed to stay strong during times of uncertainty.

Through a series of engaging training videos, you’ll learn how to:

• Understand evolving consumer behavior during and after crises
• Build and implement effective crisis and contingency plans
• Lead with confidence and adapt to change
• Strengthen long-term business agility and sustainability

Rural Business Development: Training Videos

The following videos in three modules are created to help you to understand shifted consumer behavior in the post-pandemic era, key elements of crisis and contingency planning, and leadership agility and resilience.

Module 1. Behaviors of Today’s New and Adjusted Consumer

An Overview of New Shopping Trends (Shown above as example)

Consumer Trends for Local Goods and Services

Trends for Online, Omni-channel and Hybrid Shopping

Module 2. Being Prepared: Crisis and Contingency Planning

Being Prepared: Crisis and Contingency Planning

How To Create and Execute a Crisis and Contingency Plan

Module 3. Being Business Resilient: Developing Owner Capacity and Small Business Sustainability

Building Leadership Capabilities for Your Small Business

Thinking to Innovate in Your Small Business

Building Agility and Resiliency for Your Small Business

This program is funded by the USDA Rural Business Development Program

For more information, please contact: