{"id":25200,"date":"2025-08-20T23:59:09","date_gmt":"2025-08-20T23:59:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cehhs-wds-dev.utk.edu\/rhtm-dev\/?page_id=25200"},"modified":"2026-01-12T11:56:50","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T16:56:50","slug":"rural-business-retail-development","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cehhs.utk.edu\/rhtm\/research-and-outreach-overview\/rural-business-retail-development\/","title":{"rendered":"Rural Business & Retail Development\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Rural Business &<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

RETAIL DEVELOPMENT<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Rural Business & Retail Development Programs<\/strong> provides educational programs and technical assistance to small business owners in rural communities across the Southeast. Our mission is to improve economic sustainability by delivering real-world tools for learning and problem solving, strengthening local economies, and enhancing the quality of life in rural communities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Learn to Grow: Strengthening Rural Businesses for the Future<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Through two innovative, USDA-funded initiatives, Dr. Michelle Childs and Dr. Heejin Lim are helping rural businesses and producers thrive in today\u2019s ever-changing environment:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Southeast Dairy Business Innovation Initiative (SDBII)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Helping Southeastern Dairy Farmers Grow Their Brands and Businesses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through hands-on workshops and easy-to-use publications, they provide real-world marketing advice to both educators and producers \u2014 from building a strong brand to connecting with customers in fresh, authentic ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore UT Extension Publications:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Whether you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn More About SDBII<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Educational Programs to Thrive through Uncertainty <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Building Stronger Businesses in an Ever-Changing World<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In today\u2019s rapidly shifting landscape, rural businesses must be prepared to adapt to unexpected disruptions \u2014 from global pandemics to local crises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through a series of engaging training videos, you\u2019ll learn how to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

    Rural Business Development: Training Videos<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Module 1. Behaviors of Today\u2019s New and Adjusted Consumer<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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