| |
| |
Winter 2026, Vol. 9, Iss. 2 | |
If someone you know could benefit from remote work or online business expansion, please forward this newsletter to them. Subscribe Here | |
| |
E-Commerce Accelerator Shows Statewide Impact for Rural Utah | |
| |
| |
Across rural Utah, small businesses and agricultural producers are using e-commerce to reach new customers while staying rooted in their communities. Through Utah State University Extension's E-Commerce Accelerator (ECA), our team provides hands-on technical support to help businesses build, launch, and manage online storefronts with confidence. | |
Since 2023, ECA-supported businesses across the state have generated more than $1.14 million in new e-commerce sales, representing producers, farms, and rural entrepreneurs from nearly every region of Utah. | |
"Within just a few days of being online, we had our first sale," said Orson Boyce of Utah Seed in Box Elder County. "Since then, we've made more than $3,000. A professional online presence has saved us time and helped us feel more confident moving forward. We're excited about the growth this could bring our business and the agricultural community overall.” | |
| |
Beyond sales, participants consistently share how the program removes barriers and builds confidence. ECA emphasizes long-term skills, teaching business owners how to manage and update their websites as their operations grow. | |
Last week, ECA clients joined our team at the State Capitol to share their experiences behind these impacts, highlighting how digital tools support long-term growth in rural communities.
| |
| |
| |
Discover more ECA success stories and see the people behind the numbers at usuecommerce.com → | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
We continue to offer practical support to help individuals succeed in today's job market. This Tuesday, February 3 at noon MT, join a free virtual resume workshop designed to help you stand out in today's job market, with experts from Utah State University Extension and the Utah Department of Workforce Services.
Learn how to tailor your resume to job descriptions, highlight accomplishments, and improve formatting to strengthen your job search.
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
The support extends beyond a resume workshop through Job Club, our weekly virtual space designed for job seekers seeking ongoing support. Job Club helps participants practice interview skills, refine resumes, share progress, and receive personalized support in a collaborative environment. Each session includes a short lesson, peer discussion, and optional one-on-one help from our career coaches.
| |
Job Club meets Tuesdays at 10 a.m. MT. The more time participants invest in their job search, the greater their chances of success.
| |
| |
Week 1 begins this Tuesday.
| |
| |
Your Voice Matters: Rural Mental Health and Wellness Research | |
USU Extension is partnering with regional programs to better understand mental health, wellness, and cognitive-care needs in rural Utah communities. Your perspective can help inform future programs and services in rural Utah.
| |
Participants are invited to take part in a confidential 30-minute phone interview, and can receive a $30 Amazon gift card for completing. All interviews are confidential. Individuals from the following groups are especially encouraged to participate:
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
REDI Grant Opens February | |
The Rural Employment Development Incentive (REDI) grant supports businesses that create new, high-paying jobs in Utah’s rural communities. Q1 applications open February 1–15.
| |
Eligible businesses may receive $4,000 to $6,000 per new position, including remote roles, satellite offices, or positions physically based in rural counties. Businesses can apply for up to $250,000 per fiscal year.
| |
| |
| |
| |
Reliable Broadband Creates Pathways | |
Reliable broadband is more than infrastructure. It's an information superhighway that allows rural Utahns to participate in the global economy.
| |
Utah’s broadband expansion continues to move forward. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration recently approved Utah’s final proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program, bringing $207.5 million in federal funding, along with matching investments from internet service providers. This investment will expand high-speed internet access to more than 30,000 homes and businesses across the state.
| |
For many Utahns, access to the internet has already proven to be life-changing. Dr. Alejandra Franco’s story illustrates what’s possible when connectivity is available. She once relied on free Wi-Fi in a McDonald’s parking lot to apply for college, turning a simple connection into a pathway to higher education and a professional career.
| |
| |
As broadband access expands, so does opportunity. Through the Center for Rural Economic Development & Emerging Technologies (CREDET), Utah State University Extension works to help communities turn access into opportunity by supporting workforce skills, online business growth, and long-term economic resilience.
| |
| |
| |
| |
What's Next for Rural Business Growth | |
| |
Jacob Webb, senior business consultant for USU Extension's E-Commerce Accelerator, provides technical assistance to rural Utah agricultural producers. | |
| |
The launch of the Center for Rural Economic Development & Emerging Technologies (CREDET) strengthens how Utah State University Extension supports rural businesses and workforce development statewide. | |
By bringing together the Rural Online Initiative and the E-Commerce Accelerator, CREDET aligns training, technical support, and research to help rural communities adapt to economic change and compete in a digital economy. | |
“Our team is focused on creating clear pathways for rural Utahns to succeed now and in the future,” said Paul Hill, executive director of CREDET. “Through CREDET, programs like the E-Commerce Accelerator will continue helping rural and agricultural businesses build online capacity, reach new markets, and grow without leaving the places they call home.” | |
| |
| |
| |
Help us highlight ECA impact
| |
If the E-Commerce Accelerator has made a difference for your e-commerce business, we'd love to hear your story and share how rural businesses are growing online.
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
The Rural Online Initiative and E-Commerce Accelerator are programs of the Center for Rural Economic Development and Emerging Technologies (CREDET) Utah State University Extension
| |
| |
Know a friend or colleague who would like to receive monthly updates on Utah State University's CREDET? Please share this email with them. | |
| |
| |
| |
© 2026 Utah State University | |
| |
| |
.jpg)
.png)
.jpg)
.jpg "E-Commerce Accelerator Team")
.png)
.png "Thank You for Supporting Rural Utah")
