Dennis Kahl
University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension
Nebraska Rural Initiative
Southeast Research and Extension Center
107 Mussehl Hall
Lincoln, NE 68583-0714
(402) 472-5602, (402) 472-3858 fax

Connie Hancock
University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension—Cheyenne County
Nebraska Rural Initiative
920 Jackson St.
Sidney, NE 69162
(308) 254-4455, (308) 254-6055 fax

Small businesses are an integral part of Nebraska’s economy. A significant way that these businesses can expand their opportunities is through eCommerce applications. These applications can help small businesses improve their efficiency and expand the marketing of their products or perhaps create new markets.

Given the growing importance of electronic commerce, there were some questions that needed to be answered. Are businesses in Nebraska utilizing this important tool? Do they understand how eCommerce can be utilized in their business? What level of expertise with computers and other information technologies do businesses utilize currently? How many businesses currently have a website? What eCommerce strategies are businesses willing to implement in the future? What additional education do businesses need?

A survey of businesses was taken in the Fall of 2003 to answer these questions. Learn about the survey process, how we achieved a 47% return and what Nebraska is doing with the information provided by the businesses.

PowerPoint Presentation (PDF format, 586 kb)