DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY: NON-ACADEMIC ANNUAL REPORT Academic Year

DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY: NON-ACADEMIC ANNUAL REPORT Academic Year 2006-07 I. Unit Title: Center for Business and Entrepreneurial Research Division or School/College: College of Business Unit Administrator: Glendscene Williams 1

II. Educational Program Learning Outcome Assessment Plan These are Learner Outcomes identified for the current year. Contents of the table should be very brief. Footnotes may be included for items needing explanation or documentation. Not all units have direct student impact. Those that do should have clear learner outcomes developed. Those with no student contact may indicate that this section is not applicable. Learning Outcome What should a graduate in this major know, value, or be able to do at graduation and beyond? Identifying existing or potential collaborative efforts and opportunities for business and entrepreneurial development. Data Collection and Analysis What assessment tools and/or methods will you use to determine achievement of the learning outcome? Describe how the data from these tools and/or methods will be collected. Explain the procedure to analyze the data. 1. Teams were created by the Cleveland/Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce to assist with the completion of a Community Innovation Certification Program Assessment for Bolivar County. Data were collected by face-to-face and telephone interviews with entrepreneurs 2. CBER partnered with Mississippi JumpStart to conduct a financial literacy forum for youth on financial planning and entrepreneurship. 3. CBER served as a consultant for the YMTF Conference held at Mississippi Valley State University. This Results of Evaluation What were the findings of the analysis? List any specific recommendations. 1. The CBER analysis identified about 50 serial entrepreneurs in Bolivar County to be used as mentors for aspiring businesses and technology based entrepreneurs. The analysis also identified resources and the strengths and weaknesses of profit and nonprofit agencies, organizations and institutions to serve existing and future business potential for Bolivar County. 2. This forum was designed to create clearinghouses of financial literacy education resources. Use of Evaluation Results What changes in curriculum, courses, or procedures were made as a result of the program learning outcome assessment process? 1. This certification for Bolivar County is the seal of approval that the community is grounded in innovation and technology based economic development. 2. The goal is to farther enhance professional development in financial literacy. 3. Knowledge of career opportunities in the Delta is shared and mentors identified. 4. This is an ongoing project which entails additional research. 2

Conference was sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture. 4. CBER is assisting teachers to develop a business that offer alternative research methods. 3. This Conference is designed to encourage and prepare leaders. 4. CBER is assisting in a marketable innovative curriculum that is cost efficient and self motivating. Identifying and seeking monies that can be leveraged for business development in the region. Identifying and informing policy at all levels that support business growth in the region. Assess grant opportunities and seek funding to support the goals and mission of the CBER and College of Business. 1. SRSA Conference held in Charleston, SC presentation entailed research of the impact of funding from the United States Department of Agriculture to the Delta communities 1. One grant has been submitted in support of the Center for Business and Entrepreneurial Research. The grant was submitted to the South Delta Planning and Development District. 2. Continuous assistance under the Delta Research Initiative grant was also granted. 3. A contract for the Chair of Entrepreneurship in Business Technology was signed. 1. The findings of the research are that the policy met it stated target. 2. Four policy briefs/manuscripts are being published by the Southern Rural Development 1. The DEBTS grant is for over $1,300,000. 2. The Delta Research Initiative was for an amount of $15,000. 3. The grant for the Chair of Entrepreneurship in Business Technology was for an amount of $489,179 over a three year period. 1. These results will be used to solicit additional funding for Delta communities and publication. 2. To inform policy, create programs designed to assist 3

Identifying and celebrating successful entrepreneurial initiatives. for economic growth. 2. The Delta Research Initiative secondary and primary research (focus groups and questionnaires) is designed to identify trends, business economies, and demographic shifts in the Delta region. 1. The CBER partnered with the Center for Economic and Community Development and the Delta Youth Council to present an Entrepreneurship Symposium during Entrepreneurship Week USA that is sponsored by the Kauffman Foundation and the New York Times. 2. MTA and MDTC will host a ceremony to recognize successful businesses in Bolivar County and present the official certification. Center in conjunction with CBER. 1. CBER presented a workshop on Money Management and recognized some of the young entrepreneurs identified by the Kauffman Foundation. Over 90 participants gathered to learn tips for managing their money. 2. Serial Entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs identified during the research of innovative businesses will be selected for recognition. small businesses, and stem the tide of Delta disinvestment. 1. The purpose is to design programs, initiatives, and collaborations for future Delta business development. 2. This is an opportunity for Bolivar County to celebrate the success of its entrepreneurs and identify mentors for aspiring entrepreneurs along with the development of a list of resources for enhancement of economic development in the County. III. Division/Department Goals for the Current Year This is a report on progress towards goals for the current year. These are operational goals for the units that are Not tied directly to student learning outcomes which are reported in the table above. An example might be the implementation of a personnel development plan to enhance the skills of the staff in a unit. 4

A. Goal # 1 1. Institutional Goal which was supported by this goal: Identifying existing or potential collaborative efforts and opportunities for business and entrepreneurial development. 2. Evaluation Procedure(s): A. Teams were created by the Cleveland/Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce to assist with the completion of a Community Innovation Certification Program Assessment for Bolivar County. Data were collected by face-to-face and telephone interviews with entrepreneurs that own more than one business and aspiring entrepreneurs that incorporate technology into their operations. The teams were Entrepreneurship, Human Resources, Social Capital, Financial Capital, Business Assistance, Essential and Development. CBER headed up the Entrepreneurship Team. The goal of this assessment is to certify Bolivar County as an innovative technology community. One of the meetings hosted by the Mississippi Delta Technology Council was held at the B.F. Smith Auditorium in Stoneville, MS for the teams that were conducting the research. Dr. Bill Gillis, Founder and Director of the Center to Bridge the Digital Divide at Washington State University was the speaker. Several meetings were held by the teams. B. CBER partnered with Mississippi JumpStart to conduct a financial literacy forum for youth on financial planning and entrepreneurship entitled, Money Matters. Other partners included the Coahoma County Special Projects Division, Mississippi State University, The Attorney General s Office and the Secretary of States Office. Topics included Entrepreneurship, Understanding Credit and Investing/Allocating Your Assets. C. CBER served as a consultant for the YMTF Conference held at Mississippi Valley State University. This Conference was sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture. Consultants served on the planning committee and as motivational speakers. The guest speaker was Assistant Dean for the College of Engineering at the University of South Florida. D. CBER is assisting teachers in developing a business that offers alternative methods of research. 3. Actual Results of Evaluation: A. The CBER analysis identified about 50 serial entrepreneurs in Bolivar County to be used as mentors for aspiring businesses and technology based entrepreneurs. The analysis also identified resources and the strengths and weaknesses of profit and nonprofit 5

agencies, organizations and institutions to benefit existing and future business potential for Bolivar County. B. This forum was designed to create clearinghouses of financial literacy education resources. It raises public awareness of need for financial literacy and it assists others in the promotion and delivery of financial literacy efforts. C. This Conference is designed to encourage and prepare leaders. CBER conducted an hour presentation to over 15 participants on becoming an entrepreneur. D. CBER is assisting in the development of a marketable innovative curriculum that is cost efficient and self motivating. 4. Use of Evaluation Results: A. This certification for Bolivar County is the seal of approval that the community is grounded in innovation and technology based economic development. This will be an ongoing project. B. The goal is to farther enhance professional development in financial literacy. C. Knowledge of career opportunities in the Delta is shared and mentors identified. D. This is an ongoing project which will entail additional research. B. Goal # 2 1. Institutional Goal which was supported by this goal: Seek grant monies to support entrepreneurial and business research and training. 2. Evaluation Procedure(s): Assess grant opportunities and seek funding to support the goals and mission of the CBER and College of Business. 3. Actual Results of Evaluation: A. One grant has been submitted in support of the Center for Business and Entrepreneurial Research. The grant, Debt Education for Business Transformation and Sustainability (DEBTS) was submitted to the South Delta Planning and Development District. B. Continuous assistance under the Delta Research Initiative grant was also granted. C. A contract for the Chair of Entrepreneurship in Business Technology was signed. 4. Use of Evaluation Results: A. The DEBTS grant is for over $1,300,000. This grant is being enhanced to submit to the Small Business Administration. B. The Delta Research Initiative was for an amount of $15,000. C. The Chair of Entrepreneurship in Business Technology was for an amount of $489,179 over a three year period. 6

C. Goal # 3 1. Institutional Goal which was supported by this goal: Identifying and informing policy at all levels that support business growth in the region. 2. Evaluation Procedure(s): A. SRSA Conference held in Charleston, SC presentation entailed research of the impact of funding from the United States Department of Agriculture to Delta communities for economic growth. These funds are a part of Legislation for Empowerment Zones. There are 6 counties in the Mississippi Delta and 16 municipalities supported by this funding. The 6 counties were Bolivar, Holmes, Leflore, Sunflower and Washington. These counties received funding based on census tract data designated to alleviate poverty, increase business investment, increase number of jobs, and increase local demands for goods and services. The number of businesses and number of jobs established at the time the funding was received was compared to the number of businesses and number of jobs that existed 10 years later that impacted economic growth. Comparison areas in the same county were analyzed also to determine the cost benefit of this additional funding. B. The Delta Research Initiative secondary and primary research (focus groups and questionnaires) is designed to identify trends, business economies, and demographic shifts in the Delta region. 3. Actual Results of Evaluation: A. The finding of the research is that the policy met it stated target. However, there are other factors that need to be taken into consideration such as spillovers. B. Four policy briefs/manuscripts are being published by the Southern Rural Development Center in conjunction with CBER. 4. Use of Evaluation Results: A. These results will be used to solicit additional funding for Delta communities. They also demonstrated the need for additional research. The future goal is to submit an article for publication in the Review of Regional Studies journal. B. To inform policy, create programs designed to assist small businesses, and stem the tide of Delta disinvestment. B. Goal # 4 1. Institutional Goal which was supported by this goal: Identifying and celebrating successful entrepreneurial initiatives. 7

2. Evaluation Procedure(s): A. The CBER partnered with the Center for Economic and Community Development and the Delta Youth Council to present an Entrepreneurship Symposium during Entrepreneurship Week USA that is sponsored by the Kauffman Foundation and the New York Times. B. MTA and MDTC will host a ceremony to recognize successful businesses in Bolivar County and present the official Community Innovation Certification to the Chamber. These businesses were identified by the Teams based on their research and interviews. 3. Actual Results of Evaluation: A. CBER presented a workshop on Money Management and recognized some of the young entrepreneurs identified by the Kauffman Foundation. Over 90 participants gathered to learn tips for managing their money. Other partnering agencies that assisted with the forum included the Small Business Development Center, Mississippi Department of Economic and Community Development, Mississippi State 4-H Office, Cleveland School District and Delta State University Mississippi Delta Service Corps/AmeriCorps VISTA. This initiative stimulates on-going interest from individuals and organizations serving as an educational kick-off for the uninitiated, and an inspiration for young people to begin a journey to fulfill their potential as selfstarters and entrepreneurs. B. Serial entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs identified during the research of innovative businesses will be selected for recognition. 4. Use of Evaluation Results: A. The purpose of Entrepreneurship Week USA is to design programs, initiatives, and collaborations for future Delta business development. It s a celebration and an acknowledgement of what has made America great from the start. Its impact will be significant for not only the partners involved, but most important, for the future of America s youth and, eventually, our economy. This week is an incredible opportunity for all of us to make America s youth aware of their entrepreneurial potential and for them to find out if they have it within them to make a job. B. This is an opportunity for Bolivar County to celebrate the success of its entrepreneurs and identify mentors for aspiring entrepreneurs along with the development of a list of resources for enhancement of economic development in the County. 8

IV. Data and information for department: The Delta State University Center for Business and Entrepreneurial Research (CBER) is a research unit located in the DSU College of Business. CBER is devoted to examining the business and entrepreneurial climate of the Delta region. The mission of CBER is, Developing the Delta, One Business at a Time. Delta State University and the CBER are committed to work with counties, communities, and interested parties to identify viable sources of economic growth, opportunities for business start-ups, and collaborations between vested parties interested in the future vitality of the Delta region. To this end, the CBER has engaged in numerous activities designed to advance the development of the Delta region. V. Personnel: Glendscene Williams Director Noteworthy activities and accomplishments: 2007 Activities Designed to Advance Regional Development Center for Business and Entrepreneurial Research Delta State University The Delta State University Center for Business and Entrepreneurial Research (CBER) is a research unit located in the DSU College of Business. CBER is devoted to examining the business and entrepreneurial climate of the Delta region. The mission of CBER is, Developing the Delta, One Business at a Time. Delta State University and the CBER are committed to work with counties, communities, and interested parties to identify viable sources of economic growth, opportunities for business start-ups, and collaborations between vested parties interested in the future vitality of the Delta region. To this end, the CBER has engaged in numerous activities designed to advance the development of the Delta region. Some of these activities are: Conducting economic base analyses of the counties in the Mississippi Delta region. Identifying existing or potential collaborative efforts and opportunities for business and entrepreneurial development. Identifying and seeking monies that can be leveraged for business development in the region. Identifying and informing policy at all levels that support business growth in the region. Identifying and celebrating successful entrepreneurial initiatives. 9

Creating dynamic partnerships for entrepreneurial development. By using the strategies outlined above, CBER, the DSU College of Business, and their collective partners in the Delta region are working to form collaborations with entities currently promoting business and entrepreneurial development in the region. Current projects underway include: SRSA Conference held in Charleston, South Carolina Community Innovation Certification for Bolivar County Mississippi Delta Research Initiative Chair of Entrepreneurship in Business Technology Each of these initiatives is elaborated below. 10

SOUTHERN REGIONAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE The Southern Regional Science Association provides intellectual leadership in social, economic, political and behavioral matters. The 44 th Annual Meeting of the Southern Regional Science Association was held in Charleston, South Carolina March 29-31, 2007. The Conference has two sponsors, the Southern Regional Science Association and the Mid-Continental Regional Science Association. The SRSA Conference focuses on regional studies and publishes the journal, Review of Regional Studies. The Conference called for papers in the areas of local economic growth, income inequality and poverty, regional economic growth, international economic growth and development, migration, and a few other areas. The SRSA Conference presentation entailed research of the impact of funding from the United States Department of Agriculture to Delta communities for economic growth. These funds are a part of Legislation for Empowerment Zones. There are 6 counties in the Mississippi Delta and 16 municipalities supported by this funding. The 6 counties were Bolivar, Holmes, Leflore, Sunflower and Washington. These counties received funding based on census tract data designated to alleviate poverty, increase business investment, increase number of jobs, and increase local demands for goods and services. The number of businesses and number of jobs established at the time the funding was received was compared to the number of businesses and number of jobs that existed 10 years later that impacted economic growth. Comparison areas in the same county were analyzed also to determine the cost benefit of these additional funding. Statistical data on demographics, population, income, poverty level, number of business and jobs, and social characteristics were analyzed. The finding of the research is that the policy met it stated target. However, there are other factors that need to be taken into consideration such as spillovers. These results will be used to solicit additional funding for Delta communities. They also demonstrated the need for additional research. 11

COMMUNITY INNOVATION CERTIFICATION FOR BOLIVAR COUNTY Many federal and national organizations recognize that rural areas can not be left behind in today s technology and innovation-intensive economy. The Certified Innovation Community (CIC) Program will help communities and regions address the question: What can we do to help our rural citizens survive and thrive in the New Economy through innovation-based economic development strategies? The purpose of this assessment tool is to help a community and region focus on the cornerstones of innovation-based economic development to identify successes, strengths, target needs, and uncover potential opportunities to affect positive change and respond to opportunity. The goal of this assessment is to certify Bolivar County as an innovative technology community. The goal of communities and regions that participate is to increase personal per capita income. Cornerstone teams uses an assessment tool as an exploration guide to target needs and opportunities that needs to be pursued. While each team has a focus in their research, consistent interaction with other teams is critical because of the nature of collaborative work and the interdependence between innovation cornerstones. The CIC program is grounded in innovation or technology based economic development and organized around six tenants of ingredients. The teams were created based on these tenants. The teams were Entrepreneurship, Technology, Human Resources, Social Capital, Financial Capital, Business Assistance, Essential and Development. CBER was the team leader for the Entrepreneurship team. Data were collected by face-to-face and telephone interviews with entrepreneurs that own more than one business and aspiring entrepreneurs that incorporate technology in their operations, corresponding with the Tax Assessors Office, and attending committee meetings with business owners and other agencies. 12

MISSISSIPPI DELTA RESEARCH INITIATIVE In conjunction with the Southern Rural Development Center (SRDC) at Mississippi State University, the Center for Business and Entrepreneurial Research is conducting research on the Mississippi Delta region, its economy, and population. The research focuses on the compilation and generation of a minimum of four research reports that will highlight the Mississippi Delta region. Some of these included profiling the Delta on: Brain Drain and its Effects on the Delta The Knowledge Economy in the Delta Technology Based Development in the Delta Heritage Tourism and Development Population Change and the Future of the Delta Agribusiness and the Future of the Delta s Economy Migration Patterns and Workforce Development in the Delta The Growth of the Hispanic Community in the Delta The first of these reports will provide a snapshot of the 18-county Delta region as defined by the SRDC. These counties include: Bolivar Carroll Coahoma Desoto Holmes Humphreys Issaquena Leflore Panola Quitman Sharkey Sunflower Tallahatchie Tate Tunica Warren Washington Yazoo These reports will also include policy, local development, and regional development recommendations. Distribution of reports will take place through mail, email, and published on the CBER website. 13

CHAIR OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY Funding was received from the Robert M. Hearin Support Foundation to establish the Chair of Entrepreneurship in Business Technology. The Chair of Entrepreneurship in Business Technology is to provide intellectual leadership to the College of Business and Center for Business and Entrepreneurial Research in curriculum development, teaching, scholarship and service in the areas of entrepreneurship and business technology. The Chair is active in the campus and business community as a participant, resource and visionary in entrepreneurship, business technology, and business retention and expansion efforts. The aim of the Chair of Entrepreneurship in Business Technology is to stimulate the enterprising spirit and deepen knowledge about the use of technology in entrepreneurial processes in the Delta, both in newly created enterprises and new activities launched by existing businesses. The Chair promotes entrepreneurship by means of development, research, information dissemination and technology awareness-raising activities for entrepreneurs and enterprise leaders. Objectives of the Chair of Entrepreneurship in Business Technology are: 1. To develop a curriculum in entrepreneurship and business technology in the College of Business 2. To grow and leverage small business opportunities by making potential and existing entrepreneurs aware of technology resources. 3. To provide small business assistance in developing business plans capital acquisition and utilization, and operating a growing enterprise. 4. The Chair and the Center for Business and Entrepreneurial Research will provide a Think Tank environment that will put to work for the Mississippi Delta the best entrepreneurial development minds in the state and nation. The Chair of Entrepreneurship in Business Technology will be housed in the Center for Business and Entrepreneurial Research (CBER). CBER was established in the College of Business in 2005 as an educational, networking, and consulting resource for entrepreneurs, governmental agencies, and owners of privately held businesses. This investment will reap significant dividends for the Mississippi Delta and the state as a whole in several ways. Firstly, the State will see a reduction in the number of young, bright Mississippians leaving the state in search of opportunities. Secondly, in addition to finding employment opportunities with existing employers, graduates will have skills and confidence to start their own businesses as a result of entrepreneurial training. Thirdly, graduates not desiring to start their own businesses would have entrepreneurial skills that employers desire in their employees. 14

CBER Website The Center for Business and Entrepreneurial Research has launched a website designed to not only display the activities of the CBER, it is expected that it will serve as a launch pad for business and entrepreneurial research on the Delta. In the coming months, several publications, reports, and monographs will be posted to the site. These publications will be in PDF format and will be downloadable. Additional databases are expected to be linked, thus creating the possibility for dynamic research projects within and outside of the University. The website can be found at: http://www.deltastate.edu/pages/2225.asp VI. Division/Department Goals for Coming Year This is a statement of goals for the coming year. These are operational goals for the unit that are NOT tied directly to student learning outcomes. A. Goal # 1 1. Institutional Goal(s) supported by this goal: Continue conducting research with small business/entrepreneurial development in the Delta region. This will take place through the identification of potential programs/collaborations to meet the needs of Delta small businesses. 2. Expected Results: It is expected that some results will be submitted for publication in journals and others will be used to assist with policy initiatives and collaborations established to create a Delta Small Business/Entrepreneurial Network. 3. Evaluation Procedure(s): If the above described expected results are realized. 4. Use of Evaluation Results: The results will be used to further enhance the outreach potential of the CBER and to create new funding streams. 15

B. Goal # 2 1. Institutional Goal(s) supported by this goal: Hold the 2007 Delta Business and Entrepreneurial Symposium in collaboration with the Mississippi Micro Enterprise Association Network, Small Business Development Center, Center for Community and Economic Development, Delta Council, and other interested parties. 2. Expected Results: The gathering of attendees from across the region to the receive information on entrepreneurial opportunities in the Delta region, opportunities for funding, and programs designed to assist existing and emerging entrepreneurs. 3. Evaluation Procedure(s): If the above described expected results are realized. 4. Use of Evaluation Results: The results will be used to further enhance the outreach potential of the CBER and to create new funding streams. 16