Purdue Extension Community Development’s Digital Ready initiative advances the capacity of small businesses to strengthen their knowledge and application of broadband strategies.
Through interactive workshops and online courses led by a statewide team of Purdue trainers, participants learn about the importance of the digital economy, how to incorporate digital strategies into the workplace and build technical knowledge.
Digital Ready Business modules were designed to increase the online presence of small businesses and entrepreneurs, resulting in expanded customer engagement and increased profitability. Through these basic to intermediate level modules, participants receive in-depth instruction on how to get a business online in order to better reach existing customers and gain new customers.
How have the Digital Ready Businesses workshops helped businesses grow? When we asked workshop participants that question, this is what they told us:
Over 90% of entrepreneurs and businesses participating in the Digital Ready Businesses workshops stated their knowledge of online presence strategies increased after completing the modules and recommended the series to others.
We offer twelve modules on online presence topics most relevant to entrepreneurs and small businesses. These modules can be taken “a la carte”, or you can take them all! Each module is no longer than an hour and includes a presentation and hands-on activities.
Participants who successfully finish all modules typically devote 20 hours to study, which includes about 14 hours of facilitated lectures and 6 hours of other coursework. Once you have completed all modules, you can apply for the Digital Ready Businesses Certificate!
We know you’re busy so we offer two ways to take modules through the Digital Ready course. You can choose one, or a combination of, the two options:
Before taking a module, we recommend you view these brief videos in order to become better prepared:
Earn a Digital Ready certificate to indicate proficiency in basic level business-related digital skills. A Digital Ready Businesses (DRB) certificate may be awarded upon completion of the required modules, successfully passing the quizzes to assess knowledge and completing a final project.
The final project will reinforce skills learned and provide you an opportunity to demonstrate your ability and skills in real-world experiences. Earning a Digital Ready certificate exhibits to employers that you have the competence needed for strategy, planning, management, promotion and measurement.
Final Project time investment is approximately 15-25 hours. Students have up to one month to complete their project. The total time commitment to earn the certificate is around 35-45 hours. This includes completion of the 12 modules and final project.
Purchase modules individually, or save money by buying the package:
Stories from a few small businesses after implementing strategies learned from the Digital Ready Businesses workshops:
“The information was very helpful in how to market on each platform. We have a long way to go but at least now have a plan in place! Since our workshop I started concentrating on Facebook and Instagram with the help of my daughter. She started to post daily even though our content/backdrop was not exactly how we wanted it we have played along tweaking as we go. We grew Facebook from 1547 to 2079 and Instagram 676 to 2013 so far!”
“When photos are posted, we see a direct increase in traffic.”
“I’m doing PR and their business has expanded.”
“Our services in particular have improved and we have become more aware of how to improve engagement with customers.”
“The Digital Ready workshops helped put additional social media information in my hands that I didn’t know were available before.”
“This was a great series of workshops, especially for those just beginning their business.”
“Our business has increased in the 1st year!”
Roberto Gallardo |
Director, Purdue Center for Regional Development, and Community and Regional Economics Specialist, Extension |
robertog@purdue.edu |
Cheri Brown |
Extension Educator, Blackford County |
brow1334@purdue.edu |
Claire Collett |
Economic Development Manager, Boone County |
Claire@betterinboone.org |
Emily Del Real |
Engagement Specialist |
edelreal@purdue.edu |
Mary Komenas |
Extension Educator, LaPorte County |
mfoell@purdue.edu |
Cheyanne Geideman |
Engagement Specialist |
cgeidema@purdue.edu |
Tanya Hall |
Regional Extension Educator |
tjhall@purdue.edu |
Nicholas Held |
Extension Educator, Spencer County |
nheld@purdue.edu |
Bill Horan |
Extension Educator, Wells County |
horan@purdue.edu |
Jeff Pell |
Extension Educator, Hendricks County |
jpell@purdue.edu |
Julie Rigrish |
Regional Coordinator, Purdue Center for Regional Development |
jrigrish@purdue.edu |
Hans Schmitz |
Extension Educator, Posey County |
hschmitz@purdue.edu |
Heather Strohm |
Community Development Regional Educator |
strohmh@purdue.edu |
Jose Valtierra |
Extension Educator, Lake County |
jvaltier@purdue.edu |
Kristi Whitacre |
Extension Educator, Vigo County |
kwhitacr@purdue.edu |
Elisa Worland |
Extension Educator, Wayne County |
eworland@purdue.edu |
To learn more about Digital Ready Businesses, contact:
robertog@purdue.edu
765-494-3525