The Access Minnesota Main Street project teaches business owners in rural communities about the importance of electronic commerce for their businesses.
Participants learn where to find resources and reach new markets.
They prepare themselves and their business to compete in the worldwide electronic marketplace. 250 people have participated in the course, representing businesses in the areas of tourism, agri- business, the arts community, retail, service industry, and manufacturing. Many of the businesses have 1 or 2 employees. Some are startup businesses and businesses that are internet-only, without a physical store. Some are farm families looking for alternatives to traditional farming practices.