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HOMEFRONT TO HEARTLAND: FINANCIAL EDUCATION FOR WOMEN IN SMALL BUSINESS AND AGRICULTURE

Extension Education

Alice Rhea
AREA SPECIALIST II - FARM MANAGEMENT
THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE EXTENSION
MARYVILLE

Abstract

Women play a significant role in today’s business world, either as the primary operator or as the spouse of a farmer or small business owner. Although their involvement in the decision-making and financial management of the business is critical, they often lack the knowledge and skills of how to approach these tasks effectively. A needs assessment was conducted in 2008 with female small business owners and agricultural producers in Tennessee. Responses from the assessment indicated strong needs for personal and business financial management education including topics such as estate planning, electronic record keeping, personal financial management, small business management, long-term savings options, and healthy living. During this intensive one-day statewide conference, eleven educational programs were offered by means of general and concurrent sessions with a total of seventy-five professionals and participants on March 21, 2009. Professional guest speakers were selected to present on the topics offered during the conference. Women in small business and agriculture were provided with the tools for success in business and their personal lives. Homefront to Heartland participants report increasing their savings and/or investments $171 per month for a total $84,132 yearly. Based on conference topics such as decreasing spending, increasing income, and better financial management practices, conference participants estimated $131,850 in economic benefit to their business and/or personal lives. Laura Howard and Alice Rhea were conference coordinators, designed and developed the conference notebook, and were concurrent session presenters. The conference notebook was duplicated by a professional printing service.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: A.J. Rhea, L.L. Howard, C.T. Sneed
  1. Rhea, A. Area Specialist - Farm Management, UT Extension Employee, Tennessee, 37804
  2. Howard, L. Area Specialist - Farm Management, UT Extension Employee, Tennessee, 37763
  3. Sneed, C. Family & Consumer Science Agent, UT Extension Employee, Tennessee, 37804