Register for multiple workshops and save! If you register for two workshops, you will receive a $25 discount off your total fees. Register for three and receive $75 off your total. Don’t miss this chance to maximize your training while minimizing costs!

All fees shown are early-bird rates.

Serving Client Companies
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Good incubators provide entrepreneurs with programs and services to help them succeed. The first part of this workshop will explain how to develop an effective lineup of client services, covering topics such as teaching business basics, creating service provider networks, setting up finance programs, preparing clients for investment capital, sharing services and space, offering marketing assistance, and more. In the second half, participants will start developing their own plans for client services with guidance from the presenters.

Please Note: This workshop is a requirement of the NBIA Incubator Management Certificate Program. Visit www.nbia.org/nbia_events/certificate/ to learn more about this program and its requirements.

Jasper Welch, Director, San Juan College Enterprise Center, Farmington, N.M.
Joel Wiggins, CEO & President, Enterprise Center of Johnson County, Lenexa, Kan.

Fee: $369 NBIA Members/$419 Nonmembers

Strategies for Advancing Your Program
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

In this thought-provoking, interactive workshop, you will learn how to advance your incubation program and your management skills to the next level. The presenter will provide tools and techniques to help you create a strategic plan for your program and give you insight into your leadership style and effectiveness through the use of the Predictive Index assessment. Whether you’re a new incubator professional seeking a strong foundation in entrepreneur support or an experienced manager expanding your program’s operations and services, you’ll leave feeling motivated to enhance your program, inspire staff and re-engage stakeholders.

Karl LaPan, President & CEO, Northeast Indiana Innovation Center, Fort Wayne, Ind.

Fee: $369 NBIA Members/$419 Nonmembers

Using Web 2.0: Internet-Based Tools for Your Incubator and Clients
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Web tools can make your job easier in terms of operating your incubator and serving clients. This workshop will begin with an introduction to the basics – setting up a Web-based interface and learning how to collaborate through shared documents, podcasts and online groups. The second part of this seminar will focus on Web tools that will help you operate your program more efficiently and access resources not available locally. Explore services to help you track and filter Web content, develop new products, share knowledge, manage projects, utilize office tools and more.

Peter Abramo, Executive Director, Center for Emerging Technology and Entrepreneurial Studies, Cameron University, Lawton, Okla.

Fee: $369 NBIA Members/$419 Nonmembers

The Fundamentals of Incubator Management
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

An effective incubator manager needs a strong understanding of industry best practices. This workshop is intended for managers of established incubators who are looking for strategies and techniques to meet clients’ expectations and run successful programs. This workshop will cover various aspects of incubator management, from defining a mission and governance structure to achieving financial sustainability. Specific topics will include working with a board of directors, establishing policies, recruiting clients, developing graduation criteria, generating revenue, handling leases and more.

Please Note: This workshop is a requirement of the NBIA Incubator Management Certificate Program. Visit www.nbia.org/nbia_events/certificate/ to learn more about this program and its requirements.

Tom Strodtbeck, Director of Events and Training, National Business Incubation Association, Athens, Ohio
David Terry, Executive Director, West Texas A & M University Enterprise Network, Amarillo, Texas

Fee: $369 NBIA Members/$419 Nonmembers

Developing a Successful Incubator
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Are you developing an incubator or new to the business incubation industry? If so, this workshop is for you. A perennial favorite, this comprehensive course addresses all aspects of incubator development. The presenters, who have helped launch more than 50 incubation programs, will cover topics such as needs assessments, site assessment, facility design, incubator business plans, organizational structure, staffing and compensation, and marketing and client recruitment. The workshop will provide a workbook including the latest information about industry best practices (U.S. and international), lists of key resources, sample documents and more.

Carol Lauffer, Partner, Business Cluster Development, Menlo Park, Calif.
Jim Robbins, Partner, Business Cluster Development, Menlo Park, Calif.

Fee: $369 NBIA Members/$419 Nonmembers

Critical Issues in Bioscience Incubation
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Beyond the usual challenges faced by any start-up company, bioscience entrepreneurs must deal with large capital requirements, complex regulatory approval processes and lengthy timelines to market. Using examples from their own programs, the presenters will discuss critical issues in creating or building a successful bioscience program, such as client selection and management processes; specialized facilities; techniques for mentoring clients; entrepreneurial education programs; regulatory, reimbursement and intellectual property issues; graduation policies; and post-graduate tracking. Additionally, the workshop will address structuring your board, implementing creative revenue models, building sponsorship programs, marketing your incubator and supporting clients’ efforts to access capital.

David Lohr, Executive Director, Virginia Biosciences Development Center, Richmond, Va.
Melinda Richter, Executive Director, San Jose BioCenter, San Jose, Calif.

Fee: $369 NBIA Members/$419 Nonmembers

Show Me the Money: Helping Client Companies Prepare for Investment Funding
8 a.m. – noon

With knowledge and the right resources, you can help technology companies secure angel and venture capital funding. This workshop will feature a review of the types of funding your clients might seek, strategies for investor pitches, a discussion of the common mistakes companies make and how to avoid them, and a checklist to prepare clients for the due diligence process. Through real-life examples, small-group discussion and templates, you’ll be prepared to help entrepreneurs obtain funding.

John Balbach, Technology Business Consultant, Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center, Kalamazoo, Mich.
Sandra Cochrane, Technology Business Consultant, Michigan Small Business and Technology Development Center, Kalamazoo, Mich.

Fee: $229 NBIA Members/$269 Nonmembers

Finding and Keeping Good Sponsors
8 a.m. – noon

Sponsors can provide additional funding for operations and other needs, but they also are key sources of information, support, networking and advice for you and your clients. Discovering and maintaining long-term sponsor relationships can be essential to your incubator’s success. Learn how to price your options, put together formal sponsor agreements, properly acknowledge and honor sponsors, maximize interaction and maintain relationships. The presenter will provide sample letters and contracts, along with other resources, so you’ll recognize who will become a good sponsor, how to deal with demanding supporters and how to receive the support you need.

Mark Long, President, Long Performance Advisors, Greenwood, Ind.

Fee: $229 NBIA Members/$269 Nonmembers

Regional Cooperation Among Rural Incubators
8 a.m. – noon

Rural incubators face challenges in terms of limited access to funding and resources, as well as small facilities and staff. Learn how a group of small business incubators in southeastern Alabama joined forces to create the Wiregrass Incubator Alliance to offer the programs and services that clients need. Presenters from the alliance will share how the organization was created, how the alliance is funded, and the special programs and workshops they offer. Discover how regional alliances can be formed in your area to benefit incubators and clients.

Mary Hill, Administrator, Mixson Business Center, Dothan, Ala.
Tucson Roberts, President & CEO, Covington County Economic Development Commission, Andalusia, Ala.
Frank Thompson, Executive Director, Enterprise Coffee Geneva Economic Development Corp., Enterprise, Ala.

Fee: $229 NBIA Members/$269 Nonmembers