NBIA Incubator Management Certificate Program
NBIA’s Incubator Management Certificate Program is a comprehensive and practical overview of the tasks and responsibilities of incubator management created for NBIA members. Developed with input from experienced industry professionals, the program provides a real-world view into the best practices of incubator management. Program content includes incubator funding and client funding, mission and strategic planning, facilities management, selecting and serving clients, and more. Participants will develop skills and gather tools to enhance the success of their programs. NBIA awards official Incubator Management Certificates upon completion of the program, which consists of three full-day workshops and five 75-minute sessions. Certificate candidates have an unlimited amount of time to complete the required hours of training.
Participants will gain practical knowledge to help them:
- Build stronger board, client and stakeholder relationships
- Help clients identify funding sources
- Establish effective programs
- Increase program impact in the community
- Improve incubator financial health
Earning an NBIA Incubator Management Certificate will require 24 hours of training in total, including three full-day workshops and five 75-minute conference sessions. The specific educational components are outlined below.
Program Requirements
These requirements must be completed in person at NBIA’s events. For a list of upcoming NBIA events, please visit www.nbia.org/events.
Workshops
The following three workshops must be completed to earn the certificate. Two of these workshops are offered during the Fall Training Institute and two are offered during the Preconference Institute (held in conjunction with the International Conference on Business Incubation) each year. The workshops offered at each event vary annually. For more information about these events, click here.
The Fundamentals of Incubator Management
This workshop covers the numerous challenges faced by incubator managers, from defining a mission and governance structure to achieving financial self-sustainability. Topics will include establishing policies, recruiting clients, developing graduation criteria, generating revenue, handling leases and other agreements, and more.
Serving Client Companies
This workshop covers the programs and services an incubator offers as well as best practices for coaching clients. Specific topics will include teaching business basics, creating service provider networks, setting up financing programs, sharing services and space, and more.
Facilities Management
This workshop will address various aspects of overseeing the operation of the building that houses an incubation program. Topics will include managing lease agreements, collecting rents and service fees, cutting costs in innovative ways, and more.
Conference Sessions
NBIA will select a number of sessions at each International Conference on Business Incubation that will satisfy the certification requirements. These sessions will be divided into four categories: incubator funding, client funding, client services and incubator management. Certificate candidates must attend a total of five sessions:
- One in incubator funding
- One in client funding
- One in client services
- Two in incubator management
NBIA will issue a session tracking form before each conference. Candidates do not have to complete all five sessions in a single conference, as there is no time limit for completing the certificate program.
Registration
To participate in this certificate program, incubator managers must be members of NBIA. If you are interested in learning how to join NBIA, please visit www.nbia.org/join_nbia. After you are a member of NBIA, you must register for the certificate program and pay a one-time administrative fee of $40 for members. Click here to submit the online registration form.
For more information, e-mail education@nbia.org or call 740-593-4331.
Contact NBIA
Phone: (740) 593-4331
Fax: (740) 593-1996
20 East Circle Drive, #37198
Athens, OH 45701-3751
info@nbia.org