Soft Landings Program Details
What kind of specialized programs might a company entering a foreign market need? Examples of programs and areas of assistance that an incubator could offer include:
- Translation services
- Language training
- Domestic market research and entry assistance
- Access to capital and potential funders
- Intellectual property protection assistance
- Help meeting government regulations
- Help with import/export laws
- Patent assistance
- Help obtaining business and driver’s licenses
- Cultural training
- Immigration & visa assistance
- Housing assistance
Who is eligible?
NBIA member incubators are eligible to apply. Member incubators may be designed exclusively to serve foreign business clients or may serve both domestic clients and foreign clients. Regardless, the incubator must have developed resources and programs specifically designed to meet the needs of foreign companies. (See additional eligibility criteria in the application packet.)
Why should I nominate my incubator?
NBIA believes that designated Soft Landings International Incubators will attract new clients and differentiate their programs as being specially designed to work with a unique clientele. As NBIA is the world’s largest association of business incubation professionals — with more than 900 member organizations — the designation should help your incubator achieve additional credibility worldwide. You can gain positive exposure from this designation, and show your leadership in working with foreign companies.
What benefits result from earning this designation?
NBIA will feature all Soft Landings International Incubators in an online directory on NBIA’s high-traffic Web site. Additionally, your incubator will receive a personalized plaque that declares your program a Soft Landings International Incubator designee. NBIA also will give you a special NBIA logo to display on your Web site, stationery and marketing materials. The Association also will create a news release for you to send to your media contacts and stakeholders to help you capitalize on earning this prestigious designation.
How do I submit an application?
The process is straightforward:
- Download the application. Click here to download the application and instructions.
- Complete and return six (6) copies of each application, including all enclosures.
- Enclose one 2012 Soft Landings International Incubator designation transmittal form (included in the application materials) along with your application(s).
- There is a $300 processing fee for each initial application. Renewal applications have a $125 processing fee. Enclose payment (check or credit card information) with your application(s). Make checks payable to NBIA in U.S. funds.
- If you manage more than one incubator meeting eligibility requirements, you may submit more than one application (a separate processing fee is required for each application submitted and each incubator must have at least one individual on its staff that is an NBIA member).
Deadlines
June 22, 2012
October 12, 2012
Mail or ship to:
NBIA Soft Landings Designation
20 E. Circle Drive #37198
Athens OH 45701
USA
Contact NBIA
Phone: (740) 593-4331
Fax: (740) 593-1996
340 West State Street, Unit 25
Athens, OH 45701-1565
info@nbia.org