About the Program
 NBIA’s
Incubator Management Certificate Program is a comprehensive
and practical overview of the tasks and responsibilities of
incubator management. Developed with input from experienced
industry professionals, the program provides a real-world
view into the best practices of incubator management. 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.
The program content covers a range of topics, including:
- Incubator Finances
- Mission and Strategic Planning
- Incubator Documentation
- Serving Clients
- Facilities Management
- Graduation Policies and Procedures
- Marketing and Public Relations
- Client Selection
- Identifying and Involving Stakeholders
Participants will gain practical knowledge to help them:
- Build stronger board, client and stakeholder relationships
- Provide better client coaching
- 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
26 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
Workshops
 One
or more of these workshops will be offered during the Fall
Training Institute and the Preconference Institute (held in
conjunction with the International Conference on Business
Incubation) each year. For more information about these events,
click here.
The Fundamentals of Incubator Management
This workshop covers the numerous (and sometimes overwhelming)
challenges incubator managers face, from defining a mission
and governance structure to achieving financial self-sustainability.
Topics will include working with a board of directors, 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 calculating leasable square footage, 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 each of the first three categories and
two in incubator management. Candidates do not have to complete
all five sessions in a single conference.
Registration
To participate in this certificate program, incubator managers
must first register and pay a one-time administrative fee
of $40 for members. Once registered, certificate candidates
have an unlimited amount of time to complete the required
hours of training. Click here
to submit the online registration form.
For more information, e-mail education@nbia.org
or call 740-593-4331.
|
