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 identify 10 sessions at each International Conference on Business Incubation that will satisfy the certification requirements. Certificate candidates must attend at least five sessions in all (not necessarily all at the same conference). These sessions will focus on client funding, incubator funding and elective topics to be determined by NBIA staff and approved by the NBIA Board of Directors. Attendance at these sessions will be tracked by obtaining a signature from the presenter at the end of the session.

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.