NBIA Joins with IBM to Offer Computer Products and Services to Start-Up Companies

January 8, 2002

Contact:
Linda Knopp, PR Specialist
740-593-4331; lknopp@nbia.org

ATHENS, Ohio—The National Business Incubation Association (NBIA) has teamed up with IBM to bring affordable computer products and services to small business start-ups.

Under the agreement, NBIA member business incubators and their client companies can purchase a broad range of IBM products and services at special savings direct from the company. Currently available products include IBM ThinkPad® notebook computers, office and home PCs, all-in-one PCs, flat panel monitors, scanners, printers, back-up drives, award-winning software, and IBM IntelliStation and Intel-based servers.

"Most entrepreneurs have a need for quality computer hardware and software early in the development of their business," said Dinah Adkins, president and CEO of NBIA. "Through our agreement with IBM, we can help these new businesses — and the business incubators that nurture them — afford what could be among their first major purchases."

NBIA members can purchase IBM hardware, software and services through a toll-free number or online catalog. IBM has placed a permanent link on its Small Business Center at http://www.ibm.com/smallbusiness that provides instructions on how to receive the discounted rates. Additional information on the program can be found on NBIA's Web site within the Members Only section.

"IBM is committed to helping entrepreneurs succeed by offering the technology and services they may need to grow their businesses," said Jay Nalli, vice president, small business, Americas, IBM. "With our broad range of products and services, we can assist business owners in a variety of industries with systems that specifically meet their business needs."

Business incubation catalyzes the process of starting and growing companies. A proven model, it provides entrepreneurs with the expertise, networks and tools they need to make their ventures successful. Incubation programs diversify economies, commercialize technologies, create jobs and build wealth. Today, there are more than 900 of these programs in the United States, up from 12 in 1980.

With about 1,200 members, the National Business Incubation Association is the world's leading organization advancing business incubation and entrepreneurship. It provides information, education, advocacy and networking resources to bring excellence to the process of assisting early-stage companies. For more information about the business incubation industry or NBIA, see http://www.nbia.org.

With 80 years of leadership in helping businesses innovate, IBM is the world's largest information technology company and a leading provider of e-business solutions. IBM is dedicated to helping customers, business partners and developers leverage the potential of the Internet and network computing across a wide range of businesses and industries. It offers a host of cross-industry and industry-specific solutions designed to meet the needs of growing companies.

The company's Small Business Center Web site provides information, special pricing and promotions on IBM products and services, as well as solutions, testimonials and a monthly focus on technology themes specifically designed to meet the needs of small business customers. For additional information, visit http://www.ibm.com/smallbusiness.