3 Reports Kick Off Business Incubation Research Series

July 23, 2001

Contact:
Meredith Erlewine
Director of Publications
(740) 593-4331
merlewine@nbia.org
fax (740) 593-1996

ATHENS, OHIO—The National Business Incubation Association (NBIA) has published a trio of reports to launch its Research Series, designed to offer timely business incubation industry research with the latest facts and figures in an easy-to-read format. Two of the new publications embody the most comprehensive reports yet written about business incubation industry best practices and strategies for running effective rural incubation programs, and the third presents NBIA's most complete survey ever of industry executive compensation trends. The reports are:

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. Best Practices in Action clearly outlines industry practices that consistently bring incubators high levels of success.

"This book identifies how top incubators are marshaling resources to provide mentoring and comprehensive business assistance programs, and how they support firm networking, technology commercialization efforts and financing and capitalization," says coauthor Adkins, NBIA president and CEO. "It's an invaluable resource for anyone developing, managing or evaluating a business incubation program."

The report covers facility basics, governance and staffing, client screening and graduation,
incubator evaluation practices and more. It specifically details the client service programs—including client mentoring and business advising practices of leading incubators. The authors profile eight incubators from around the world that represent one or more best practice or innovative approaches to business incubation. Best Practices in Action is based on a research project initially prepared for the Maryland Technology Development Corp. (TEDCO) by NBIA, Ohio University and Claggett Wolfe Associates. TEDCO is the first state agency to request the help of NBIA to conduct an effort aimed at strengthening an entire state's incubation network.

Incubating in Rural Areas is a groundbreaking study that identifies challenges facing rural incubators by comparing low-performing rural incubation programs to their high-performing peers. With case studies and plenty of charts and graphs, this report pinpoints characteristics of high-performing rural incubation programs and outlines particular best practices that have contributed to their success.

"This report provides information that rural incubators can use to strengthen their programs," coauthor Adkins says. "Incubator programs can meet rural challenges and fulfill their potentials."

Providing detailed results of an extensive survey conducted by NBIA in 2000, The Compensation Question is full of information that will help incubator professionals negotiate salaries with confidence and that incubation programs can use to set appropriate CEO compensation packages.

The report offers detailed information on incubation industry salaries and benefits, including comparisons of for-profit and nonprofit programs. More than 40 charts and graphs illustrate many of the most up-to-date industry demographics available, including incubator CEO age, gender and education level, job satisfaction, primary program sponsors and types of clients served.

NBIA is the world's leading organization advancing business incubation and entrepreneurship. It provides thousands of professionals with information, education, advocacy and networking resources to bring excellence to the process of assisting early—stage companies.

For information or to order Research Series reports, contact NBIA, 20 E. Circle Drive, #37198, Athens, Ohio 45701; telephone (740) 593-4331; fax (740) 593-1996; or visit NBIA's online bookstore, www.nbia.org/bookstore to place secure orders. Prices are: Best Practices in Action: Guidelines for Implementing First-Class Business Incubation Programs, $40 for NBIA members, $50 nonmembers; Incubating in Rural Areas: Challenges and Keys to Success, $28 for NBIA members, $32 nonmembers; and The Compensation Question: NBIA's 2000 Survey of Incubation Executives, $32 for NBIA members, $42 nonmembers. Media representatives can contact Mary Ann Gulino for review copies at mgulino@nbia.org.