NBIA Sponsors Mentorship Program for Appalachian Communities Interested in Developing IncubatorsOctober 24, 2001ATHENS, Ohio—The National Business
Incubation Association (NBIA) is accepting grant applications
from Appalachian communities that are interested in developing
business incubators. The new program is designed to bring incubator
project leaders together with more seasoned program managers.
Through the financial support of the
Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), NBIA will provide grants
to help community leaders pay travel costs and/or modest honoraria
to knowledgeable incubator managers who can help them better understand
the incubation process. Applicants can use funds to underwrite
visits to a mentor's program or to bring a mentor to their communities.
The grants are not intended to fund feasibility studies.
"The best way to learn about operating
a successful incubation program is to talk to the experts —
the people who do the work every day," said Dinah
Adkins, NBIA president and CEO. "Mentors can help
those who are new to the field understand the potential for business
incubators to strengthen local economies."
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.
Business incubation mentorship grants
are available to representatives of organizations or governments
within the ARC operating region that are not located within an
attainment region. Visit http://www.arc.gov/aboutarc/region/counties.htm
for a list of eligible counties and cities.
The application deadline for the first
round of funding is Jan. 11, 2002. NBIA will accept applications
quarterly as long as grant money is available. The Association
anticipates that all funds will be awarded within 12 months. Over
the course of the program, NBIA expects to award 20 grants averaging
$500. Applicants must contribute matching funds or in-kind contributions
to support the requested grant amount.
All visits between applicant community
leaders and their mentors must occur within six months of receiving
the funds. For a list of approved mentors, contact Tim
Kresse, NBIA director of membership, at tkresse@nbia.org.
To apply online for the business incubation
mentorship program, visit http://www.nbia.org/arc_mentor/mentor_info.html.
You may also request an application form by contacting NBIA at
(740) 593-4331.
With about 1,200 members from 50 nations,
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.
The Appalachian Regional Commission
was established by the U.S. Congress in 1965 to support economic
and social development in the Appalachian region. To support its
mission, ARC undertakes projects that address five key goals:
developing a knowledgeable and skilled population, strengthening
the region's physical infrastructure, building local and regional
capacity, creating a dynamic economic base and fostering healthy
people.
|
