Breaking News:

March 14, 2008

infoDev to award grants for business incubation in developing countries

infoDev — a World Bank initiative that promotes the use of information and communication technologies to reduce poverty and promote sustainable economic development — is requesting proposals for ICT business incubation in developing countries. "Promoting ICT-Enabled Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Developing Countries Through Business Incubation" will offer one-year grants in three categories:

• Financing for start-up incubators in countries that participate in the International Development Association. infoDev will award up to $50,000 to up to six existing but early-stage incubation programs in IDA countries and up to $100,000 in seed grants to establish up to four new programs in Asia.



• Funding for established incubation programs to create international working groups to focus on empowerment of women and youth and development of high-growth ICT enterprises. infoDev will award up to three grants, one on each theme (women, youth, high-growth ICT enterprises) of up to $50,000.



• Financing to establish regional business incubation networks. infoDev will award up to six grants of $50,000 to $100,000.

NBIA members discuss effects of a sluggish economy

It seems you can’t open a business publication or turn on a news broadcast these days without seeing commentaries about whether the United States is headed – or already in – a recession. But how is the economy affecting the business incubation industry in particular? That’s what we set up to learn through queries on the NBIA member listserv and in the NBIA Review. The results were mixed, which some incubator managers say is to be expected. (more...)

In the February NBIA Review:

	Going green Green is chic — but does it pay to be environmentally friendly? When NBIA asked incubator managers what they're doing to green up their facilities, we found a wide continuum of options available, from cheap-and-simple to significant investments in green technologies.
	Who you know really can make a difference Networking brings a package of benefits to fledgling entrepreneurs, from helping them develop needed business skills and relationships, to providing vital emotional support. That's why fostering client networking is an indispensable service in business incubation.
	Something for everyone at NBIA conference NBIA's International Conference on Business Incubation is the premier training and networking event for incubation industry professionals. Here’s a sampling of what you’ll experience in San Antonio May 4-7.
	NBIA board service benefits both industry and professionals As NBIA takes nominations for members of its board of directors, we asked current board members what they have gained from their service.
	New Soft Landings designees announced With the addition of two new designees in 2007, 10 incubation programs from around the world now hold NBIA’s Soft Landings International Incubator designation.
	Listserv follow-up What’s in a name? NBIA members discuss use of terms "incubator" and "accelerator"
	The worst mistake I ever made "One of my clients is living in her office!"
	Spotlight on practice A Michigan incubator teams up with a local technology park to further economic development … a California incubator showcases clients in a fun fundraiser