Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Member Incubator VT Knowledge Works is Blogging. Are You?

VT KnowledgeWorks - located in Blacksburg at the Corporate Research Center - has a very informative blog and uses it quite well in disseminating information, and creating the incubator's online presence.

The blog Inside VT KnowledgeWorks highlights member events, displays videos of member's technology, and provides an overall online forum for members to interact and discuss various topics.

If your incubator is not blogging, then use Inside VT KnowledgeWorks as an example. It's cost effective and much easier than you think to setup.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Virtual Incubator

There was some discussion recently on virtual incubators and how were communities responding to the needs of these business owners. Recently, I visited with one such individual who met me at the building of his incubator for a meeting. He talked about his desire to work from home for his specific business, but also how he benefited from a traditional facility incubator. This hybrid approach was very attractive to him and it appears to be serving him quite well.

Does your incubator have a virtual program? Do you have any success stories with a virtual incubator? Please share.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Why should I join VBIA? Part 5 of 5

Why should I join VBIA?

Certainly, no one can argue that the ultimate good of our economy is served by developing viable new businesses. In addition to doing a positive thing for your community, you’re also getting access to tomorrow’s business leaders. It can be a great chance to make mutually beneficial business alliances. And who knows? You just might meet your next boss.

VBIA members get free and discounted educational opportunities. Members also enjoy exceptional networking opportunities and access to an impressive store of knowledge on issues ranging from employment law to work-flow management.

VBIA leans on the expertise of a range of volunteers and members. Its rate structure is designed to promote participation from professionals from all walks of life.

Friday, July 11, 2008

Why should a new business want to locate in a business incubator? Part 4 of 5

Why should a new business want to locate in a business incubator?

Most new businesses have a strength in a specific area and a great deal of passion. What they generally lack is experience in the basics of running a business and the infrastructure -the fax machines and telephone systems - to make things work. Virginia’s business incubators give these bold new companies structure, credibility, access to knowledge, infrastructure, and contacts that are necessary for the businesses to take root.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Why should I support business incubators? Part 3 of 5

Why should I support business incubators?

Simply stated, they work. According to national statistics, 30% of incubator clients typically graduate each year. According to the Impact of Incubator Investments Study, 1997, 87% of incubator graduates remain in business. Less than one in four businesses that start outside of an incubator survive for five years.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

What does a business incubator do? Part 2 of 5

What does a business incubator do?
Business incubators are generally physical structures that nurture start-up businesses. Some incubators focus on one specific kind of business (such as technology or manufacturing), while others promote mixed use.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

What is VBIA and business incubation? Part 1 of 5

This is the first part of a five-post series that will educate and describe VBIA and the opportunities of incubators.

What is business incubation?
Incubators nurture young firms, helping them to survive and grow during the start-up period when they are most vulnerable. Incubators provide hands-on management assistance, access to financing, and exposure to critical business or technical support services. They also offer entrepreneurial firms shared office services, access to equipment, flexible leases, and expandable space — all under one roof.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Join the VBIA Linked In Group

Please visit and join our VBIA LinkedIn group, so we can better connect you to people in our networks who may be able to assist you in becoming successful. If you have never used LinkedIn, do not worry it is easy, addicting and time efficiently and effectively spent.