Jim Flowers author of Start with Moxie and architect behind VTKnowledgeWorks generated this interesting post about the importance of SMEs (small-to-medium enterprises). As defined these are businesses employing less than 50 people.
Obviously in this economic climate more entrepreneurs are needed. The soil is fertile as many organization like VBIA are offering many resources. Contact one today and help turn around your local economy.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Monday, August 4, 2008
Rofo Finding Space for Startups
Rofo is a web site finding cheap space for start ups. It is a pretty fascinating model for incubators to look at in terms of fulfilling the needs of its clients as discussed on Tech Crunch. What are your thoughts? Will it work in a non-major metropolitan area?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)