Local Professional Completes Incubator Management Certificate Program
Baltimore, Maryland — June 4, 2013 — Alexandra Gold, Incubator Manager for the Cyber Incubator and Cync Program at bwtech@UMBC in Baltimore, Maryland, recently completed the National Business Incubation Association’s Incubator Management Certificate Program.
The educational program provides a comprehensive and practical overview of the tasks and responsibilities of managing business incubators, which are programs that accelerate the successful development of start-up and emerging companies by providing entrepreneurs with resources and services. Launched in 2007, the certificate program is designed to enhance managers’ skills and to provide them with opportunities to gain ideas for building stronger relationships with key constituents, providing effective client services, ensuring incubator sustainability and more.
“Receiving a certificate is a mark of distinction verifying mastery of incubator governance, services and policies,” comments Ellen Hemmerly, Executive Director of bwtech@UMBC Research and Technology Park. “The NBIA training will assist Allie to build on the recent success of our Cyber Incubator program which currently houses over 30 companies.”
Business incubation programs, such as the Cyber Incubator at bwtech@UMBC, catalyze the process of starting and growing companies by providing entrepreneurs with the expertise, networks and tools they need to make their ventures successful. NBIA estimates that in 2011 alone, North American incubators assisted about 49,000 start-up companies that provided full-time employment for nearly 200,000 workers and generated annual revenue of almost $15 billion. To receive an Incubator Manager certificate, incubator managers must complete a total of 24 hours of training that covers a range of topics, including incubator finances, strategic planning, graduation policies and procedures, client selection, and facilities management.
About bwtech@UMBC:
bwtech@UMBC (www.bwtechumbc.com) is a 71-acre research and technology community at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). With over 500,000 square feet of office and laboratory space, it is home to nearly 100 technology and life science companies at all stages of development. bwtech@UMBC offers collaboration with university faculty and students and enjoys a strategic and convenient location, close to downtown Baltimore, BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, and Washington, D.C. Its annual economic impact on the state is estimated to be over $300 million.
About The National Business Incubation Association:
The National Business Incubation Association 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. Visit www.nbia.org to learn more.
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