Helping A-B Tech students achieve their dream of successfully operating their own business.
Student Business Incubator Program
The Student Business Incubator Program is a 12-month extracurricular activity designed to provide a nurturing, supportive environment to A-B Tech students who want to start their own business and guide them toward becoming sustainable, contributing members of a strong economic community. This program is administered by the A-B Tech Small Business Center/Business Incubator and is located at A-B Tech’s Enka campus.
Students interested in participating in this program must submit an application and go through a selection process where they are expected to interview and present a thorough business plan. Four student run businesses will then be selected to participate in this program which is from July – Jun of each year. Applications for the 2009-10 Student Business Incubator Program are due February 13, 2009.
By providing critical assistance during the start-up phase, the Student Business Incubator Program will help overcome the odds of business failure. A National Business Incubation Association (NBIA) study reports that 87% of incubator startups are still in business after 10 years, compared to a survival rate of only 44% of non-participants after four years in business.
Program Information | How to Apply | Important Dates | Requirements | Current Businesses
How to Apply
Students interested in starting their own business must submit an application and go through a four-month selection process where they are expected to interview and present a thorough business plan. Admission to the Student Business Incubator Program is limited to four current A-B Tech student run businesses. Applications can be found online and the deadline for the 2009-10 program is Friday, February 13, 2009.
Download an Application | Important Dates | Program Information
Eligibility Requirements
The Student Business Incubator program is open to any current A-B Tech student who maintains their student status through both the application process and, if selected, the 12-month extracurricular program.
Program Requirements
Once accepted into the Student Business Incubator Program, students will be required to participate in the following:
One day mandatory orientation prior to moving into office
Open Book Accounting
As part of the learning process, program staff need to be able to review the financials of the company with the student in order to assist in their growth and strategic planning. All information is strictly confidential.
Complete Four Business Seminars
The Small Business Center/Business Incubator offers over 100 business seminars each year and the student can select those most relevant to his/her business. If the student needs specific course work not offered, the Small Business Center/Business Incubator has the ability to hire outside consultants to give specific presentations.
Attend Monthly Tenant Meetings
Students must attend monthly tenant meetings (unless there is a class conflict). Such meetings provide students and incubator tenants an opportunity to network and have professionals from the community provide short presentations on services and opportunities that may be of interest.
Maintain Student Status
Students must maintain their student status while participating in this 12-month extracurricular program.
College and Community Event Participation
This 12-month extracurricular program receives a lot of recognition with the community and students are expected to serve as ambassadors for the college and for this program during their tenure.
For more information, contact Jill Sparks, Director, Small Business Center and Small Business Incubator,828-254-1921, Ext. 5849, jsparks@abtech.edu.
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