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 Center for Business and Technology Incubation 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 – June of each year. Applications for the 2010-11 Student Business Incubator Program are due March 5, 2010 (extended one week).
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 | Program Graduates
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 2010-11 program is Friday, March 5, 2010 (extended one week).
Download an Application | Important Dates | Program Information
Eligibility Requirements
The Student Business Incubator program is open to any current A-B Tech student who is enrolled in a minimum of nine semester credit hours. Students MUST maintain this status during both the interview process and the 12-month 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 in July.
Open Book Accounting
As part of the learning process, program staff needs 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 has the ability to hire outside consultants to give specific presentations.
Attend Mandatory Monthly Group and Individual Meetings
Each month all Student Business Incubator tenants will meet to hear a guest speaker, network and discuss their ongoing business endeavors. These meetings are required and if missed, can be reason for termination from the program. In addition, each student business will be required to meet with the Small Business Center director individually as well. These meetings will be scheduled at the beginning of each semester.
Maintain Student Status
Students must maintain their student status (being enrolled in nine semester credit hours) while participating in this 12-month extracurricular program.
College and Community Event Participation
This 12-month extracurricular program receives a lot of recognition within 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, 828-254-1921, Ext. 5849, jsparks@abtech.edu.
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