Columbia, MD (July 20, 2010) – Laurie Hedlund, Director of the NeoTech Incubator, a program of the Center for Business and Technology Development and a part of the Howard County Economic Development Authority in Columbia, recently completed the National Business Incubation Association’s Incubator Management Certificate Program.

Within her first year of employment with the Authority, Hedlund has earned designation as a Certified Incubator Manager. NBIA launched its certificate program in February 2007 to provide incubator executives with a comprehensive and practical overview of the tasks and responsibilities of managing a business incubation program. The 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.

Although the certificate program is not a professional designation, NBIA officials note that receiving a certificate is a mark of distinction verifying mastery of incubator governance, services and policies. “We thought it would be helpful for NBIA to establish a base of knowledge that every incubator manager should know, regardless of the type of incubator they run,” said Tom Strodtbeck, NBIA director of events and training. “The certificate program is a way for people to track their progress in gaining that knowledge.”

Linda Burger, Senior Vice President of The Center for Business and Technology Development said, “Laurie has worked diligently to ensure the success of the NeoTech Incubator and deserves recognition for going the extra mile to earn this credential.” Hedlund is one of a small number of certified incubator managers in the region.

To receive the certification, incubator managers must complete a total of 24 hours of training, including three full-day workshops designed specifically for the program and five elective 75-minute sessions offered at NBIA’s annual conference. Workshops and sessions cover a range of topics, including incubator finances, strategic planning, graduation policies and procedures, client selection, and facilities management.

Business incubation programs, such as NeoTech’s, 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 2005 alone, North American incubators assisted more than 27,000 start-up companies that provided full-time employment for more than 100,000 workers and generated annual revenue of more than $17 billion.  

About The National Business Incubation Association: The NBIA 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.

About NeoTech Incubator:  The NeoTech Incubator, a program of Howard County’s Center for Business and Technology Development, helps entrepreneurs develop thriving technology companies.  NeoTech accelerates the growth and success of emerging technology businesses through access to resources, information, and a community of excellence.  The NeoTech Incubator is a three-time winner of the National Business Incubation Association’s Innovation Award.  To learn more about the NeoTech Incubator and the Center for Business and Technology Development, visit www.thecenter.biz.

About The Center for Business and Technology Development: Founded in May 2000, The Center is dedicated to the discovery, stimulation, nurturing, growth, and success of entrepreneurship in Howard County. It has gained a reputation for providing valuable assistance to its clients and for creating innovative programs that foster entrepreneurship in the region. The Center provides assistance to approximately 1,000 entrepreneurs annually through its unique combined services platform.  A “one stop shop” for entrepreneurial services, The Center supports small and medium sized businesses through its Business Resource Center, NeoTech Incubator, and Howard Technology Council.  For more information about The Center for Business and Technology Development, visit www.thecenter.biz.

The Center for Business and Technology Development is part of the Howard County Economic Development Authority, a public-private partnership whose primary goal is to promote economic growth and stability by supporting existing businesses, targeting new businesses, and attracting corporate/regional headquarters. The Authority also maintains several programs aimed at the special needs of small, minority-owned, and agricultural business communities. Additionally, the Authority strives to preserve the distinctive quality of life in Howard County. The Authority can be reached at www.hceda.org.

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