Thursday, April 23. 2009
Just returned from attending The National Business Incubation Association’s Annual Conference in Kansas City. Because our center supports many clients from the UCF Business Incubators, it was a valuable experience to hear first-hand how the incubator process works, the newest ideas in the field, and to meet some very talented people who are also dedicated to helping small businesses grow.
The incubation idea is very simple, yet it is not easy! The concept is to identify promising companies who have done the hard work to identify a good business opportunity that can create a sustainable and growth oriented company, then surround them with the support and assistance they need to make it happen. Sounds simple right? Well, this week I learned of the complexities of meeting the needs of those high growth, high impact companies in an efficient model, and the variables associated with nurturing the entrepreneurial flame in this segment of economic development.
As I return to the Disney Entrepreneur Center, I have a deeper understanding of that particular segment of clients that our center serves, but also with a renewed conviction of some of my beliefs on small business in general… 1) Small business success is a team sport, it never happens alone. 2) There is no substitute for hard work, no amount of support will help if you are not willing to do the work required. 3) Every business needs someone who will tell them the truth and guide them honestly, with no hidden agenda 4) There is no end to what there is to learn.
Now I am back, and before I jump into the frenzy again, I wanted to take a deep breath, absorb some of the new ideas, and share these thoughts with you.