Charles Cornell, director at the Fredonia Technology Incubator, has joined an elite group of graduates who have demonstrated their commitment and support for the entrepreneurial ecosystem by earning the Business Incubation Management Certificate from the International Business Innovation Association (InBIA).
“We are proud to have a graduate from the International Business Innovation Association as director of our incubator,” said Fredonia Vice President of Engagement and Economic Development Kevin Kearns. “We look at this achievement as a step forward in the right direction to carrying out our mission for economic growth.”
The curated curriculum of the Business Incubation Management Certificate provides a practical and comprehensive 360-degree view of both foundational knowledge and best practices around managing successful entrepreneurial support programs. The programs include business incubators, accelerators, maker spaces, co-working spaces or hybrid models, and are designed to provide hands-on development and coaching to help start-up and emerging companies succeed. Launched in 2006, the certificate program provides leaders of entrepreneurial support programs with the skills needed to provide sustainable assistance to entrepreneurs and growth businesses, and to be a keystone provider within local ecosystems. “InBIA’s certificate program is globally recognized as the gold standard regarding best practices for building sustainable entrepreneurial support programs,” said Kirstie Chadwick, president and CEO of InBIA. “Graduates of InBIA’s certificate program are uniquely positioned to deploy proven models for supporting local entrepreneurs and portfolio companies, while providing their respective programs with a designation of quality that is internationally recognized.”
The International Business Innovation Association is a non-profit organization and global advocate for incubators, accelerators, educational institutions and regional economic development stakeholders. With over 2,000 members across over 60 countries, it provides members with essential information, education, advocacy and networking resources to bring excellence to the process of assisting early-stage companies succeed.
Located in the City of Dunkirk’s central business district, the Fredonia Technology Incubator promotes economic growth in Western New York by supporting entrepreneurship and the development of new, innovative companies into successful business ventures. The incubator provides business services, support, networking, and educational opportunities for startup businesses. The incubator also provides internships and training opportunities for students, attracts and retains college graduates in the area, and provides support services to community organizations and leaders. The incubator is a “mixed-use” business incubator with a focus on arts and technology based startups. FTI is housed within Fredonia’s Division of Engagement and Economic Development (EED) which oversees the university’s economic development programs, including StartUp NY.
