A "virtual business incubator"

Economic development organizations, chambers of commerce and business incubators can now supplement their regional business development activities with a “virtual” incubator/accelerator that offers free information, insights and inspiration to business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and innovators in their areas.

A wide menu of experience-based know-how can be offered through a BrainFoodToGo.com web portal that is designed and structured as a wall-less gathering place for aspiring entrepreneurs. See what a portal looks like by clicking on www.EconomicDevelopmentFoundation.org.

New content is added continuously to such a virtual incubator portal, and can be downloaded as printable Brass Tacks Tip Lists or audio and video TipCasts (a/k/a podcasts). Each portal is braded to identify the communities it serves and contains information and links that are specifically relevant to that area.

ATTENTION INCUBATOR MANAGERS
You can receive BrainFood materials directly for use in your personal consultation with clients. These handy aids will be branded with your incubator's unique identity.

Thanks to technology, this wall-less incubator offers an alternative to a bricks-and-mortar incubator building and can serve as an interim source of business assistance in communities that are working to establish a fully-functional incubator facility. Local entrepreneurs who sign up as Members can be invited to periodic get-togethers at a central location where they can mutually explore problems and exchange solutions. Counseling and assistance beyond that which is provided in these meetings can be offered on the locally-dedicated BrainFoodToGo.com web portal. This can be further supplemented via e-mail, telephone, and other electronic communication media. One-on-one meetings between members and volunteer coaches can also be arranged.

The virtual incubator's downloadable printouts and podcasts blend knowledge with know-how; information with experience; and fact with seasoned opinion. Its free content provides on-demand answers and insights that are fully flavored by the experiences, ideas, challenges, successes, and failures of movers and shakers who've been there; done that. Content is personally provided by accomplished venturers and is supplemented by common sense wisdom that’s gathered from other business leaders by an army of volunteers, including practicing entrepreneurs and high school and college students. Additional proven “recipes” for success are contributed by authors, educators, journalists, consultants and historians.

Tammie Nemecek, President and CEO of the Economic Development Council of Collier County (a BrainFoodToGo.com host) emphasizes that "it isn't only the recipients of this assistance who benefit. The volunteer hunters and gatherers of this acumen -- especially students -- enjoy an opportunity to move beyond lateral peer-interfacing and interact with experts, legends, and potential mentors at all levels in business communities around the world."

The incubator is styled as a "digital diner" offering “fast (brain)food” that is quick, affordable, and easily accessed. It’s a convenient place to order-up nourishing know-how from folks who’ve learned the ingredients for success…. the hard way.

The principal functions of the virtual incubator help venturers:

Construct and validate a business model
Recruit experienced “helpers”
Formulate a strategic vision
Prepare a business plan
Secure funding
Obtain a physical site and acquire the required fixtures, equipment and materials
Institute the necessary financial controls
Market and sell
Monitor/audit operations
Provide interaction with other venturers

To become a member and gain entitlement to the various coaching and facilitation services the Virtual Incubator provides, an entrepreneur or business owner simply fills out the form on the web portal and completes the hassle-free application he or she receives in return.

To get information about how your incubator or economic development organization can establish it's own virtual incubator -- free of charge -- simply fill out the form below.

For more information, contact Paul Willax toll-free at 888-4-WILLAX