Incubator AMERICA! Educational Services

The following list of services, specially designed for tenants of Incubator AMERICA!, will orient companies to American business practices, introduce tenants to key figures and resources in their industry and assist companies in navigating and taking advantage of the wealth of resources available to businesses in the Washington metropolitan area.

Orientation: USA and the Greater Washington, DC Region Business Culture

• Unique features of doing business in America and in the Washington region, relative to conducting business in the tenant's native country.
• Cultural variations in business practices and norms between the United States and the native country of the Incubator AMERICA! tenant. Differences in negotiating techniques and sense of time, for example.
• Cultural differences in industry-specific expectations.
• Profile of the Greater Washington, DC Region - Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC - the distribution of industries, market potential, demographics and transportation infrastructure.

Business Connections: The Regional Business Network

• A "business map" or chart of the organizations in the Washington metropolitan region that are key players in the development of new business opportunities and connections
  • Chambers of Commerce
  • Small Business Development Center
  • Northern Virginia Technology Council
  • Office of Economic Development
  • Potomac Knowledgeway
  • International trade associations
• Networking American Style: techniques, benefits and potential pitfalls

Arlington Advantage: Doing Business in Our County

• Guide to starting a business in Arlington, Virginia
• Economic and social characteristics of Arlington, Virginia USA
• Orientation to organizations in the County that can provide connections to the local business community

Monthly Strategic Advisory Sessions

• Counseling/Advisory Services from an on-site Educational Services Manager.
• Potential topics:
  • Opening a commercial bank account
  • Drafting a product distribution pre-feasibility study
  • Evaluating selected organizations for networking utility

The Century Club: Complimentary Membership (pending)

A trial membership has been requested from the George Mason University Century Club to provide an immediate and efficient introduction to the more advanced and collaborative members of the Northern Virginia business community. The Incubator client will have a valuable chance to conduct business with other firms while the general orientation process continues. Immediate involvement of the Incubator client, with a respected network of fine local companies, is a major motivator to take full advantage of all the other benefits associated with Incubator AMERICA!.

USA BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT - Specialized Services

Specialized services, a la carte or as a package, are available for an additional fee to accelerate the development of tenant companies already residing in the incubator. GMU staff are available to provide information about these services, which may include information about contracting with the federal government or distributor and reseller channel research and development, for example.

For more information, contact:
Mason Enterprise Center
Arlington Small Business Development Center
901 South Highland Street, Room 326
Arlington, VA 22204, USA
Phone: 703-892-1528
Fax: 703-892-1542
www.arlingtonsbdc.org