Ceramics Corridor Innovation Centers Recognized as a Top-Performing Incubator

ALFRED, N.Y.—The Ceramics Corridor Innovation Centers (CCIC) have been ranked a top-performing technology incubation program in a report produced by the National Business Incubation Association (NBIA) following a 12-month analysis of U.S. technology business incubators.

In the recently concluded study, an industry research team organized by NBIA examined the make-up and performance of technology incubators across the country to determine the characteristics key to high-performing programs. Seventy-nine programs participated in the study, which was funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Office of Technology Policy.

CCIC was ranked in the top ten programs in the study in terms of average revenue growth experienced by client companies.

“The ultimate goal of an incubation program is to facilitate the business success of its client companies,” said Dinah Adkins, NBIA president and CEO. “The Ceramics Corridor Innovation Centers have created a program that provides entrepreneurs with the resources they need to create high-growth enterprises, which has benefited both the entrepreneurs and business community as a whole.”

Business incubation programs catalyze the process of starting and growing companies by providing entrepreneurs with the expertise, networks and tools they need to make their ventures successful. These programs help emerging businesses survive the risky start-up phase by providing them with an array of business support services, such as flexible leases and on-site business counseling, with a goal of graduating successful firms that create jobs and build wealth in their communities.

“Since opening in 1992, CCIC has helped over 19 businesses, “ states Executive Director, Jon Wilder. “Eleven of those businesses have graduated and moved to their own facilities.”
At the end of 2001, incubating businesses reported wages paid to employees of $3.6 million. Graduates, through the three-year post-graduation period, paid out $38 million in wages. In the sales category, incubating businesses reported domestic sales in excess of $2.6 million and international sales of $133,000. Graduated businesses reported sales totals of $400 million and $500,000 respectively.

“We’ve proven that the business incubation method works,” states Wilder. “Our incubation program members have maintained a 94% success rate as compared the national average of 87%.”
“We are very optimistic for the future of the ceramics and advanced materials industry in New York State and look forward to continuing our role in the growth of the region’s economy. Over the next year, we will be focusing on new ways to strengthen our already-solid academic ties to Alfred University that provide opportunities and advantages to our program members,” Wilder concludes.
For more information regarding the National Business Incubation Association, please visit www.NBIA.org.