USC: STUDENT GOVERNMENT AND STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Student Business Incubator Center
Where your great ideas become a reality!

Currently accepting applications for the Student Business Incubator Advisory Committee. Business applications for Fall 2008 will be available on Sept. 2nd.

About the SBIC
The Student Business Incubator Center is a program designed to foster student businesses through the counsel, advice, and financial support given by the USC Technology Incubator.

Businesses
Students interested in starting their own business must be full-time graduate or undergraduate students. They go through a rigorous application and selection process, where they are expected to interview and present a detailed business plan. Once chosen, three lucky businesses will receive the chance of a lifetime:

Capital up to $1000
Local telephone and computer connection
Computer workstations with printers
Financial Management/Accounting software
Access to business machines
Rent-free office space

Business Timeline
- Business Applications Available -- September 2nd
- Application Deadline -- September 18th
- Interviews -- September 19-20th
- Announce finalists -- Sept. 22nd
- Business Plan Deadline -- TBD
- Top 3 admitted to Incubator -- TBD

Student Advisory Committee
The Business Incubator Student Advisory Committee is comprised of a diverse group of University students who are interested in making decisions regarding aspiring businesses. The students serving on the committee meet to review applications and Executive Summaries of potential student business owners. All members are given the opportunity to interview potential candidates. Students interested in becoming a part of the Student Advisory Committee go through an application process.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do the businesses have any legal obligations to USC?
Yes, USC Research Foundation will own 10% of their company. In other words, they will be a stockholder.

Do the businesses have to be in the SBIC for the whole 2 years, or can they graduate early?
They do not have to stay in the entire two years.

Is the $1000 more of a loan or a gift? Do businesses have to repay it?
The $1000 comes from the USC Research Foundation and is a contribution to their company, which means they do not have to repay it.

Can businesses apply for the SBIC if they have already half-started a business?
Absolutely, those who have an active business still may apply for the SBIC.

Applications
Students interested in starting a business or becoming a part of the Student Advisory Committee are to submit an application. Both applications are available in the Student Government Office located in 227 Russell House. In addition, they can also be found here:

- Student Advisory Committee Application
- Business Application (Available Sept. 2nd)
- SBIC Brochure

Please contact Erin Palmer, Graduate Assistant for Student Government, at 777-3852 or palmeres@mailbox.sc.edu if you have any questions.