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   United States

The Institute of Certified Business Consultants (ICBC)
The primary ICBC mission is to train and certify professionals who either work as consultants, or wish to work as consultants, primarily in the entrepreneurship/small business arena. Consultants who complete this individualized training program earn two certifications (national and international) and the designation of Certified Business Consultant (CBC). The international certification derives from ICBCs’ relationship with the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperative (APEC) International Network for Small Business Counsellors. All participating APEC IBIZ countries (economies) recognize this certification. They include: Australia, Canada, Hong Kong China, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Russia, Malaysia, and the U. S. The national certification can be obtained through the University of Central Florida, College of Business Administration, an accredited university.

A secondary mission is to provide training in ten functional areas composed of individual modules, to entrepreneurs, small business owners/managers, and entrepreneurship students. Aside from these ten areas, the United States feels the need to add an eleventh and final module that stresses the basics of consulting. This module is only required for the national certification. The training is designed to provide the entrepreneur or small business owner/manager or student with the skills needed to successfully achieve their business objectives. Entrepreneurs and small business owners/managers may select the specific area in which they need the most help. Learning is available via workshop, Internet, one-one-one mentoring, or a self-directed learning program.

The third mission of ICBC is to provide actual consulting to entrepreneurs and small business manager/owners. Such consulting will be provided by either consultants who have completed training in the specific area (module) or a consultant who has achieved certification under the ICBC program, as requested by the entrepreneur/owner/manager.

Contact Us
Institute of Certified Business Consultants (ICBC)
College of Business Administration
University of Central Florida
P.O. Box 161400
Orlando, FL 32816-1400
Director: Lloyd.Fernald@bus.ucf.edu or 407-823-5725
Associate Director: Kathie.Holland@bus.ucf.edu or 407-823-5673

15 Reasons to Get Certified
  1. This is the only training and certification program for small business consultants available to the general public in the United States.
  2. Consultants who achieve certification through this program will find that their certification is recognized and accredited by APEC nations participating in the APEC Training and Certification Program for Small Business Counsellors. There is an increasing demand for certification by professionals seeking to differentiate themselves and add credibility to their organization.
  3. Targeted expertise in entrepreneurial ventures improves your ability to network and market your services to small and medium sized businesses.
  4. We provide Nationally and Internationally recognized certification.
  5. Time and cost savings for consulting firms: you do not have to train your consultants to recognize and resolve issues affecting small and medium sized businesses. We train them for you.
  6. Opportunity for continuing professional development.
  7. Reduced cost of trial and error by consultants.
  8. Improved professional image and reputation of competency.
  9. Improved new business generation and growth and related impact on economy.
  10. Improved record in selection of loan clients and improved loan repayment.
  11. Improved income and profitability.
  12. Increased credibility.
  13. Referral of potential clients/customers/employers and employees.
  14. Maximized efficiency of tax dollars spent to support public sector economic and business development programs.
  15. Certification is personal, and therefore portable. It goes with you regardless of your employer.

Who Benefits From Certification?

In The Private Sector:

  • Existing consultants
  • Individuals who want to become private sector consultants
  • Accountants
  • Bankers (loan officers)
  • Attorneys
  • Financial planners
  • Venture capitalists
  • Prime contractors' procurement administrators.
  • Students
  • Franchisors
  • Entrepreneurs

In The Public Sector:
  • Small Business Development Center Counselors
  • SCORE Counselors
  • Small Business Administration Project Managers
  • SBIDA members
  • University and college professors
  • Economic Development specialists
  • Counties, Cities and Municipalities using consultant assistance

How to Get Certified

Contact the Institute for Certified Business Consultants. You will be provided an Entry Application Package to complete and return. Your education and experience will be evaluated and a detailed and personally customized Learning Plan will be recommended to you.

As you complete your training you will simultaneously develop a Certification Portfolio of Evidence attesting to your competencies. At the completion of your training, you will submit your Certification Portfolio of Evidence for review by an Assessor. When the Assessor is satisfied that you have achieved the learning objectives, your certification will be recommended to the Director of the American Institute for Certified Entrepreneur Consultants.

   

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