BIC Euronova, Spain
BIC Euronova is the European Business and Innovation Centre (BIC) in Malaga, Spain. It was created in 1991 with public and private capital at the initiative of the European Commission to support the creation of innovative SMEs and to stimulate the implementation of innovative activities in existing SMEs and in public administration. BIC Euronova is involved in the National Asociation of BICs (ANCES) and in the European Business Innovation Centre Network (EBN).
MAIN OBJECTIVES AND MISSION
The main objectives of BIC Euronova are the following:- to facilitate the creation of innovative SMEs and the modernisation of existing ones.
- to promote entrepreneurial attitudes and business attitudes and business spirit.
- to confer a community dimension to the creation of companies, the training of human resources and job creation.
- to encourage the internalisation of companies, s
- as promote the export of goods and services.
- to contribute to the economic development of Malaga and the implementation of new activities, sectors and technology in the region.
QUALITY POLICY
In order to achieve and implement its Mission, Vision and Values, BIC Euronova is committed to the fulfilment and improvement of a quality system based on the ISO 9001:2000 standard, and to advance towards superior quality models, such as EFQM.
SECTION FOR BUSINESS CREATION
BIC Euronova has developed into an entity specialising in the creation of businesses. The objective of this section is to contribute to the creation of new businesses with a high degree of innovation and viability by attracting business ideas and projects, and motivating, training, advising and tutoring the promoters of innovative business ideas and projects.
ACTIONS
BIC Euronova undertakes various activities geared to promoting, guiding and motivating potential entrepreneurs, as described below.
Selection of innovative business ideas
Business ideas are assessed by different means, and those with the highest degree of innovation, maturity and business viability are selected.
Advisory services
By means of individual tutorials aimed at business people and entrepreneurs. These include advice on such matters as management, marketing, consulting and technology, discussions, forums, data bases, guidelines for procedures for the creation of businesses, tools, etc. A Business Plan is essential and BIC Euronova has a powerful computer program available for telematic consultations and tutorials which can be used to prepare one.
Training
The ultimate goal is to train entrepreneurs and business people. The mission of BIC Euronova's training programme is to provide entrepreneurs with the necessary tools and knowledge to create and manage a business and ensure its success, enabling them to transmit an image of innovation and quality in all their activities.
INCUBATOR SECTION
Incubators are physical areas that are leased to entrepreneurs with all the necessary facilities and equipment for the implementation of business activities. The BIC Euronova Incubator is located at the Parque Tecnológico de Andalucía and consists of a three-storey 6,432 m2 building, of which 4,167 m2 are leased as office and industrial premises. The Incubator offers the following services:
- Lease of modular business premises and space for industrial use and/or business services. These range from 20 m2 offices to premises measuring 160 m2 that can be redistributed internally to adapt to the needs of individual businesses.
- Lease of logistic services: auditorium, conference hall, meeting rooms, computer room, telephone services, cleaning services, rental of audio-visual equipment, furniture, etc.
- Administrative and computing services: telephone calls, mail, bulletin board, library, documentation centre, Internet, cafeteria, restaurant, copy machine, fax, etc.
- Permanent tutorial service: All companies in the Incubator are assigned a permanent personal tutor for the entire time they remain there to answer consultations and offer advice when required.
- Permanent information service: BIC Euronova provides information that is constantly updated regarding business and legislative news of interest, information regarding subsidies and grants, trade fairs and exhibitions, business co-operation and internationalisation, innovation and technology, training programmes, collaboration agreements, and in general, any information which can provide rapid and efficient assistance and responds to the needs of businesses in the Incubator.
BUSINESS CONSULTANCY SECTION
This section is for anyone creating a business on the basis of an innovative idea and for existing SMEs who wish to incorporate new business projects or use their resources in a more efficient manner.
Permanent integrated management advice
- This offers the possibility of a professional response to management needs. BIC Euronova provides over 800 experts from all over Europe specialised in different disciplines to give assistance and support.
Business Strategy
- By collaborating in the assessment of companies and businesses; in analysis and planning processes aimed at optimising and better exploiting resources, at taking advantage of business opportunities and alternative strategies depending on the conditions of the market and the competitive position of the company.
- Assistance in preparing the business plan by establishing and quantifying objectives and controlling, measuring and directing its growth.
Commercial advice
- Assessment of the global effectiveness and efficiency of marketing and implementation of market research to detect demand trends and assess the competitive position of the company.
Financial advice
- Collaboration in the preparation of financial projections and feasibility studies.
- Preparation of studies regarding costs, economic and financial ratios, analysis of break-even point, sales price, etc.
- Analysis and identification of financial sources and management assistance to develop financial strategies, assess the risk and cost of different alternatives, and to determine the company's optimum debt ratio.
- Assistance in preparing and monitoring budgets and cash flow.
- Analysis of procedures and suggestions for management regarding proper handling of financial resources, ways to increase cash flow, how to comply with payment obligations, improve relations with banks and optimise financial results.
Business administration advice
- Advice in defining a tax policy and up to date information on tax legislation and regulations.
- Assistance in business accounting processes; establishing monthly systems that will provide information in a rapid and efficient manner, analysis and interpretation of results, supervision at the end of the fiscal year to obtain representative and reliable financial statements, analysis of internal control systems, design and implementation of improvements.
Management of Subsidies
- Advice regarding all types of subsidy available from European funds granted to the IFA through the Global Grant and other organisations.
- Regional Incentives Act, competitiveness plan for SMEs, R&D, subsidies for Quality and the Environment, etc.
- The Law regarding setting up the Parque Tecnológic
- de Andalucía (P.T.A.). In all cases, a system for thorough and permanent follow up is established, including the submission of files to the appropriate organisations.
SECTION FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
The main activities of the Innovation Relay Centre (IRC) CESEAND include the following:
- Dissemination of actions in the field of technological innovation.
- Review of scientific and technological needs of industrial sectors in Andalusia.
- Promotion and assistance for technological innovation activities.
- Training of social and economic agents in the fields of Scientific Research, Technological Development and dissemination of Technology.
- Assistance and services related to specific programmes.
- Participation in exchange programmes for heads of innovation relay centres promoted by the European Commission.
- Implementation of administrative, management and organisational activities required for the operation of the Innovation Relay Centre (I.R.L.).
Contact
Alvaro Simon
BIC EURONOVA S.A.
Parque Tecnologico de Andalucia-Avenida Juan Lopez Penalver
29590
Malaga
Spain
Tel: +34 951010504
Fax: +34 951010527
e-mail: asimon@bic.es
Website: www.bic.es