What is CBET?
In 2008, BHSU and its College of Business & Technology combined two centers into one, forming the Center for Business, Entrepreneurship & Tourism.

Research: The Center continues the legacy of service to the South Dakota community by providing reliable business and tourism research. (Please see Services for a list and description of past research projects.)

Business Assistance for Entrepreneurs: CBET carries forward the vision of ultimately creating a business incubator to be affiliated with Black Hills State University and working in partnership with the economic development communities of the Black Hills.

“To apply the principles of business incubation as a catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurial development in order to foster economic growth and opportunities for the Black Hills region.” —Our Mission

 "A business incubator or network that meets the needs of our rural Black Hills communities, aligned with Black Hills State University, providing business start ups from the Black Hills region with affordable space, connection to faculty and student intern resources, coaching and mentoring to accelerate their success, creating jobs and revenue for the region."  —Our Vision

 What is a Business Incubator? A business incubator is an environment that grows and nurtures small business through their early years of existence by providing an array of business assistance services, shared resources, and networking opportunities. Incubator facilities are run by managers and staff who provide business advice and referral services to tenants in addition to managing the operations of the building.

But there is no incubator building yet! The heart of a true business incubation program is the services it provides to start-up companies. In the Spring of 2012, CBET launched its Virtual Incubation Program (BH VIP) to serve small businesses and entrepreneurs in the Black Hills region. In January of 2013, the Spearfish Chamber of Commerce invited CBET to operate the BH VIP from the Chamber offices.  We can now provide some shared administrative, clerical services as well as the use of office equipment and a conference room. Regular networking events will be hosted at the Chamber for BH VIP members.  Virtual Incubation Program clients may be home-based businesses or early-stage companies that have their own facility and can benefit from incubator services. Virtual clients will receive business coaching from the Director and mentors, hands on help from college student interns, and opportunities to consult with specialists from the BHSU College of Business and Natural Sciences faculty. Virtual clients will need to have computer access to engage remotely via webinars and email.

Send your letter of interest to: Jeffrey.Wehrung@bhsu.edu
Center of Business, Entrepreneurship & Tourism
Black Hills State University
1200 University Street, Unit 9007
Spearfish, South Dakota 57799-9007

“South Dakota has been noted as being very high in business start-ups per capita, but also very low in survival of those business start-ups. This high failure rate indicates a lack of educational training, mentoring, capital resources and acceleration programs.” South Dakota Incubator Alliance-Strategic Plan

 “NBIA members have reported that 84 percent of incubator graduates stay in their communities. Historically, NBIA member incubators have reported that 87 percent of all firms that have graduated from their incubators are still in business.” Source-Business Incubation Works