Who Was She?

The VBIA Board of Directors established the Donna Noble Incubator Client Award in 2001 in honor of one of its founding Board members, Donna Noble, who passed away on May 29, 2001, at the age of 36. Donna was a very energetic and enthusiastic person and was truly dedicated to the incubation industry and to promoting entrepreneurship.

Donna was the marketing manager for Incubator AMERICA! in Arlington,Virginia. Much of her work involved making international contacts for the Arlington incubator established to help companies from other countries expand into the United States.

Why an Award?

 This award is intended to be presented annually at the VBIA Conference. Nominations for this award will be accepted from member incubator managers to recognize exemplary tenants who have been in the incubator for a minimum of one year. There will be an award plaque for the winner, and a $500 donation made to the American Cancer Society in honor of Donna.

Virginia has more than 27 incubation programs, many of which have successful incubator clients and graduates. This award is an opportunity for VBIA Member incubator managers to showcase these outstanding clients. One winner will be recognized annually at the VBIA Conference.

Donna Noble Award is Sponsored by:

Award Criteria:

• Must be formal clients and physically located within an existing Virginia incubator for a minimum of one year.
• Must be nominated by the incubator manager who is a member of VBIA.
• Must have exhibited exemplary accomplishments.

Previous Winners