What is a Business Incubator?

A business incubator is an economic development tool designed to accelerate the growth and success of entrepreneurial companies through an array of business support resources and services. A business incubator's main goal is to produce successful firms that will leave the program financially viable and freestanding.

These incubator "graduates" create jobs, revitalize neighborhoods, commercialize critical new technologies and strengthen local and national economies.

Critical to the definition of an incubator is on-site management, which develops and orchestrates business, marketing and management resources tailored to a company's needs. Incubators usually also provide clients access to appropriate rental space and flexible leases, shared basic office services and equipment, technology support services, and assistance in obtaining the financing necessary for company growth.