What is a business incubator?

Business incubators are organizations that support early-stage entrepreneurs so that the businesses have the best chance to survive and flourish. Their principal function is to centralize a wide variety of support systems for the entrepreneur.

Incubator's usually lease commercial space to businesses that offer flexible lease terms, access to office equipment and additional common space that often includes conference room and kitchen areas.

Incubators, as part of their support system, typically provide technical assistance, which may vary from Incubator to Incubator.

In 1980, there were only 12 Incubators in the United States and today there are over 2,000. To find out more about incubation visit the National Business Incubator's website at www.nbia.org.