What is Business Incubation?

Business incubation is a business support process that accelerates the successful development of start-up and fledgling companies by providing entrepreneurs with an array of targeted resources and services. These services are usually developed or orchestrated by incubator management and offered both in the business incubator and through its network of contacts. A business incubator’s main goal is to produce successful firms that will leave the program financially viable and freestanding. These incubator graduates have the potential to create jobs, revitalize neighborhoods, commercialize new technologies, and strengthen local and national economies.

Critical to the definition of an incubator is the provision of management guidance, technical assistance and consulting tailored to young growing companies. Incubators usually also provide clients access to appropriate rental space and flexible leases, shared basic business services and equipment, technology support services and assistance in obtaining the financing necessary for company growth.

How do Business Incubators contribute
to local and regional economies?

Incubator graduates create jobs, revitalize neighborhoods and commercialize new technologies, thus strengthening local, regional and even national economies.

• NBIA estimates that North American incubator client and graduate companies have created about half a million jobs since 1980. That is enough jobs to employ every person living in Denver, Colorado.
• Every 50 jobs created by an incubator client generate approximately 25 more jobs in the same community.
• In 2001 alone, North American incubators assisted more than 35,000 start-up companies that provided full-time employment for nearly 82,000 workers and generated annual revenue of more than $7 billion.
• Business incubators reduce the risk of small business failures. Historically, NBIA member incubators have reported that 87 percent of all firms that have graduated from their incubators are still in business.

Source: National Business Incubation Association

In 2005, our Business Incubator Center in Grand Junction
supported 44 Client Companies that:

• Created 158 jobs
• And generated $17 million in revenue!
  

Are you an entrepreneur? Apply Today!

Sometimes the difference between business success and failure is simply a matter of making sound decisions. So, if you are considering a business startup, are already underway, or you operate an established business in Mesa County, you can get assistance and expertise to solve those tough business problems through the Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Browse through the services we offer for in-depth information:

Workshops and Classes | Small Business Resources | Small Business Counselors