Venture Capital

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. http://www.nbia.org/best_practices.html

The National Business Incubation Association (NBIA)
According to NBIA, on average, 4 out of 5 start-ups fail within their first 5 years. However, four out of five start-ups involved in an incubator program succeed within five years.

NBIA is the world's leading organization advancing business incubation and entrepreneurship. It provides thousands of professionals with the information, education, advocacy and networking resources to bring excellence to the process of assisting early-stage companies worldwide. The association is composed primarily of incubator developers and managers, but technology commercialization specialists, educators and business assistance professionals are also well represented. Its mission is to provide training and a clearinghouse for information on incubator management and development issues and on tools for assisting start-up and fledgling firms. For more information visit http://www.nbia.org/