Incubators - the Affordable Administration Option for Your Small Business

A Home Business Article Contributed by Sharon Hill

Small Business Administration on a Shoestring Budget

While many a small business that doesn't require a retail storefront environment begins its administration in the owner's home, this is sometimes not the best option. Perhaps your home is too small to accommodate business administration, or does not have an out-of-the-way room or portion of a room that is quiet, able to be secured, and distraction-free.

Perhaps there are small children running in and out during the day - or neighbors that don't get the hint that because you're home you're really not free to chat the day away - you really have business administration to accomplish. Or perhaps, you, the entrepreneur, can't resist the urge to raid the refrigerator every fifteen minutes, or turn on the TV and kick back periodically.

So, what do you do if you need an office but can't really afford the local going rate?

One answer would be to find an incubator.

What's an Incubator, and What Does It Do to Help with My Small Business Administration?

An incubator for your small business administration is much like the incubator we are all familiar with - the one that helps wee little babies get ready to face the world, comforts them, sees to their needs, keeps them well while they grow. Designed to provide low-cost hands-on support and business and technical services to a firm in its first three years, an incubator can be instrumental in a small business' success.

Unlike a standard office rental arrangement, a business incubator will provide a start-up firm with a flexible month-to-month rental option, at a price lower than the local going rate. Office equipment and services typically include phone, fax, copier, and administrative help. These services may be included in the rental price or could be offered as a pay-as-you-go option, giving the small business owner the option of purchasing as needed.

Some Small Business Administration Incubator Examples

In Pittsfield MA, the historic downtown Wollison-Shipton Building has been converted into an incubator project with spaces available between 200 and 2000 square feet. The first three months of rent is free, and after that the charge is $150 and up, depending on size. The low rent also includes parking, high speed Internet, web hosting and domain registration, use of a common conference room, occasional use of services such as fax and copy machine, and even a shower.

In most cases the heat, air conditioning and electricity are also included in the rent. Built in 1888, the lovely brick building also houses a restaurant.

In Youngstown Ohio the Youngstown Edison Incubator Corporation carefully analyzes the needs of each start-up company that applies for rental space in its incubator program. If a firm has generated no income as yet, it can lease office space at no charge for a limited time. Once income is generated the rent is still far below the local market value.

Services include small business administration and planning assistance, research grants, advanced equipment and technology such as digital camera with tripod, whiteboards, printer, overhead projector, postage machine and scale, and portable multimedia station with 36 inch monitor.

Incubators are available all over the United States. One of the best sources of information on incubator services, applications and whereabouts is the National Business Incubation Association at www.nbia.org.