The Innovation Centre Business Incubator attracts, selects and develops high potential new businesses with an emphasis on technology and knowledge-based ventures.

The Business Incubator has a straightforward selection process to help identify companies that would most benefit from the Innovation Centre experience. The entry criteria and selection process are summarised below.

Entry criteria

The Innovation Centre Business Incubator has six entry criteria:

1. A capable and motivated lead entrepreneur or entrepreneurial team
2. A viable business concept for a new business involving technology based products or services
3. Close to market with the ability to compete in a clearly identified market
4. Evidence of adequate finance to sustain the business during the start-up phase
5. Commercially attractive
6. Attractive to the region and the incubator partners

Full details of Application Form

Selection process 

The selection process - assuming successful progression at each stage - is straightforward:

1. Initial contact: get in touch with the Business Incubator Manager by email or call 07 5450 2600 for an initial discussion and to provide a summary of your business venture
2. Exploratory meeting/s: with the Business Incubator Manager to find out more about the venture, its suitability for the Innovation Centre and to answer any questions regarding the Innovation Centre’s operations and fees
3. Application and Selection Panel: suitable prospects will be invited to submit an application form and then make a presentation to the final selection panel

The selection process helps to identify the client companies’ development needs and to establish milestones for key actions.

The costs

Client companies pay an ongoing monthly fee for occupying office space and for the use of shared facilities such as the boardroom, meeting-room, kitchen and reception. Service costs such as telephone, fax, network access and photocopying are charged on per use basis.