Incubation

What is an Incubator?
An incubator is a business support process designed to assist start-up and emerging businesses. While emphasis is on providing flexible space for tenants, business support via coaching, access to financing and a host of other services are available. The SIU Incubator provides traditional incubation support services and now includes affiliate and shared equipment lab support.

What is Incubation?

According to the National Business Incubation Association, business incubation is a dynamic process of business enterprise development. An incubator is an organization that is set up to help foster business enterprise development. Incubators help young firms get started and survive at times when they are most vulnerable.

The primary goal of a business incubator is to produce successful businesses that graduate into the region. They offer shared services, access to equipment, flexible leases, and expandable space. Many incubators are located near other services that are valuable to an incubating business. For example, the SIU Incubator Program has the Office of Economic and Regional Development, the Illinois Small Business Development, and the Illinois Manufacturing Extension Center housed in the Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center.

Why should I join the SIU Incubator Program?

The SIU Incubator Program is here to provide the guidance and consulting necessary to make sure your start-up or expanding business has the right tools necessary to succeed. As a member of the National Business Incubation Association, the SIU Incubator Program has the experience necessary to take your business under our wing. With more than 50 successful graduates emerging from this program, we are one of the most successful business incubation programs in southern Illinois.

Flexible Options

Whether you have need for a private space through our Incubator Resident program, or want to utilize shared, co-working space as an Incubator Member...WE HAVE AN OPTION FOR YOU!

Check out our membership options, amenities, and services below. Then reach out to us at incubator@siu.edu so we can determine the best option for you!

If you're an SIU student, we have the perfect program for you! Check out how to bring your idea to life as one of our Saluki Ventures!

INCUBATOR RESIDENT

A place for your business to call home!

Private space (office, wet lab, light manufacturing, warehouse)
Below market rates starting at $175 per month - includes utilities and WiFi (That's CRAZY affordable!)
24/7 access
Start-up friendly amenities
Private mailbox
Re-Charge Station
Entrepreneurial community
Access to free business coaching