What does it mean?
A business incubator is a place or programme that takes in new ventures at the very start and gives them what they struggle to get alone: low-cost office space, internet, training, mentors, sometimes legal and accounting help, and introductions to investors.
How does it work?
Incubators usually select ventures through an application, then support them for anywhere from a few months to two years. Many are run by universities, government bodies or support organisations. Some charge a fee or take a small stake, and some are free. Progress is usually tracked against clear milestones, such as launching the product or landing the first customers.
How is it different from an accelerator?
An incubator works with very early ventures at a slower, longer pace. An accelerator takes companies that already have a product and customers, runs an intensive programme of a few months that often ends with a demo day, and frequently invests in exchange for equity.
In the Syrian context
AoSEn refers founders who need workspace and incubation to DIGIT Center in Damascus, the organiser and sponsor of the EntreStations programme, according to the site's referral mechanism page.
Building strategic partnerships with universities, incubators and development institutions is one of AoSEn's stated objectives, and it designs joint programmes with them.
Example
Two students at Damascus University building an app that teaches children to code join a university incubator. They get a free desk for six months, a weekly session with a mentor and training on pricing and pitching before they launch their first version.
Common questions
What is the difference between an incubator and an accelerator?
An incubator serves very early ventures over a longer, slower period. An accelerator serves companies with a product and customers in a short, intensive programme, and often invests in them.
Does an incubator take equity in my company?
It depends. Some are free, some charge a fee and some ask for a small stake. Read the terms carefully before you sign.
Do I need an incubator to start a business?
No. An incubator can make the start easier and help you avoid some mistakes, but many ventures start and succeed without one.