No two business incubators are alike. Incubators vary according to their mission, services, costs and managerial expertise. Their orientation depends on the particular needs of the region where they operate and their mission statement. Incubators are driven by local economic needs. Thus, if technology transfer is of prime importance, the business incubator facilitates this mission.
Incubators can be technology based, service based, retail based or manufacturing based.
Kitchen incubators are for start-up catering ventures that prepare specialty foods such as salsa, cookies, breads, burritos and soups. The benefits of locating in an incubator include affordable rental space on flexible terms, no building-maintenance responsibilities, sharing of equipment and services, access to various types of financial and technical assistance, and networking opportunities. On the average, incubators offer rents 15 percent to 50 percent below market. Locating in an incubator gives a start-up venture legitimacy, a business address, a functional location and access to an entrepreneurial resource network. Basic secretarial and bookkeeping services are part of the rental package, and an array of office equipment is available, including computer technology.