About 4,500 graduate firms have moved on to commercial space within their own communities. New incubator programs continue to open at the rate of one per week. It aims to diversify the rural economy of Maryland's Eastern Shore in order to increase the area's income, jobs and tax base. The Center located the incubator in downtown Princess Anne to develop the area's merchandising industry. First, on the business side, the goal is to provide merchandising to meet local demand.
Residents currently have to go elsewhere to buy goods.
A second goal is to give students real-world merchandising experience. Finally, the incubator itself will fill vacant downtown space, help rejuvenate the area and increase marketing traffic. By fulfilling these goals, the incubator is able to play a positive role in the area's economy.