A business incubator in business speak is a company that helps new and startup companies to develop by providing services such as management training or office space. Business incubators differ from research and technology parks in their dedication to startup and early-stage companies. Research and technology parks, on the other hand, tend to be large-scale projects that house everything from corporate, government or university labs to very small companies. Most research and technology parks do not offer business assistance services, which are the hallmark of a business incubation program. However, many research and technology parks house incubation programs .

Since startup companies lack many resources, experience and networks, incubators provider services which helps them get through initial hurdles in starting up a business. These hurdles include space, funding, legal, accounting, computer services and other prerequisites to running the business. Among the most common incubator services are:

Help with business basics

Networking activities

Marketing assistance

Market Research

High-speed Internet access

Help with accounting/financial management

Access to bank loans, loan funds and guarantee programs

Help with presentation skills

Links to higher education resources

Links to strategic partners

Access to angel investors or venture capital

Comprehensive business training programs

Advisory boards and mentors

Management team identification

Help with business etiquette

Technology commercialization assistance

Help with regulatory compliance

Intellectual property management