What is a business incubator?

Business incubators provide a physical location in which a new business can start, in an environment supported by business advice and shared services.

While there are many differences, a typical business incubator would have the space to accommodate between 15–50 small businesses, all working towards the goal of ‘graduating' from the facility within 2-3 years. During this time, the owner has access to business advice and support services for the purpose of getting the business off and running in a cost effective and supportive environment.

Business incubators help to reduce the failure rate of start up businesses which makes them economically viable as they help to create jobs and stimulate the economy.

Would a business incubator suit me and my business?

Are you starting a new business? Have you outgrown your home office? Do you want access to regular support, mentoring and networking? Do you want to avoid entering into a long- term commercial lease? If you answer yes to any of these questions then maybe a business incubator would work for you.

What are the benefits of being part of a business incubator?

• On-site, business support, mentoring and training – many incubators are managed or located by the local Small Business Centre.
• Instant peer support and networking opportunities created with other small business owners and managers.
• Minimal start-up costs – many incubators offer competitive ‘rental' rates, which assist with minimising costs so that you can focus more on developing your business rather than worrying about paying the next big bill.
• Depending on the centre, there is usually only a minimal bond requirement or none at all.
• No long term lease required. Most incubators run on monthly terms, so that's easy in and out.
• Access – most incubators allow 7 day x 24 hour access to tenants.
• Shared administration facilities and meeting / training rooms.

While all of the business incubators offer office space, some offer more specific facilities such as commercial kitchens and manufacturing units.

Where can I find a business incubator?

There are currently 14 business incubators located throughout Western Australia each offering a range of facilities and services.

Coolaman Enterprise Centre , Ellenbrook 

Coastal Business Centre , Fremantle

Gosnells Centre for Business Development (GCBD) , Gosnells 

Joondalup Business Centre, Joondalup 

Kwinana Technology Business Centre (KTBC), Kwinana 

Eastern Region Business Enterprise and Arts Centre Inc. (ERBEAC), Midland 

Perth Enterprise Centre, Perth 

Stirling Regional Business Centre (SRBC), Balcatta 

Welshpool Business Enterprise Centre, Welshpool 

Albany Business Centre, Albany 

Kalgoorlie-Boulder Business Development Centre, Kalgoorlie . Tel: (08) 9091 5648

Rockingham Business Development Centre (RBDC), Rockingham