A Place for Ideas and Businesses to Grow
The University of Toledo Business Incubator helps entrepreneurs build stronger companies and pursue new opportunities. We also work with faculty and student researchers exploring how their discoveries could reach the market.
Clients receive guidance shaped around their goals, with connections to relevant expertise and workspace when needed. University affiliation is not required, and support is available to both resident tenants and off-site clients throughout Northwest Ohio.
Start or Scale Your Business
The Business Incubator works with entrepreneurs building new companies and established businesses pursuing new opportunities. Companies relocating to Northwest Ohio may also apply.
Advisors work one-on-one with clients to understand their immediate priorities and develop a practical plan. Depending on the business, support may include:
- Validating customer demand
- Refining the business model
- Researching the market and competition
- Planning commercialization or expansion
- Preparing financial projections
- Strengthening pitch materials
- Exploring potential funding pathways
- Connecting with specialized expertise
Find Space that Fits Your Startup
Your workspace should support how your company currently operates while leaving room for what comes next. The Business Incubator offers coworking memberships, private offices, laboratories and light-manufacturing space across two facilities.
Tenants gain more than square footage. They become part of an entrepreneurial environment with access to business advisors and opportunities to connect with other founders. Our team can help you compare available spaces and find the right fit for your operations.
Compete for Government Contracts
Government agencies purchase products and services from businesses of many sizes and industries. Understanding how to enter the market can help companies avoid common registration mistakes and focus on realistic opportunities.
The Ohio APEX Accelerator at The University of Toledo provides no-cost, confidential assistance to eligible Northwest Ohio businesses interested in government contracting.
Advisors can help clients:
- Assess their readiness for government contracting
- Complete required registrations
- Explore small-business certifications
- Research potential opportunities
- Understand solicitation requirements
- Prepare more competitive proposals
- Navigate questions that arise during the contracting process
Government contracts are competitive, and assistance does not guarantee an award.
Strengthen Your Pitch and Gain Visibility
Tech419 is a founder-development program and pitch competition for technology startups in Northwest Ohio.
Five finalists are selected to participate in a structured preparation process before presenting at the public showcase. Participants receive:
- Feedback on their pitch deck
- Opportunities to revise their presentation
- Guided pitch-practice sessions
- Input from reviewers with different areas of expertise
- Greater visibility within the regional entrepreneurial community
- An opportunity to compete for funding and other awards
The preparation process helps founders communicate the value of their companies more effectively during the competition and in future conversations with funders or potential partners.
Stay Informed and Connected
Entrepreneurs need reliable information as their businesses develop. They also benefit from opportunities to learn from experienced professionals and connect with others working to strengthen Northwest Ohio’s business community.
Explore our business resources for practical guidance, program information and links to regional support. Visit our events page to find upcoming workshops, networking opportunities and other ways to engage with the Business Incubator.
Looking to Commercialize Your Research?
As part of the Office of Research and Innovation, our team works closely with Technology Transfer and other research-focused departments within The University the to help faculty and students move promising technologies toward the marketplace.
Technology Transfer helps protect intellectual property and explore pathways for licensing or startup formation. The Business Incubator focuses on the business behind the technology by helping research teams understand customer needs and develop a workable business model.
Faculty and student founders also learn the fundamentals of operating a company. As the venture develops, our advisors help them prepare for funding and make informed decisions about what comes next.
Our region offers a broad network of business-support and economic-development resources, but identifying the right place to begin can be difficult. Tell us about your business and the challenge you are facing. Our team will help you explore relevant incubator services or connect you with an organization equipped to address your needs.