Business Incubator

A promising idea does not automatically translate into a viable company. Founders need evidence that they understand the problem, the customer and the market surrounding their solution.

Business Incubator advisors can help founders:

• Clarify the problem their technology addresses
• Identify potential customers and users
• Plan and evaluate customer-discovery interviews
• Develop or refine a value proposition
• Research market size and industry trends
• Analyze competitors and alternative solutions
• Test assumptions within the business model
• Explore pricing and revenue strategies

This work helps founders identify weak assumptions early and focus their time on opportunities supported by market evidence.

Moving a technology toward the market requires a practical plan built around the company’s stage and available resources.

Support may include:

• Establishing commercialization milestones
• Developing a go-to-market strategy
• Planning early sales and customer-acquisition activities
• Identifying potential pilot opportunities
• Preparing for strategic partnerships
• Strengthening brand positioning and company messaging
• Assessing team or operational gaps
• Connecting with manufacturing, regulatory or technical resources when appropriate

Advisors work with founders to identify the decisions that matter most now while keeping longer-term commercialization goals in view.

Different companies require different funding strategies. The Business Incubator helps founders understand available options and prepare for conversations with potential funders.

Assistance may include:

• Assessing the company’s funding needs
• Identifying funding pathways that fit the company’s stage
• Developing financial projections
• Reviewing pitch decks and executive summaries
• Strengthening the company’s investment narrative
• Preparing for investor meetings or pitch competitions
• Exploring nondilutive funding opportunities
• Providing feedback on proposals when appropriate

The Business Incubator does not guarantee funding. Introductions to funders or investment organizations may be made when the opportunity aligns with the company’s needs and level of readiness.

State and federal funding programs can help technology companies conduct research, validate innovations and move toward commercialization without giving up equity.

The Business Incubator helps clients explore opportunities such as the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs and the Ohio Technology Validation and Start-up Fund.

Support may include:

• Evaluating program fit and company readiness
• Identifying relevant funding opportunities
• Strengthening the market and commercialization strategy
• Reviewing business-focused application materials
• Coordinating with Technology Transfer when University research or intellectual property is involved

Applicants remain responsible for confirming eligibility and completing the final submission. Business Incubator assistance does not guarantee funding.

Founders rarely have every skill or relationship they need within their existing team. The Business Incubator can help identify expertise and connections that support the company’s next step.

Depending on the situation, founders may be connected with:

• University faculty and research resources
• Student talent
• Experienced entrepreneurs
• Industry professionals
• Potential customers or pilot partners
• Funding and economic-development organizations
• Regional business-support providers
• Other incubator clients and tenants

Introductions are based on fit and availability. When another organization is better equipped to address a company’s needs, the incubator can help direct the founder to an appropriate resource.

The Business Incubator offers coworking memberships, private offices, laboratories and light-manufacturing space across two University of Toledo facilities.

Explore the available spaces and tenant benefits to determine which option may support your company’s operations.

• Nitschke Technology Commercialization Complex - Located on the main campus
• The Laboratory Incubation Center - Located on the health science campus

schedule a tour