Targeted services -- Incubation programs specialize in start-up and emerging companies, with services designed especially for young companies' particular needs.
Intensive, ongoing assistance -- Whether your company resides in an incubation facility or takes advantage of an outreach program, you will receive one-on-one attention from business experts, day in and day out.
Links to capital and service providers -- Most incubation programs help their clients access debt and equity funding, as well as link them with service providers like lawyers and accountants who specialize in small business needs.
Specialized facilities -- Many incubators focus on particular types of companies, such as life science, technology, food or creative industries. These incubators have the facilities and equipment -- and expertise -- your company needs.
Corinna has chosen a well-known incubator Mtech, which is affiliated with the University of Maryland. Mtech's mission is to educate the next generation of technology entrepreneurs; create successful technology ventures; and connect Maryland companies...
They offer programs, courses, workshops and competitions to help aspiring entrepreneurs learn how to bring their ideas and products to the world (http://www.mtech.umd.edu).
4. As a woman-owned business, Anthrotronix faces obstacles that other businesses do not. If Lathan came to you for advice, what suggestions might you give her?
I would recommend that Anthrotronix apply for an 8(a) or SDB certification. This certification provides evidence that Anthrotronix is a woman owned and operated business. Status as an 8(a) business provides preferential treatment when bidding on federal (and often state) government projects. Government agencies are required by law to have a certain percentage of their contracts awarded to women and minority owned businesses. I would recommend that Corinna checkout the following websites for more information:
http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/gc/index.html
http://www.mwbe.com/cert/certification.htm
http://www.okcommerce.gov/Businesses-and-Employers/Certify-My-Business/Minority-Owned-Business
