Interim Director:
Michelle Gilliam-Jordan , AICP

Department Phone No:
(256) 341-4960
Department Fax No:
(256) 341-4969

1629 4th Ave, SE
Decatur, AL 35601

E-mail: DBI@decatur-al.gov

 

WANT TO OPEN YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

RENTAL SPACE AVAILABLE FOR NEW BUSINESS STARTUPS

  • Business Consulting
  • Financial & Capital Planning
  • Market Analysis
  • SBA Loan Review
  • Business Plan Review

What is the Decatur Business Incubator?
Business incubators accelerate the successful development of entrepreneurial companies through an array of business support, resources and services, developed or orchestrated by incubator management, and offered both in the incubator and through its network of contacts. A business incubator’s main goal is to produce successful firms that will leave the program financially viable and freestanding. These incubator "graduates" create jobs, revitalize neighborhoods, commercialize critical new technologies and strengthen local and national economies.

Management guidance and consulting suitable for young growing companies is critical to the definition of an incubator. Incubators usually also provide clients access to appropriate rental space and flexible leases, shared basic business services and equipment, technology support services, and assistance in obtaining the financing necessary to company growth.

The Decatur Business Incubator is a flexible concept encouraging the development of new businesses and assisting local economic development. The Incubator is a facility where a number of new and growing businesses operate under one roof with reduced rents, shared services and equipment, and equal access to a wide range of professional, technical and financial services. Primary objectives of the Incubator are to assist start up businesses, help new businesses grow and create new jobs in the low to moderate income areas.

Two principles characterize effective business incubation:

  • The incubator aspires to have a positive impact on its community’s economic health by maximizing the success of emerging companies.
  • The incubator itself is a dynamic model of a sustainable, efficient business operation.

What are the Benefits Tenants Receive at Decatur Business Incubator?

  • Operating in a nurturing environment designed to help small businesses share experiences with each other and conduct business with one another thereby reducing the risk involved in a business start up.
  • Gain access to facilities and equipment otherwise unavailable or unaffordable.
  • Creates an awareness of the financial and technical services and assistance that is available and how to access those services.

Continuation of business consulting by a professional business consultant to include financial and capital planning, and general business planning.

Increase company visibility to the community.

Pay flexible market rent.

Professional help in matters such as accounting and taxes, marketing and advertising, exporting, procurement contracts and legal issues.

Who Can Become a Decatur Business Incubator Tenant?
The Decatur Business Incubator accepts start up firms and expanding and/or growing businesses. Tenants need not belong to a single industrial group. Applicants may include, but are not limited to the following groups:

  • Advanced Technologies
  • Electronic & Textile Assembly
  • Light Manufacturing
  • Professional Services
  • Research and Development
  • Service Businesses
  • Software Development

How Can My Company Become a Decatur Business Incubator Tenant?
Tenants are selected based on criteria set by the sponsoring organizations. The selection process includes a pre-application, an interview and completion of a full business plan, including financial pro formas and proof of satisfactory funding. Outstanding reference materials are available for individuals interested in developing a business plan. A professional business plan review is offered by the Incubator without charge.

What Facilities and Services are Shared by Incubator Tenants?
Tenants share a wide range of office facilities and services including but not limited to:

  • Secretarial services
  • Automated office equipment
  • Maintenance and security
  • Utilities
  • Telecommunications services and equipment

Why the Decatur Business Incubator?
Community development depends heavily on small businesses. The U.S. Small Business Administration reported that small businesses create 86.4% of the net new jobs in the United States. Plus, small businesses are more cost efficient than large businesses in the areas of research and development.

Small firms may lack the management, technical and financial ability to survive on their own. In fact, most small businesses fail within the first five years of operation because of undercapitalization and/or lack of proper management. The Decatur Business Incubator provides an environment where public and private resources combine to support the needs of many small businesses. This support is often most critical during the early stages of development and will improve a company’s opportunity for success.