This article gives some tips on where to look for resources to support the establishment of an incubator, and how to select and evaluate possible sponsors.
Objectives
Resource identification is the process of finding economic and financial resources as part of a feasibility study as well as finding capital for the implementation and operational stages of the incubator. The types of resources should be identified along with ways of obtaining them. These resources may be available from government (at the local, state and federal levels) or private sources.
Key Issues
- Potential partners: a survey of government departments and non-government and private institutions that may offer support, along with their contact persons. Support may include finance for entrepreneurial activities, support for technical innovation, the development of ICT tools, establishing new companies etc. This information includes key objectives and the kind of organizations involved. This survey may be carried out through the Internet and associates with experience in this field.
- Detailed survey: organization of the institutions and lines of support into groups according to the type of support offered (economic or financial resources). Analysis of projects already supported by organizations to identify support priorities and opportunities for bringing funds to the incubator.
- Analysis: a critical analysis is undertaken of the tabulated information. The analysis determines the potential for presentation and approval of a fund-raising proposal thereby establishing the next steps. (See attachments Feasibility Study for the Incubator and Table identifying Potential Projects).
Responsible Parties
Managers and technical experts from the institution wishing to set up the incubator.
Indicators
- Time and Costs for the Development of the Feasibility Study
- Resources brought in and political support obtained through the Feasibility Study
Results
The outcome of this analysis is the identification of possible sources/institutions that could provide economic and financial support for the activities of the incubator from the planning stage onwards.
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