A resource intensive activity like core business incubation is by necessity selective and not for any or all businesses. It is vital that proposals from prospective clients are assessed and only those that will benefit from and meet the objectives of the business incubation environment and its stakeholders are selected.  The entry or selection policy will differ from one incubator to another, depending on the local environmental circumstances and the objectives of the incubator.

The overriding goal of business incubation is to move clients to a point where they are no longer dependent on the services of the business incubator to compete in the marketplace. As with selection, the exit terms and strategy should fit the business incubator’s objectives, as well as take into consideration the type and profile of clients being supported. Whilst it is important to operate a clearly defined exit strategy, a degree of flexibility is essential as businesses will not all grow at the same rate.

It is also important to think about the role of graduated businesses; if you keep relationships with them they can offer powerful examples of successes, may be willing to provide mentoring services to the enterprises currently in your program, and more.