Business News/ Analysis

from the NHBR - New Hampshire Business Review

Very good news for startups and home business owners, and the availability of the Incubator on a part time basis is no doubt a sign of the times... BF

Business incubator offers part-time deals

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

The Amoskeag Business Incubator has created an affiliate member program for small-business owners who need professional services on a part-time basis.

“The affiliate member program is geared toward owners of home-based businesses that are not quite ready for a full office, but do need some professional space,” said Michele Peterson of the incubator, which provides affordable office space and technical assistance to early-stage companies. “They can use the space to meet with clients, to use professional services, or just get out of the house to get work done if they’re outgrowing their home office.”

Affiliate membership comes at two cost levels -- $70 per month and $100 per month.

Under the $100 monthly program, members can use the incubator as a mailing address and 30 hours per month of office space as well as use of the conference room for three hours twice a month. Under the $70 monthly package, members receive 10 hours of office space use per month.

Additional hours of office space use can be rented for $5 an hour.

Some of the other services offered include the use of computer and/or laptop, wired/wireless Internet, LCD projector for use in the incubator’s conference room, notary services and kitchen facilities.

If affiliate members decide to upgrade their membership to full status, they can receive additional services, such as taking priority when permanent office space becomes available as well as the use of technical assistance, business coaching and support from the incubator’s business experts committee.

The Amoskeag Business Incubator currently has 20 full-time businesses at its location in the Manchester Millyard. For more information about the affiliate program, call ABI at 603-629-9511 or visit abi-nh.com. — CINDY KIBBE/NEW HAMPSHIRE BUSINESS REVIEW