Forming a University-Based Business Incubator for Student and Community Entrepreneurs: A Case Study

Abstract The University of St. Francis’s College of Business and Health Administration operates a campus business incubator for student and community entrepreneurs. The business incubator is an innovative use of space that supports the economic development of the region and entrepreneurial education that includes for-credit and non-credit programming. Incubator programs are not a new concept, but they continue to provide universities a way to connect with businesses in their communities. St. Francis’s program is in its infancy, having opened in 2014, but it provides a model that is contributing value to the small business members utilizing the program, value to regional economic development, and value to the university and its students. This article is a case study of the formation of an incubator program and a general review of initial research questions. The case study is offered as a model for other universities to duplicate in their academic or continuing education units.