Start-up businesses have a variety of challenges in today’s marketplace, even those in the sought-after technology area. The Leesburg Business & Technology Center (LBTC) can offer a unique opportunity for qualified companies.

It is the goal of the LBTC to facilitate smarter, faster startup and growth of emerging technology companies so those companies will become financially successful, high- growth companies in the community.

LBTC clients are provided an array of business development services and resources to help accelerate growth. The formal incubation process takes place through a series of strategic and tactical working sessions. The strategic sessions are designed to help define the company business, market and capital strategies and to build the business plan. Expertise and resources are identified for the company to address tactical needs as they are identified through the strategy sessions or through other informal interactions with Incubator staff and advisors.

The LBTC will also offer an affiliate program or (“Incubator Without Walls”) for businesses that cannot locate within the facility but want to take advantage of the benefits of the program. Eligibility for the LBTC’s Incubator program will be determined by a number of factors, including technical skills, patent protect ability, product/ service feasibility, risk, knowledge and edge.

Regular education and networking programs also are designed to address the shared needs identified among LBTC clients. Graduation takes place when a client has achieved a level of financial and corporate growth that enables them to leave the incubator and enter the second stage of corporate growth.

The Incubator is sponsored and managed through a joint partnership between the Lake Sumter Community College Business Assistance Center, Leesburg Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Leesburg. Additional support is provided by a number of partner organizations that provide services and assistance to the Incubator clients.