We work with startup companies, inventors and entrepreneurs to develop great ideas into sustainable, standalone businesses. We foster market success, wealth building and job creation. We increase the prospect of a client company’s commercial success in the marketplace, train and educate the business and community leaders of tomorrow, and contribute to the economic development of Northeast Georgia, Gainesville and Hall County.

Growth benefits

  • One-on-one coaching
  • Expert support
  • Workshops on innovation, strategy, leadership, ROI, resource management, time management, conflict resolution, communication, marketing, production and logistics
  • Regulatory guidance with government agencies including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
  • Networking engagement with other entrepreneurs in a collaborative atmosphere Access to Brenau University’s library and degree curriculum
  • Working with students seeking to apply theoretical concepts to practical business experiences and opportunities
  • Confidential review of financial documents
  • Human resources guidance

The Business Incubator at Brenau University not only aids developing businesses but has enabled Direct Medical Imaging to serve a self-pay clientele with a cost-effective MRI.

Dennis Darnell, President/CEO, Direct Medical Imaging
Hop’s Kitchen at the Business Incubator at Brenau University

Facility benefits

  • Reduced business setup costs through shared resources, office support and technologies
  • Access to increased office, warehouse and production space as needed
  • Favorable rental rates for office and conference room space
  • Clean room on site
  • Commercial photography available
  • Access to Georgia Tech’s Enterprise and Innovation Institute
  • Office services at a competitive rate
  • On-site restaurant

The Business Incubator has opened so many doors, aiding in the profitable expansion of my dream, Hop’s Kitchen. It has provided the space, resources, support and opportunities to grow my restaurant business.

Mark Hopkins Owner, Hop’s Kitchen

Who is eligible?

Every application receives full consideration for the BIBU program based on the following:

  • Soundness of the business model proposed
  • Likelihood that required capital funding will be realized
  • Probability of sustained growth beyond the incubator program
  • Degree of job creation and services potential
  • Commitment to the economic development of Gainesville, Hall County and Northeast Georgia
  • Capacity and willingness to use students in business development

The business and resource support of the Business Incubator at Brenau has allowed ITN Lanier to offer our transportation service for seniors at least one year earlier than planned. We expect the business expertise of the incubator to be a key enabler for the continued growth of our service.

Jerry Butler, Board Chairman, ITN Lanier

Getting started

Complete the application PDF (available in the sidebar of this page) and return it to BIBU@brenau.edu along with a business plan. Include in the plan your goals, objectives, business summary and development strategy, as well as any financial statements such as balance sheet income statement, cash flow statement and statement of changes in equity.

Contact us

Reach out to us at BIBU@brenau.edu with your application documents or any questions regarding the Business Incubator at Brenau University.

Visit the Business Incubator

Featherbone Center
999 Chestnut St.
Gainesville, Georgia 30501
Office number: +1-770-535-9220
Email: BIBU@brenau.edu
View the Incubator on our Campus Map