Business Development and Incubation is a model which allows entepreneurs a ‘jump start” for their business involving a dynamic process that provides physical space or a virtual program, consulting and technical assistance, access to business services and equipment, technology support, guidance in obtaining financing, conference rooms with videoconferencing feature and computers, and etc.

The Small Business Center provides free one-to-one counseling and advising services to existing and potential small business owners. In addition, a variety of seminars and special events are sponsored by the Small Business Center to assist entrepreneurs with all aspects of running a business. A professional services office is also available in which experts from the legal, accounting, marketing, management and technology fields provide advice to business clients on a pro-bono basis. The SBC Director also runs a student incubator program much like the regular business incubator program.

The center includes other concentrated efforts such as the BioNetwork, a center with a Natural Products Laboratory, the Blue Ridge Food Ventures, the Technology Commercialization Center, and the Global Institute for Sustainability Technologies.