Eligibility

Eligibility Businesses

To be eligible for assistance under the Incubator program, all applicants must meet the following criteria

The MBEC provides services to a wide range of entrepreneurs, and requires all potential tenants (Marketplace, Incubator, and Virtual) to meet the following criteria: 


• A business that employs five (5) or fewer employees, at least one of whom must own the enterprise. 

• A business that has its principal operations located in Albany, Georgia.

• Must be able to create and/or retain jobs.

• Must be organized as a sole proprietorship, Limited Liability Company, or any other recognized form of for-profit.

• Must be current on all federal, state and local tax obligations, and must be current in all financial obligations with the City of Albany and/or Dougherty County.

• Must have or be able to obtain a DUNS # prior to occupancy or during the first year.

• Must be an equal opportunity employer.

• Applicant must be willing to comply with all regulations, guidelines and policies as they relate to the program.

• Business is suitable to operate in the “professional office environment” and does not require a large waiting area for customers or unattended children, or extensive parking needs.


Ineligible Businesses

  1. Regulated lending institutions
  2. Real estate investment companies
  3. Retail (located at MBEC)
  4. Any organization whose principal business off-site is the sale of alcoholic beverages.
  5. Businesses whose primary service or product is similar or equivalent to at least two existing MBEC businesses
  6. Religious organizations
  7. As the City deems necessary.


Applicants will be disqualified for approval from the incubation program for the following reasons:

Incomplete application including non-submittal of application fee.

If the business and/or business owner has been previously assisted two or more times at the Microbusiness Enterprise Center

If the business and/or business owner has graduated or participated in the incubation program for five or more years.

If the Applicant and/or its principals are indebted to the City of Albany.

If the Applicant and/or its principals defaulted on a previous MBEC Lease or Service agreement.

If the Applicant and/or business owner(s) have been debarred from doing business with federal, state, county or local governments.

Lack of funds.



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