Applications for Student Business Incubator due April 1

While budgetary squalls seem to draw business and education into collision, a unique opportunity is giving budding entrepreneurs a room of their own on the UW–Madison campus.

Offering a free year’s lease of office space on East Campus Mall, as well as mentoring, supplies, networking prospects, and legal advice, the Student Business Incubator (SBI) is seeking applications for next year. The deadline is Friday, April 1.

Enterprising students from all majors are encouraged to apply to the program, which has given a home to 18 student-owned businesses since it began two years ago.

The best applicants evince enthusiasm and realistic expectations, according to Mike Sakowski, an economics and political science major who co-directs the incubator.

“Don’t put it off,” says Sakowski of students with a vision but unsure of how to proceed. “Entrepreneurs are smart, hardworking people, but not inherently special. They are the ones who roll out of bed one day and decide to go for it.”

Six emerging businesses currently operate from SBI’s offices on the third floor of the Student Activity Center, including a green technology start-up, clothing designer, and market research service.

“My business has increased productivity by 200 percent,” says current tenant Bill Garland, who runs Green Key Marketing. “The incubator has grown itself by listening to the businesses and creating a more cohesive environment. I can say that being a part of the incubator has really accelerated my business.”

Students who will be enrolled for the 2011-2012 school year can apply here.

In a related entrepreneurship matter, the Student Venture Seed Grant Program, which helps students pursue new ventures by providing grants of up to $3,000, has an application deadline of March 30 for this round of proposals.

For more information, click here.