Client Entry Policy
1A. Demonstration of Position
ETI provides accommodating business support and development services for people in the process of establishing or starting businesses and who meet the following criteria:
Applicants must demonstrate they are one of the following:
- a new business;
- in the process of establishing a business;
- undertaking pre-business research or development, or testing an idea;
- a business moving from home, or
- re-establishing an existing business
1B. Viability
Applicants must demonstrate the potential for financial viability of the proposed or existing business within a reasonable time frame (less than five years, for example, although there is no fixed rule).
1C. Need for Assistance
Applicants must demonstrate their need for our assistance. This may be a shortage of skills or capital or to reduce the risk.
1D. Priorities
A business must demonstrate a level of innovation to be accepted. Preference will be given to businesses demonstrating advanced technology products or services and/or that show one or more of the following:
- advance and/or apply science;
- complement area businesses;
- build on local strengths ;
- have high employment potential;
- have high positive regional economic impact potential;
- export products or services;
- replace imported products or services;
- provide new products/services, or existing products/services in a novel manner;
- satisfy un-met needs in the community, or
- introduce new skills to the tech sector
1E. Independence
Businesses must be independently controlled; decision maker must be on site executive.
1F. Internal Compatibility
Opportunities for inter-trading, joint marketing and development of synergies are to be encouraged.
1G. Legal Compliance
Businesses must comply with relevant legislation, especially in relation to noise, waste, environmental, service, manufacturing and administrative activities.
1H. Retailing
Retailing on site is not permitted, unless the products or services are manufactured or are value-added on site.
1I. Impact on Existing Businesses
Any business considered likely to adversely affect another ETI Incubator tenant will not be eligible.
1J. Environmental, Social or Gannon University Mission/Ethics Impact
Businesses that engage in activities that are socially undesirable, detrimental to the environment or do not meet the ethics and mission of Gannon University are not eligible.
1K. Applicants
Applicants may be those who are working from home, or who have commenced their business, or they may be an existing business experiencing difficulty that can benefit from our services.
1L. Decision Making
An admission committee will make the final decision as to inclusion in the ETI after all relevant application, validation of legitimacy and an interview.