I was really impressed!

I just returned from an international conference on science-based business incubation.  It was in Paris.  All work and no play, as you might imagine.

Aside from the historic architecture, well-known cuisine, and intrinsic charm of the "city of light," what struck me most was the high professional competence of the conference attendees.  One after another, they shared best practices; and I returned home with a notebook filled with ideas for improving our program here at VT KnowledgeWorks.

What does this all mean for a budding entrepreneur?

Well, there are over 1,100 business incubators in the US, and thousands of others spread around the globe.  Within the European Union, for instance, there are 380 in Germany alone.  These incubators help entrepreneurs reduce the risk in starting a business.  That's it.  Incubators reduce risk.

Mentors are a fundamental need for every business leader.  Incubators provide mentors.

Use them.