Business

Eligibility Businesses


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 incubator 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.


Required Information



It is necessary that applicants and/or business owner(s) submit documentation along with the program application supporting requirements listed below.  Failure to do so will disqualify applicants and/or business owner(s) from this program.


Proof of identity:  Applicant will submit their driver’s license along with their application.  A copy of the driver’s license will be retained by MBEC staff.



A draft business plan must accompany the application.  The goals that are listed in the business plan will be the tool used by MBEC staff to annually evaluate the success and/or progress of the business.


Application checklist:

  1. Completed and Signed Application
  2. Non-refundable application fee of $50.00 (MBEC retains copy of receipt for file)
  3. Driver’s License (MBEC staff will make a copy upon application submittal)
  4. A draft business plan with financials (Projections if start-up) 


In the event an application is submitted without all required documentation, the applicant will be notified within seven (7) business days of submission. Applicants will then have seven (7) business days to submit all missing required documents. If the applicant fails to submit all required documentation within seven (7) business days of notification, his or her application will not be considered for acceptance into the program.  The applicant will be notified in writing by email, or regular mail. The applicant may submit another application after 180 days. 


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