Service Provision Dimensions

Incubator
Benchmark
Assessment
Mentoring
Tool (IBAT)
Commitment to Entrepreneurs 4 Network

2 Purpose: To evaluate incubator’s

status of service delivery and
Gender Focus 0 Training operational capacity for
supporting its entrepreneurs to
grow their businesses against
Market Facilitation Access to Finance standardized milestones. The
Business Development purpose is not to evaluate
performance as good or bad, but
rather to identify areas that are
well- or under-developed. The
tool can be used to design a roadmap of improving its services and capacity, and track
progress towards targets set by the roadmap.

Overview: The tool’s two main sections contain a range of dimensions critical to
benchmarking the level of incubator operation. Service provision dimensions include
training, mentorship, networks, business development, access to finance, market
facilitation, gender / inclusivity focused programming, and entrepreneur engagement.
Internal capacity dimensions include strategy and leadership, people and team, ecosystem
presence, facilities, finances, and entrepreneur management.

The tool can be used by incubators for self-assessment or by external parties. Information
should be collected through conversations with incubator staff and entrepreneurs.

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 Internal
Incubator Capacity Dimensions
Profile
Incubator Name:

Year Established: People/Team

4
Annual Budget:
Entrepreneur Management 2 Ecosystem Presence
Assessment Date:
0

Number of Entrepreneurs Served (total):

High-touch:
Finances & Sustainability Facilities
Light-touch:

I. Service Provision

This section assesses the incubator’s services to its entrepreneurs to help grow their businesses. Information should be collected through
conversations with both incubator staff and entrepreneurs. Scores can be whole or half (e.g. 3.5).

SCORE Criteria
1.0 Training Programs Average score of 1.1-1.3
Ability to provide technical
training to entrepreneurs
1.1 Workshops 0 = No workshops offered.
These are general business 1 = Workshops rarely offered, delivered by non-experts, limited capacity to address entrepreneurs’ needs.
incubation and acceleration topics 2 = Workshops occasionally offered, inconsistent quality, mixed in terms of meeting entrepreneurs’ needs.
delivered to a group of 3 = Workshops regularly offered, generally high quality, mostly meet entrepreneurs’ needs.
entrepreneurs. Specific topics 4 = Workshops systematically offered, consistently high quality in content and delivery, adaptive for business development
tailored for individual stage, sector, capacity building needs of entrepreneurs.
entrepreneurs are covered in the
Check those training workshop topics provided either directly or indirectly to your entrepreneurs:

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 SCORE Criteria
following sections (i.e. business  Business Model Canvas  Marketing and sales  Others:__________________
development, access to finance).
 Registering your business  Pitching your business
*Note: a higher number of services  Managing financials  Proposal writing
does NOT immediately translate  Intellectual Property  Policies and regulations
into a higher score.
Comments:

1.2 Bootcamps 0 = No bootcamps offered.

1 = Bootcamps rarely offered, delivered by non-experts, limited capacity to address entrepreneurs’ needs.
2 = Bootcamps occasionally offered, inconsistent quality, mixed in terms of meeting entrepreneurs’ needs.
3 = Bootcamps regularly offered, generally high in quality, mostly meet entrepreneurs’ needs.
4 = Bootcamps systematically offered, consistently high quality in content and delivery, adaptive for business development
stage, sector, capacity building needs of entrepreneurs.
Comments:

1.3 Accelerator Program 0 = No accelerator program.

1 = Accelerator program provides surface-level, hands-off training, open to entrepreneurs at all business stages, no
connections to outside resources.
2 = Accelerator program provides somewhat targeted training, open to entrepreneurs at all business stages, few
connections to outside experts, limited one-on-one support.
3 = Accelerator program provides targeted training, participation is open to specific business stages, regular connections to
outside experts, regular one-on-one support.
4 = Accelerator program provides targeted training on new content, high quality connections to outside experts and one-on-
one support, encourages cohort collaboration and learning.
Comments:

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 SCORE Criteria
2.0 Mentorship Program 0 = No mentorship programs.
1 = Rarely able to provide mentoring matches, limited mentor pool to draw from, ad-hoc mentoring connections.
2 = Occasionally provides mentoring matches, uneven track record of mentoring match success, rudimentary training and
onboarding of mentors/mentees.
3 = Adequately able to provide mentoring matches, good database of mentors, ad-hoc training and onboarding, some track
record of mentoring match success.
4 = Always able to provide high quality mentoring matches. Robust program with sizeable mentor database, systematic
training and onboarding of mentors and mentees, strong track record of productive mentorship engagements.
Comments:

3.0 Networks Average Score of 3.1-3.3

Ability to facilitate connections
between entrepreneurs and
external actors
3.1 Networking Events 0 = No networking events hosted or shared with entrepreneurs.
1 = Limited networking events with external stakeholders. Relevant events not shared.
2 = Occasionally host or invite entrepreneurs to networking events, no formal calendar or diversity of events.
3 = Regularly invite or host networking events with external stakeholders. Events do not always vary in design and topic.
Attendance is not always high.
4 = Regularly invite and host networking events that are highly regarded and attended by diverse external stakeholders.
Events vary in design and topic.
Comments:

3.2 Entrepreneur 0 = Almost no interactions among entrepreneurs.

Connectivity 1 = Limited interactions, no platform or events that connects entrepreneurs.
2 = Occasionally interactive, aware of each other, interact at events but rarely outside of community events.
3 = Moderately interactive, entrepreneurs engage regularly but no formal partnerships, platform for the community.
4 = Highly interactive community of entrepreneurs that constantly engages on information, resources, technical advice,
enter into partnerships with each other, platform for the community.
Comments:

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 SCORE Criteria
3.3 Advocacy and 0 = Almost no interaction with government.
Government Interaction 1 = Minimal interaction with government, almost no government partners identified.
2 = Occasional interaction, potential government partners identified, but no activities undertaken.
3 = Moderate to good interaction, government partnerships are in place (national, state, or local), somewhat regular
meetings, some track record of influencing policy, sometimes able to advocate for entrepreneurs’ needs.
4 = High interaction with government, strong partnerships with government leadership, proven ability to influence policy,
usually able to advocate for entrepreneurs’ needs and bottlenecks.
Comments:

4.0 Business Development Average Score of 4.1-4.3

4.1 B2B Connections 0 = No connections facilitated.

Ability to facilitate business-to- 1 = Limited connections facilitated, very few partners identified.
business (B2B) connections, 2 = Occasional connections facilitated but does not span the ecosystem (e.g. supply chain, production, market opportunity,
defined as linkages and complementary businesses, etc.), uneven track record of maintained agreements and closed business gaps.
partnerships between 3 = Moderately regular connections made across most of the ecosystem, regular track record of maintained agreements and
entrepreneurs and actors that help closed business gaps.
to close supply chain and other
4 = Frequent and highly developed in depth and breadth connections, significant number of business agreements that
gaps preventing business
development and growth advance entrepreneurs’ business development progress.
Comments:

4.2 Support to get 0 = No market-readiness services facilitated.

technology to market 1 = Limited services facilitated, entrepreneurs rarely go to market.
Ability to help entrepreneurs to 2 = Occasional services facilitated, but does not span life cycle of product development, some entrepreneurs launch
refine its product or service for products but sales are limited.
launching and growing their 3 = Provides/facilitates a good range of services, entrepreneurs are able to launch competitive products with steady sales.
businesses in the market 4 = Provides /facilitates a wide range of services that greatly improves the market-readiness of entrepreneurs as evidenced
businesses. by successful track record of entrepreneur sales and profits.

Check those services provided either directly or indirectly to your entrepreneurs to help get them to market:

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 SCORE Criteria
*Note: a higher number of services  Market Research  Product strategy  Quality Control and Vendor
does NOT immediately translate Management
 User Research/Ethnography/  Pilot/Field Testing Strategy
into a higher score.
Behavior Change  Manufacturing  Client & Inventory Management
 Prototype Development  Packaging Design  Monitoring/Evaluation of Impact
 Engineering review  Distribution & Sales strategy  Other: _____________
 Product/Competitor  Supply chain sourcing/
Benchmarking management
Comments:

4.3 Business Process 0 = No business process support.

Ability to advise entrepreneurs to 1 = Limited business process support, informal and ad-hoc, inadequate evaluation of entrepreneurs’ products, business
identify and follow through plans, and resources, support rarely adds value.
support focused on streamlining 2 = Generic knowledge of business processes (e.g. company registration), but limited for more complex businesses. Business
business processes designed to plans are sometimes reviewed and improved gaps in product development are sometimes filled.
advance their products or services 3 = Good knowledge of business processes in some industries. Adequate business process support services delivered. Some
success in registration, product development, market-entry, importing and exporting.
4 = Strong knowledge of business processes for multiple industries and stages. Exceptional business process support that is
always easily accessible and leads to streamlined registration, product development, market-entry, and potential for scale.
Comments:

5.0 Access to Finance 0 = No support provided to advance access to finance.

1 = Limited support to provide access to finance, rarely provide opportunities to interact with funders/investors, minimal
information about fundraising, minimal record of entrepreneurs securing funding.
2 = Somewhat adequate ability to improve access to finance, general knowledge of the available funding options, uneven
track record of entrepreneurs securing funding.
3 = Adequate ability to improve access to finance, evidence of good connections and information across funding types, good
track record of entrepreneurs securing funding.
4 = Strong track record of providing entrepreneurs access to and securing diversified funding (e.g. angel networks, impact
investors, venture capital firms, grant-making NGOs/ INGOs/ multilaterals), always proactively expose entrepreneurs to
opportunities (e.g. pitch competitions, networking events, grant applications).

Check those financing and/or services provided either directly or indirectly to your entrepreneurs:

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 SCORE Criteria
Direct Financing Facilitation of Financing
 Proof of concept (POC) grant  Investment readiness training
 Staggered grants  Business plan evaluation
 Reimbursable grants  Pitch competition
 Equity  Partnerships with banks
 Other: _______________________  Other: ____________________

Comments:

6.0 Market Facilitation 0 = No market facilitation support provided.

1 = Limited ability to provide market insight and connections, support is occasionally relevant, market information may be
outdated, inaccurate, or irrelevant.
2 = Occasionally able to provide relevant and accurate market insight and facilitate market connections, support is mostly
generic.
3 = Adequately able to provide accurate, relevant, high quality market insights and connections, good track record of easing
market entry. Access to relevant contacts.
4 = Able to provide exceptional market facilitation support, market insights are always accurate, and relevant, ability to
provide specific support to diverse products/markets, support is ongoing, consistent, and results-oriented. Access to
relevant contacts, entrepreneurs actually using them.
Comments:

7.0 Gender/Inclusivity 0 = No gender/inclusivity programming.

Focused Programming 1 = Limited gender/inclusivity programming, loosely developed ideas or framework but not implemented.
Targeted entrepreneurs include 2 = Somewhat developed gender/inclusivity programming, ad-hoc training.
under-represented groups 3 = Fully developed gender/inclusivity programming, progressive training curriculum, knowledge products shared, good ratio
based on gender, ethnicity, of women in light touch programs.
age, sexual orientation, 4 = High quality gender/inclusivity programming, training curriculum or gender/inclusivity-targeted partnerships, good ratio
disability, or poverty of traditionally under-represented entrepreneurs in both light and high touch programs.
Comments:

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 SCORE Criteria
8.0 Entrepreneur 0 = Almost no relationship, very transactional.
Engagement 1 = Relationship is underdeveloped, clients are treated with little to no authenticity.
2 = Some clients are treated with authenticity, response-time and tone is somewhat positive, ad hoc proactivity in assisting
clients with opportunities.
3 = Clients are treated with respect, relationship is perceived as mostly authentic, moderate proactivity in assisting clients
with opportunities.
4 = Client relationships are very authentic and based in mutual respect. Staff present as optimistic, empathetic, and
determined, strong proactivity in assisting clients with opportunities.
Comments:

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II. Internal Capacity

This section assesses the management and technical capacities of the incubator. Scores can be whole or half (e.g. 3.5).
SCOR
Criteria
E
1.0 Strategy and Leadership Average score of 1.1-1.2

1.0 Strategic Vision 0 = Undefined mission mandate, no strategic growth or sustainability plan.
1 = Defined mission mandate with high level goals, but not supported by current activities. Limited capacity dedicated to
developing strategic plan.
2 = Defined mission mandate with high level goals and short-term benchmarks, activities are aligned with mission but not
sufficiently resourced, no clear plan for long-term sustainability.
3 = Solid strategic plan, long and short-term benchmarks aligned with staffing and budget.
4 = Strong vision and mandate, with activities that support the execution, detailed strategic plan fully integrated into
operations, budget, and governance. Progress against benchmarks regularly reviewed. All staff show high levels of buy-in.

Comments:

1.1 Leadership Team 0 = Leadership team is inexperienced and under qualified with no motivation to learn or improve programs.
1 = Leadership team has limited skills and experience with low levels of motivation to build or improve programs.
2 = Leadership team has some prior experience in business incubation or sector but low levels of skills and motivation to
build or improve programs.
3 = Leadership team has significant experience in both business incubation and sector with a broad range of skills and good
track record of learning and commitment to improving programs.
4 = Leadership team is highly qualified with extensive relevant experience and credentials, keeps abreast of incubator
industry best practices and demonstrated commitment to improving and building programs.

Comments:

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2.0 People/Team Average score of 2.1-2.3

2.1 Staff Skills & Consultants 0 = No technical or sector-specific skills or expertise, strong mismatch between capabilities and entrepreneur needs.
1 = Limited technical or sector-specific skills or expertise needed to build or improve, mismatch between capabilities and
entrepreneur needs.
2 = Somewhat adequate skills and experience necessary to satisfy needs, consultants are occasionally used to fill gaps.
3 = Fully adequate skills and experience, strong teamwork, and motivation, consultants are regularly used to fill gaps.
4 = Excellent mix of skills and expertise to fulfill current and anticipated needs, consultants are strategically used to fill gaps.
Comments:

2.2 Organizational Culture 0 = No evidence of motivation for improvement, non-existent staff relationships.
1 = Low levels of motivation, siloed responsibilities, limited collaboration.
2 = Some evidence of team-building and motivation to improve, collaboration sometimes happens.
3 = Good culture of learning, improving, and innovation, collaboration regularly happens.
4 = Strong culture of learning and innovation, continuously seek ways to improve team and efficiency, collaboration
strategically leveraged.
Comments:

2.3 HR Management 0 = No HR management system, staffing is ad-hoc and cannot attract good candidates.
1 = Limited HR management system, inadequately staffed, high turnover, no onboarding, unclear expectations for most
roles, no access to professional development.
2 = Somewhat adequate HR management system, somewhat staffed to meet key needs, occasional turnover, some staff are
not appropriately skilled, onboarding and skill-building opportunities are under development.
3 = Adequate HR management system, staffed to meet the key needs and provide efficient services, clear expectations for all
roles, opportunities for professional development.
4 = Excellent HR management system, staff salaries set at high level to attract and retain good talent, clear job descriptions,
staff evaluated through formal reviews, regular opportunity for professional development.
Comments:

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3.0 Ecosystem Presence Average score of 3.1-3.2

3.1 Communications & 0 = No branding or marketing strategy or materials.

Branding 1 = Limited branding and marketing, inconsistent or sparse use of branding.
2 = Somewhat good branding, ad-hoc marketing campaigns, lack of strategy.
3 = Fully adequate and consistent branding, clear marketing strategy.
4 = Strong and always consistent branding, highly developed marketing strategy using multiple channels.
Comments:

3.2 Recognition & Influence 0 = No recognizable presence, unknown entity.

1 = Limited recognizable presence, rarely receive external inquiries.
2 = Some recognizable presence, sometimes receive external inquiries, occasional media appearances.
3 = Fully adequate recognizable presence, often receive external inquiries, often appear in media, usually invited to attend
sector-relevant events, connection to global ecosystem players.
4 = Highly recognizable presence, receive requests to provide expert insight, consistent media appearances on multiple
channels, always invited to participate in sector relevant events, strong ties to global ecosystem players as evidenced by
active interactions.
Comments:

4.0 Facilities 0 = No co-working space, no capacity to host entrepreneurs or events.

1 = Sparse co-working or meeting space, entrepreneurs rarely use it.
2 = Co-working space but with limited tech offerings, entrepreneurs occasionally use it.
3 = Co-working space with good internet connectivity and technology (e.g. 3-D printer, video conferencing), entrepreneurs
frequent it.
4 = Modern co-working space and meeting rooms with high levels of connectivity and technology, training/seminar room,
provide access to product testing facilities when needed, entrepreneurs always use the space.
Comments:

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5.0 Finances Average score of 5.1-5.3

5.1 Financial Management 0 = No financial management system.

1 = Limited financial planning, general budget developed, performance loosely or not tracked.
2 = Somewhat developed financial planning, ad-hoc updates, budget used operationally, performance monitored
occasionally.
3 = Solid financial plans regularly updated, budget integrated into operations, performance monitored regularly.
4 = Highly developed financial plans, continuously updated, budget fully integrated into operations, performance monitored
closely and regularly, conducts annual audit.
Comments:

5.2 Financial Health & 0 = No plans or action taken to fundraise. No awareness of financial health.
Funding Model 1 = Limited plans or action taken to fundraise. Strong dependence on 1-2 funders of the same type. Inadequate bookkeeping
to assess financial health.
2 = Somewhat developed plans to fundraise, 1-2 potential new sources, bookkeeping system is developed but reflects poor
financial health.
3 = Solid plans to pursue multiple diverse funding streams with partnerships and funding solidified or in pipeline. Financial
statements are consistently updated and provide accurate look at financial health.
4 = Plans and action taken to secure multiple diverse funding streams. Multiple agreements solidified for the long-term, has
sponsors/supporters capable of ensuring continued operation and effectiveness. Financial statements are accurate and
reflect positive outlook.
Comments:

6.0 Entrepreneur Average score of 5.1-5.4

Management
6.1 Pipeline Development 0 = Low quality and quantity of applicants.
1 = Limited flow of quality applicants. Weak to non-existent alumni network.
2 = Somewhat limited cycle of high quality, competitive applicants.
3 = Adequately competitive and diverse flow of applicants, relatively engaged alumni network.
4 = Highly competitive entry of entrepreneurs. Strong, engaged, reputable alumni network.
Comments:

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6.2 Selection Criteria & 0 = No clear selection criteria, linked to weak pipeline or outreach.
Process 1 = Very ambiguous and subjective selection criteria, no application form available, linked to weak pipeline.
2 = Ambiguous selection criteria not uniformly applied to all applicants. Standard application available, sometimes used.
3 = Defined selection criteria and process with components assessing business model, stage, and entrepreneurial tendency.
Standard application available and always used.
4 = Well-defined and transparent selection criteria with emphasis on business model evaluation, product development
stage, and entrepreneurial tendency. Process is transparent and uniform, standard application always used.
Comments:

6.3 Graduation Criteria 0 = No clear graduation criteria.

1 = Very ambiguous graduation criteria, little to businesses officially graduated.
2 = Ambiguous graduation criteria, few businesses fully cycle through program.
3 = Defined graduation policy, most businesses adhere.
4 = Well-defined graduation policy, consistent evidence of businesses exiting services once satisfying criteria.
Comments:

6.4 Monitoring and 0 = No client information collected.

Evaluation 1 = Limited M&E framework, minimal to no effort to collect client performance information.
2 = Somewhat developed M&E framework, occasional effort to collect client performance information.
3 = Developed M&E framework, regularly collects information on client performance with clear performance milestones.
4 = Well-developed M&E framework used to regularly collect information on client performance, integrates findings to
improve services, uses a client resource management system.
Comments:

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Resources:

SEBI business performance assessment report

SMEDI: Measuring the performance of business incubators

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/239805633_Measuring_the_performance_of_business_incu
bators

Guidelines – metrics & milestones for successful incubator development

https://assets.aspeninstitute.org/content/uploads/files/content/docs/resources/A%20White
%20Paper_Metrics%20%20Milestones%20for%20Incubators.pdf

Mckinsey organizational capacity assessment tool

https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/industries/social%20sector/working%20with%20us/how
%20we%20help%20clients/organizational%20capacity%20assessment%20tool/ocat_brochure_v6.ashx

http://www.1000ventures.com/business_guide/business_incubator_checklist_byvk.html

Infodev Incubator tookit:

http://www.infodev.org/business-incubation-toolkit

ASME toolkit

High-touch (member of incubator cohort, receive ongoing financial and non-financial support services):
Light-touch (attend events, provide occasional guidance, do not provide extensive non-financial or
financial services, approx estimate):

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