BenchMarks Incubator is an 12 week intensive program that pairs early-stage entrepreneurs with Business Case Managers to work on a defined goal in.

 

The prototyping of the merger began with Benchmarks Incubator 2025 (BM2025), which initiates our restructured program of combining our former Benchmarks and Capital Ready programs from 2024 and prior. This program acts as a 101! BM2025 combines the Business Formalization/Strategy + Financial Management/Development elements of our program portfolio. 

 

Core Themes: business planning, marketing, financial management, capital access.

 

The program is an in-person workshop and class session format, cohort based program. Applicants should be prepared to spend at least 4 hours per week on the program, including meetings and workshops. The program runs from February to May and requires a $75 non-refundable deposit.

 

The ideal candidate for the program:

• Is operating a for-profit business in New Orleans or GNO

• Has under $150k in annual business revenue

• Is past idea stage, meaning has at least one sale of a good or service, even if a prototype.

• Is early-stage, i.e. has been in business for less than 2 years and/or doesn't have some key business elements such as a business plan, registration, bank account, permits, license, or method of tracking finances.

If you aren't sure you meet these criteria, we encourage you to submit the application anyway as we consider each application on a case-by-case basis.

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APPLICATIONS OPENS JANUARY 2026