History of Cincinnati Business Incubator 

Since its inception in 1989, when Cincinnati Business Incubator was organized as the Cincinnati Minority and Female Business Incubator, CBI has been the only local business incubator that focuses on the needs of small minority- and women-owned businesses in what is now known as Cincinnati’s Empowerment Zone. With CBI’s unique location within the Empowerment Zone and by providing access to targeted tax incentives, loans and federally-supported business programs all within a supportive and friendly business environment, the organization is helping small businesses learn how to triple their chances of success. 

From 1991 – 2002, those improved odds have translated into –
• 98 tenant and affiliate businesses associated with CBI, 84% of which were minority owned and 43% of which were women owned,
• Sales of more than $25.5 million and
• The creation of 504 new jobs, 69%of which were filled by low-to moderate-income residents.

Fact

Small businesses have a survival rate of 66% for the first two years after start-up, 49.6% after four years and 39.5% after six years (1989-1992) -- Source: Small Business by the Numbers, Answers to Frequently Asked Questions, SBA's Office of Advocacy

Why CBI?

No other incubator shares our focus, to help women and minorities open a business and run it successfully within Cincinnati’s urban neighborhoods. The environment, and the challenges, are unique. The solutions aren’t magic. They emanate from experience.