The City of Lockport is looking for Entrepreneurs who want FREE SPACE for their Startup Company.

There are two prime office locations in Lockport's Historic Downtown that the City owns. Instead of seeing the space go to waste, the City Council has decided to recruit businesses who have a great plan (but limited resources) to set up shop. Our purpose is to help those startups get on their feet by providing them with rent free space for a year and, when up and running (and making money), to locate within the City Limits.

Download a Request For Proposal here: PDF >

Available Spaces and Qualifiers

Two spaces: 921 South State Street (2nd Floor) and the Lockport Train Station on West 13th Street. Floor Plan - 133 West 13th Street: click here > Floor Plan - 921 South State Street: click here > The City of Lockport is implementing an Incubator Program to encourage new or early stage business that will complement the community’s business mix and create jobs, grow the local economy and locate in Lockport. The City will be reaching out and advertising the program to local papers, MBA Programs, the venture capital/private equity community and business publications about the competitive application process. The City will determine the application deadlines. Once all applications are submitted, a committee will review and make a recommendation to the City Council. The goal of this program is to provide a physical location for start-up companies that will reduce the company's overhead and operational costs. Space is offered at no charge initially, than at below-market rates. Over time, the rent will be increased based on the square footage of the space utilized. When the business “graduates’ from the program, as determined by periodic reviews, the company must move elsewhere within the City. In this way, the City will create a strong cycle of innovation and business creation. The end result is the City will support healthy firms that create jobs and wealth, strengthen the economy, commercialize new technologies and revitalize the community.

The following list constitutes the qualifications and expectations for a successful applicant. Candidates should meet the majority of these qualifiers:   New or early stage business. The business should be 3 years old or less. Some businesses operating longer may be permitted if the business is going in an entirely new direction (i.e. significantly re-organizing for expansion from home-based). A specific, and realistically viable business concept, and not simply a general goal to "own my own business." The business is likely to survive and grow into a sustainable company and function outside the Incubator in one to four years. Completed Plan - Potential participants must prepare a business plan which contains, among other sections, executive summary, potential markets and size of market, growth potential, financial projections, exit strategies and best estimate of length of stay. Participants should be directly involved in the production of this important document. Intent to remain in Lockport after "graduation." Graduation requirements are set by development benchmarks, such as company revenues or staffing levels, rather than time in the program. Capital/Means of Support - A candidate for admission should have adequate capitalization to provide for four to six months of viable operation (to be outlined in the business plan); or if a very small operation, have sufficient means to cover office lease and personal living expenses for an extended period while business is growing. However, if the applicant obviously is in possession of capital/existing revenue adequate to acquire a commercially available office space, and space is the only concern, that route may be better suited. Potential to employ others. Business 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. Fit - Generally compatible with the community, and willingness to support and promote the Incubator concept. Does not weaken or alter the Incubator Program’s image or purpose, nor negatively impact other business operations. Willingness to provide status reports to the City’s incubator committee. Limited Duplication of Existing Businesses - Entry of new businesses that closely resemble existing participants will be judged on a case-by-case basis to rule out potential conflicts. Also, the presence of a significant number of identical/similar businesses already in the community may be a limiting factor. Non-Profits can be considered for admission into the Incubator, but require consideration and approval by the entire City Council. Download a Request For Proposal here: PDF >