Area entrepreneurs now have a little more help available to hatch their fledgling businesses. Beginning Oct. 1. the Technology Incubator West Houston formally opened its doors to individuals and early-stage businesses. The organization, based in the Brazos Valley Schools Credit Union building, adjacent to the Katy Area Economic Development Council, hopes to provide consulting and even some office space to early-stage businesses.

"New businesses usually need a constellation of help," said Jeffrey Linder, Business Advisor with the University of Houston Small Business Development Center in Fort Bend County.

Linder, who is on the TIWH board of advisors, said that not every start-up company will need close-proximity help but most businesses need some guidance in building a realistic business plan.

After an initial review fee of $250, the incubator offers access to the organization's consulting staff and board of directors for $150 per month. The board, which the group hopes to continue to expand, is comprised of experts in business law, venture capital, insurance, and a variety of other facets important to starting up a business.

TIWH also offers about 2,000 square feet of space that the start-ups can rent. Each of seven cubicles is available for $450 per month. Organizers say that many new businesses simply cannot afford the overhead costs that come with operating an office.

The group hopes to attract businesses that are not yet able to qualify for similar support services through programs like Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, said TIWH's interim executive director and experienced CPA Art Beatty.

In the Goldman Sachs program hosted at Houston Community College, about three businesses apply for every one that gets accepted, said Beatty, who is also an instructor with that program. Many of the companies that do not make the cut are denied because they aren't in strong enough shape. The advisors at TIWH hope to be able to intervene in such cases with their clients.

"One of the most valuable services they can provide is keeping businesses that are not ready from launching," said Frank Lombard, Vice President of the Katy Area EDC.

Many entrepreneurs in the early stages don't have access to outside investors. This often causes them to overextend the resources of their family in support of their idea, he said. If it fails, it may drag the family's balance sheet down along with the business.

The presence of an organized incubator, along with the existing connections of the board members, allows more access to capital—to so-called "Angel" investors as well as advice for seeking loans.

TIWH is a branch of the non-profit Katy Technology and Education Foundation. Technology Incubator West Houston, 483 FM 1463. 281-396-2201.