The aim of a startup incubator is to help entrepreneurs set up and launch their businesses. Thinking about joining one? Here’s everything you need to know.

Starting a business isn’t easy. It is a sizeable task and can be quite difficult if you aren’t sure what to expect. If you have decided to take the leap and start your own business, there are a few pitfalls you should try to avoid. Any of the following have the possibility to sabotage your new business and quickly take your success and turn it into a failure. Here are five mistakes you should avoid if you are starting a business for the first time.

Anyone can come up with a great idea. It’s taking that idea and turning it into a business that can be difficult. Before you start hiring employees or renting office space, you need to first construct your business plan. Devising a well thought out business plan will help you stay organized and focused, and will increase your startup’s chance for success.

When building a startup company, there are steps you will need to take. But before you get into constructing the business plan, there is one question you should first address; am I solving a real need, or a perceived need?   

When characterizing a great business leader, words such as confident, persuasive, or assertive probably come to mind. However, according to a recent study, there is a trait that's even more valuable when it comes to good leadership. A recent study by The Wall Street Journal identified humility as one of the most important traits for a business leader to possess. 

Although the concept of content marketing has been around for hundreds of years, it has recently become increasingly popular due to the rise of the internet and social media. Content marketing differs from traditional marketing approaches in that it isn't focused on the company's brand, products, or services. It's all about the target audience. What matters to them? And how can you offer them something no one else can?

If you have ever seen a Hedgehog before, you may wonder how the quills on their back work. When a hedgehog falls, its spine functions as a shock-absorber and protects it. If these quills could somehow be replicated for humans, they could potentially offer similar protection. This is where Hedgemon, a Cleveland-based technology startup, enters. 

How SPR Therapeutics is Changing the Game with new Nerve Stimulation Technology 

To measure glucose levels, those with diabetes must suffer the frequent – and painful – finger pricks required of most home monitors.

Nordson Corp.’s Lorain County roots run deep.

In the early days of 3-D printing, MakerGear founder Rick Pollack bootstrapped a small business making components in his Shaker Heights garage.

As cyber criminals become increasingly sophisticated, digital crime has grown at an alarming rate, motivating businesses of all sizes to strengthen their cybersecurity protocols and hire new talent.

All successful companies start as an idea, but at some point, that idea has to generate sales if the business is to succeed.

With a doctorate in engineering from Case Western Reserve University, Simon Melikian knew a lot about building technology when he founded Recognition Robotics.

I was in Tuscaloosa, Alabama visiting my mother-in-law a few weekends ago.  One of the things I always do while I’m there is visit the University of Alabama. That got me thinking about the entrepreneurship space. 

Money makes startups fast.

As you begin your journey as an entrepreneur what are your expectations? If you’re like many new entrepreneurs, you’re probably thinking you have a great idea for a new business. You assume you’ll dedicate your time and talents to your startup for the next year or two, get it to positive cash flow in three years, and in five years you will be in control of your destiny. You’ll be in charge of a profitable business venture with opportunities to either grow it or sell it.

Negotiating a license agreement is hard, especially when you’re the small, young company in the deal. Here are the top five mistakes startups make when negotiating.

You’ve made it as an entrepreneur. Your startup has positive cash flow, proven growth, and a strong management team. What’s next? No problem, you say. Just sell the company for big bucks. Easier said than done. Here are the things you need to think about before considering acquisition.

Applying for funding when you're a cash strapped entrepreneur can be stressful. Developing the financials for your business can bring on additional stress, but it doesn't have to. As long as you have a well thought out business plan, doing the financials to go with it is just a matter of putting the dollars to the business tasks. Here are my seven rules of effective startup financials.