Decide what you actually need
Incubators vary: some focus on investment readiness, some on labs or technology, and others on getting businesses trading. List your next three constraints—perhaps workspace, customer acquisition, fulfilment or commercial experience—then judge every programme against them.
Ask who gives the advice
Find out whether mentors currently operate businesses, how often you can see them and whether their experience matches your model. A celebrated speaker once a quarter is different from an operator who can look at this week’s numbers.
Understand the full cost
Compare rent, membership, equity, programme fees and time commitments. Free space can materially extend runway, but only if it is genuinely usable. Ask what is included: meeting rooms, registered address, internet, warehouse access and support all affect the real value.
Choose the room, not just the desk
A useful peer group shares problems openly, exchanges contacts and maintains momentum. Visit if possible. Notice whether founders are working and trading, whether introductions happen naturally, and whether the culture feels candid.
Look for a clear next stage
A good programme should help you become independent, not dependent. Ask what success looks like, how long support lasts and how businesses prepare to leave. The aim is a stronger company with its own customers, processes and decisions.