Entrepreneurs join an incubator hoping to emerge with a larger, more resilient business, but many underestimate the real investment of time and money the process demands, says Chantal de Kock, general manager at Fetola Business Development Professionals.
Know what you’re signing up for before you join
Entering an incubator with your eyes open means understanding whether the programme genuinely aligns with your needs, and whether you are actually willing and able to meet its requirements, not just its potential upside.
Five commitments entrepreneurs consistently underestimate
- Monthly reporting on key performance indicators. The time and admin this takes is routinely underestimated.
- Time out of the office for workshops and networking events. These sessions add up over the course of a programme.
- Fees for certain services. Some incubators charge for consultant interventions or workshop registration, and these costs need to be understood upfront, not discovered mid-programme.
- Time out of the office for mentorship sessions. Often held off-site, these can carry additional travel or logistics costs.
- Costs not covered by the programme. Services like graphic design or media support may be included, but printing and placement costs are often for the entrepreneur’s own account.
Frequently asked questions
Do business incubators typically charge fees on top of any funding they provide?
Some do, for specific services like consultant interventions or workshop registration, so confirming exactly what is and isn’t covered before joining avoids unwelcome surprises.
How much time should an entrepreneur realistically expect to spend on incubator requirements each month?
More than most expect. Monthly reporting alone is routinely underestimated, on top of workshops, networking events and mentorship sessions that require time away from the business.
What is the biggest mistake entrepreneurs make when evaluating an incubator programme?
Focusing only on the potential funding or resources on offer, without seriously weighing the genuine time and financial commitment the programme will require in return.
Go in with realistic expectations, not just hope
An incubator can genuinely accelerate a business, but only for entrepreneurs who understand and accept the full financial and time commitment before signing up, not partway through the programme.
Further reading: Is My Business Funding Ready? | Department of Trade, Industry and Competition for official small business support information
Originally published in March 2019. Updated September 2026 to tighten this guidance from Fetola’s Chantal de Kock on the real commitments of joining a business incubator. The five commitments remain the same ones entrepreneurs underestimate most.
