Entrepreneuship is not for everyone. Going into business for yourself, becoming an entrepreneur, is the modern-day equivalent of pioneering on the old frontier. Innovation comes from people meeting up in the hallways or calling each other at 10:30 at night with a new idea, or because they realized something that shoots holes in how they've been thinking about a problem. It's a dynamic, challenging and still rewarding pursuit. 

Incubation is not for everyone. Our process, and our programs, are not for the faint of heart. It is not easy to become a CEI client. The process to submit, be evaluated and then accepted means you will be challenged. But, if you can make it, you will be rewarded. 

"Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower."   – Steve Jobs

Once you've recognized that being an entrepreneur is in your genetic make-up, is CEI for you? Is an incubator for you? 

Who is eligible to become a CEI client?

CEI carefully selects client companies based on the following criteria according to the guidelines listed below:

• Planning. You have a realistic business and marketing plan with projections to grow your business.
• Financial resources. Your credit history is reasonable and you have the financial resources to launch a business.
• Management. You have a strong management team with at least one person working full-time.
• Fit with CEI resources. The needs of your business match the resources available within our program.
• Fit with other incubator clients. You will not be directly competing with other CEI clients.
• Legal status. No legal claims or lawsuits are pending against your business.
• “Scalability” and job creation potential. Your business can create multiple jobs at wages that exceed the county average.
• Local commitment. You plan to stay in the Phoenix area and/or Arizona after “graduation” from our program.
• Proprietary innovation. You have proprietary technology or innovative processes, or other barriers to entering competition.