How do I apply for the Business Factory incubation program?

The application process for Business Factory is always open. You must fill out the form available on the website and submit your application quickly and easily, any day of the year.

Do I have to have a registered company to apply for incubation?

No. Anyone who already has a registered company (with a maximum of 3 years of activity) or just a business idea they are looking to implement can apply to Business Factory.

Is it mandatory to have the company registered in Mafra or Portugal to apply for incubation?

No. You can benefit from the advantages of the incubation program from any geographical location where the company's headquarters are located.

I want to be incubated virtually, do I have to register?

Yes, you will always have to register through the form available on the website.

How does the selection and admission process to the incubator work?

After submitting the application form, the candidate will be invited to a meeting to personally present their business or project. There will then be a period of analysis and decision-making by the incubator management, with the candidate subsequently informed of the final decision.

How long does it take for Business Factory to decide on admission?

After the interview, the candidate will be informed of the admission decision within a maximum of five working days, via email, by the Mafra City Hall.

What are the evaluation criteria for applications for incubation at Business Factory?

The evaluation criteria for applications are:

␥ Project with an innovative product/service;

␥ Alignment with the strategic sectors defined for each incubation hub;

␥ Reasonableness and viability of the presented project;

␥ Implementation capacity of the promoting team;

␥ Contribution to greater competitiveness and innovation in the municipality of Mafra;

␥ Financial sustainability and growth potential.

What types of projects or companies are accepted by Business Factory?

Innovative, technological, and sustainable business projects or ideas are accepted, provided they are associated with the incubator's strategic areas, namely: Tourism, Blue Economy, and Agri-food. Other projects not included in the indicated priority areas may be accepted, provided they have innovation and differentiation in relation to other businesses already established in the market, and that they contribute to a more innovative and competitive municipality of Mafra.

If my project is accepted, how long can I stay at Business Factory?

Projects accepted to join the Business Factory community while incubated may remain for up to three years, a period that cannot be renewed. After the incubation period, the project will continue to be part of the community, in the alumni network.

If I am not accepted for incubation, can I apply again?

Yes. There is no limit to the number of times you can apply, as you can improve your project or start another one.

What is expected of my presence at Business Factory?

At Business Factory, we believe that while you can go faster alone, together we will certainly go further. We have a network of mentors and partners, and activities, focused on one goal: adding value to projects, making the path to success easier. Thus, we hope that there will be a spirit of community and mutual support among entrepreneurs. We ask our incubatees to participate, whenever possible, in the activities promoted and to be open to sharing knowledge and suggestions/ideas that can further energize the entrepreneurial community and the local innovation ecosystem.

How could my startup benefit from being part of Business Factory?

Here, every day is about learning and achievements. Being part of Business Factory means having access to an environment that encourages the sharing and exchange of knowledge, with a regular schedule of internal events, exclusive to members, and open to the community, with guests, in order to maintain connections with various players and representatives of the Portuguese entrepreneurial ecosystem.