With the snip of a scissors and support from the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, Kolleen Meyer-Krikac celebrates the launch of her new business -- Balanced Life -- a counseling and life coaching service.

Meyer-Krikac isn't new to entrepreneurship. She had her own private practice in counseling for 11 years.

"When I added the coaching part it changed the whole way I had to think about my business," said Meyer-Krikac.

The change led Meyer-Krikac to find some coaching of her own - business coaching from a program at Southeast Community College, known as the Business Incubator.

The incubator offers new businesses a safe, supportive environment to develop in before taking the leap out on their own. Tenants also get discounted rent, shared resources and advice from their own "in-house" consultants, the teaching experts.

But, SCC Entrepreneurship Center Director, Tim Mittan, said the program isn't for the faint of heart.

You must apply and interview, have a business plan or at least a business description, and meet with staff quarterly during the three year program.

"We thought that if we could create a place for people to have a low -risk start to starting a business that it would actually be beneficial to them," said Mittan. And so far, he seems to be right.

In just 2 1/2 years, the program has rapidly grown to its capacity of 14 businesses.

"What I think makes it successful is one the proximity of all the businesses," said Mittan.

From alcohol abuse counseling, to computer consultants and life coaches -- the businesses are all different, but they face similar hurdles getting started.

David Hefley's Meridian Consulting Inc. has been in the incubator for almost two years. He recently hired his first employee and said having the built in support system of people sharing his struggles, is one of the program's highlights.

Meyer-Krikac agrees, hoping her time in the nest will help Balanced Life, spread its wings.

For more information on the incubator program, contact Tim Mittan at tmittan@southeast.edu or Linda Hartman at lhartman@southeast.edu.