The Web site features expert advice, case studies, podcasts, online discussions, and other resources, and the national newspaper is introducing a regular Monday feature for SMEs.

According to Statistics Canada, 25% of new businesses launched in the last decade ceased to operate within their first two years. Only one-third survive to five years and one-fifth to 10 years.

“Entrepreneurs juggle day-to-day operational demands with the need to lead their companies to growth and success," says Noel Hulsman, Web site editor. "It’s a 24/7 pressure-cooker. The Business Incubator is like a personal business advisory board, giving access to invaluable expertise, experience and insights. Learning the lessons of others will help SME entrepreneurs raise the chances of their own success.”

The site’s content will include regular video panel discussions with a team of business specialists including: Brian Scudmore, founder at age 18 of 1-800-Got-Junk; Jordan Banks, CEO of JumpTV and former managing director, eBay Canada; Mark McQueen, president and CEO, Wellington Financial LP, a privately held specialty finance firm; Mark Healy, partner, Torque Consumer Strategy, and an engineer and marketing guru; Mat Wilcox, CEO, Wilcox Group, a national corporate communications and crisis management consulting firm; and Dr. Becky Reuber, researcher, teacher and consultant in entrepreneurship at the Rotman School of Management.

It will also include: moderated online discussions with prominent CEOs, successful entrepreneurs, and business specialists; assessments of current Canadian businesses with commentary by experts on how they can enhance their operations and strategies; and regular podcasts on hot business management topics.

“The Business Incubator is a powerful site for small and medium businesses to access leading-edge tools and information to help them drive their businesses forward," says Willa Black, director of corporate marketing of Cisco, the presenting sponsor of The Business Incubator. "It brings the editorial strength and scope of The Globe and Mail to life in a dynamic 2.0 environment, demonstrating the full potential of the human network.”

The launch of the Business Incubator will be supported by advertising online as well as within Globe and Mail properties.