My startup lives in the student business incubator at the University of Northern Iowa (along with 9 others). We don't get any startup funding like you would thr

My startup lives in the student business incubator at the University of Northern Iowa (along with 9 others). We don't get any startup funding like you would through YC (they are working on that), but we get a free office, furniture, computers, software, and, most importantly, a lot of free counseling. We have free access to professionals with backgrounds in marketing, venture capital, intellectual property, accountants, and more. They also offer a number of programs/perks, like workshops on various aspects of business development, networking events, speakers, negotiated rates with lawyers and other services, classes on entrepreneurship, and access to grants and interest free loans. With their guidance I was able to win money in some business plan competitions and drop to part time in order to fully pursue the business. Recently they have helped us find a few angel investors as well. Without them I'm not sure where I would be. I started out as a single founder and now I'm to the stage where I can bring on three or four friends/employees full time to help me take things to the next level. Perhaps the best part is the constant ability to both collaborate and give back. There are opportunities everywhere for bouncing ideas around and helping other startups with their problems.