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Mentoring in Entrepreneurship Support: Some Basics

Mentoring is offered as a feature to support entrepreneurs in a variety of entrepreneurship support programs, including incubators, accelerators, small business chambers, and entrepreneurship education initiatives. Mentoring is a popular entrepreneurship support intervention, and it can be offered either as a main focus or as one of several features in a package of offerings.

Written by Jessica Looze, Phil Berkaw and Sameeksha Desai

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Starting a new business can be difficult. It often requires gathering information and attaining specialized knowledge, as well as developing new skills and connecting to a variety of individuals and resources. Mentorship is widely seen as a way to support entrepreneurs by connecting them with the information, resources, and networks they need, including partners, customers, and investors. Mentorship can provide feedback, reassurance, and motivation to help entrepreneurs solve problems and navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business. They can also serve as role models for entrepreneurs.

Does mentorship matter…

  • For entrepreneurial aspirations and starting a new business?
  • For business growth and survival?
  • For entrepreneurs’ abilities and self-confidence?

What does this mean for entrepreneurship supporters?

Download the Brief [PDF]
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