The Impact of Engagement on the Success of New Entrepreneurs in Business Incubators

December 3, 2025

The Impact of Engagement on the Success of New Entrepreneurs in Business Incubators

Staci Boone | 2025

Abstract

This qualitative case study explored how engagement, mentorship, and concern influence the success of new entrepreneurs participating in business incubator programs. Using a bounded case study design, the study collected data through the purposeful sampling method and one-on-one semistructured interviews with seven former incubator participants. The findings revealed that consistent, multimodal communication; clearly defined mentorship structures; and authentic concern from mentors are critical to building trust, accountability, and entrepreneurial growth. Participants reported that mentorship was most effective when it balanced technical guidance and personal support that helped them navigate the constraints, develop strategic plans, create business plans, and expand their professional networks. This study contributes to the scholarly literature by emphasizing the relational dynamics of mentorship and highlighting the need for structured, emotionally connected, expansive mentor–mentee interactions for practitioners. Limitations of the study include a geographically specific sample and reliance on self-reported data. Future research should expand the net to include mentor perspectives and use mixed methods to broaden the understanding of successful business incubator programs.

Keywords: engagement, business incubator, mentors, concern

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