Accelerating Growth of Businesses through Networking Services, Incubation Infrastructure and Management Mentoring: A Perspective of Startups in Kenya
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Date
2023-09
Authors
Muathe, Stephen M.A.
Otieno, Victor
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
IJRBS
Abstract
Worldwide, startup businesses are essential for any country's economic development. Despite the rapid
growth of start-ups, their likelihood of success and viability remain low. This trend is more observed
in developing countries due to the low uptake of business incubation services such as Kenya. The aim
of the current study was to determine the effect of networking services, physical incubation, and
management mentoring on the growth of start-ups in Kenya. The study was based on the social network
theory, the theory of the firm, the stochastic theory and the trait theory of entrepreneurship. A crosssectional research design was used. A sample size of 227 respondents was selected from a total
population of 567 respondents using proportionate stratified and simple random sampling techniques.
Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed with multiple
linear regression with the help of SPSS. The finding of the study indicated that there was a positive and
significant effect between networking services, physical incubation infrastructure and management
mentoring and growth of startups. The study suggests that startups should join associations like the
Associations of Startups and SME Enablers of Kenya and the Association of Countrywide Innovation
Hubs to access incubation infrastructure. This will allow access to investor networks, civil society
programs, and government agencies, accelerating business growth. Additionally, business incubators
can partner with universities for specialized research in areas like health, agriculture, and climate
change through the triple helix model.
Description
Article
Keywords
Startups, Networking, Incubation, Infrastructure, Mentoring
Citation
tephen M.A. Muathe, & Otieno, V. (2023). Accelerating growth of businesses through networking services, incubation infrastructure and management mentoring: A perspective of startups in Kenya. International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147- 4478), 12(6), 318–326. https://doi.org/10.20525/ijrbs.v12i6.2785