Evaluation of the impact of an entrepreneurship training program in Recife, Brazil

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to understand in a qualitative context, the importance of the EMPRETEC entrepreneurship training in an emerging country context of Brazil. This helps to understand the capacity of entrepreneurship education to improve the ability of individuals to generate new business opportunities.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected through three semi-structured interview scripts and analyzed with the support of the NVIVO qualitative analysis software using Bardin content analysis.FindingsThe findings support the assertion that in emerging economies, entrepreneurship education is increasingly important in transforming society through enabling individuals to progress in their careers and life.Research limitations/implicationsIt was concluded that the EMPRETEC course fulfilled the objective of encouraging entrepreneurial behavior and stimulating the trainees to contribute to the economic growth of the country. The implication was that participation in entrepreneurship education is strictly interconnected to the success of the trainees.Practical implicationsThe study found that there are positive practical outcomes for the trainees’, teachers’ and managers’ perceptions involved in the Entrepreneurship Training Program – EMPRETEC.Originality/valueThe paper helps understand the role of the trainees’ (EMPRETECos), teachers’ and managers’ perceptions of the Program at SEBRAE/Recife about the impact of the Entrepreneurship Training Program – EMPRETEC.