Abstract
Entrepreneurship is an engine for economic development worldwide ( Kelley, Singer, & Herrington 2016 ). For developing economies, the importance of entrepreneurship is associated with increased productivity and reduction in the rising unemployment rates, particularly among the youths. Consequently, several models and support programmes have been designed to facilitate successful entrepreneurial activities amongst youth. The article discusses the business acceleration model of the Global Business Labs (GBL) which is replicated in Botswana, Namibia and Uganda based on a Swedish model, between 2012 and 2015 but failed in Mozambique and Zambia. Using a multiple case study method, this article presents the results of a cross-country case analysis of the GBL programme with a view to understand the emergence of a business accelerator. Despite replication of the programme in respect of concepts, materials and operational systems, the cases reveal variations in operational experiences and acceleration performance across the five countries. Using the emergence theory, the article highlights these differences. The major contribution of the study to theory, in determining how business accelerators come into being, includes the duality of intentions and exchange between key stakeholders and the resource burst as a triggering mechanism in developing countries. The study further informs development of a model for successful business acceleration launch and subsequent performance for developing economies.
Highlights
The importance of entrepreneurship, and mainly new venture creation, is associated with increased productivity and reduction in the rising unemployment rates, among the youths in SubSahara where they are twice likely to be unemployed (Ahaibwe & Mbowa, 2014)
Reports to donors and Global Business Labs (GBL) and company records were reviewed. These were supported by accounts made by the GBL country managers and coaches from the three countries with a view to provide a better understanding of the implementation and performance of GBL across the three countries
The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) funding for Botswana and Namibia covered 18 months of the start-up process, while Uganda was funded for three years
Summary
The importance of entrepreneurship, and mainly new venture creation, is associated with increased productivity and reduction in the rising unemployment rates, among the youths in SubSahara where they are twice likely to be unemployed (Ahaibwe & Mbowa, 2014). The founder at this time was responsible for Stockholm School of Economics Business Lab (SSEBL) which was fairly successful considering survival and growth in their start-ups over a five-year period especially in comparison to other Swedish Incubators as shown in the graphs below (Figures 2–4). This was the essence of the presentation together with potential benefits for the university, aspiring entrepreneurs, faculty and the local economy which were considered critical stakeholders to the model. Such companies are expected to contribute to poverty reduction through the creation of jobs and wealth
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