The role of trainers in entrepreneurship training

Abstract

Business training programs have been created to support and grow economies throughout the developing world by cultivating and strengthening small businesses. In general, these training programs have made little impact on businesses, likely because few entrepreneurs engage and apply the principles and practices they are taught. Little research has been done to understand how to facilitate an entrepreneur’s adoption of better business practices. Using multiple case analysis, this study addresses this research gap through examining the role and experiences of seven trainers and coaches in two business training programs in Lima, Peru. Trainers and coaches were found to play a crucial role in managing groups of entrepreneurs to engage in the training and to put the principles into practice in their own businesses. Effective trainers and coaches use a variety of strategies and resources that go far beyond their official responsibility to deliver the content of the training program. This study shows that skilled trainers and coaches are an invaluable part of effective training programs and should not be overlooked in the discussion of how to design and implement effective business training programs in developing countries.