Abstract:

Emerging researches in entrepreneurship education literature provide evidence that entrepreneurship boot camp is an important platform for training and mentoring of young entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship boot camp involves an intensive programme designed for individuals seeking to think and act entrepreneurially. The programme teaches efficient and proven methods to validate business concepts by getting hands –on assistance in using these methods as well as testing business ideas over an intensive period of activities interacting with mentors and early stage investors. However, there is no substantial evidence in research documenting an assessment of the impact of entrepreneurship boot camp on training and mentoring of young entrepreneurs particularly in developing countries. The study first assessed the impact of entrepreneurship boot camp on training, effectiveness and productivity of young entrepreneurs, and secondly examined the effects of the programme on mentorship, access to relevant knowledge and entrepreneurial networks. The motivation towards tackling unemployment through entrepreneurship development has actuated researchers, policy makers, institutional training bodies and other stakeholders to understand the impact of entrepreneurship boot camp on training and mentoring of young entrepreneurs. This could enhance and enrich the design of more effective entrepreneurship boot camp programmes geared towards equipping participants with the necessary skills, knowledge and network for entrepreneurial success. The study was based on the boot camp organized by Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP). Random sampling of 300 participants was used and Structural equation modeling was employed to test the proposed model. Exploratory factor analysis was used to test the validity of the constructs understudied. The study contributed positively to theory building by examining the impact of entrepreneurship boot camp on training and mentoring of young entrepreneurs. Recommendations were made that will contribute positively to the development of entrepreneurship and use of boot camp for promoting entrepreneurship education in Nigeria.

Keywords:

Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Boot Camp, Training, Mentoring, Young Entrepreneurs.