Startup readiness: Effectiveness of university incubators and mentorship programs in higher education
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35564/jmbe.2026.0007Keywords:
university incubators, mentorship programs, student entrepreneurs, entrepreneurial preparedness, startup successAbstract
This study evaluates the effectiveness of university incubators and mentorship programs in preparing students for startup ventures. Using a quantitative descriptive–correlational design grounded in a positivist paradigm, data were collected from 251 graduating students of Quezon City University (QCU) who participated in entrepreneurship support programs during the first semester of Academic Year 2024–2025. A structured survey measured business planning, financial management, marketing skills, entrepreneurial decision-making, and early startup success (operationalized through revenue generation, customer acquisition, and business continuity). Statistical analyses included paired-sample t-tests, Pearson correlation, chi-square tests, and multiple regression. Results revealed significant improvements in all entrepreneurial competencies (p < 0.001), with business planning showing the highest gains. Strong positive relationships were found between program participation and decision-making abilities. Startups of participants demonstrated significantly higher early success rates compared to non-participants. Despite these outcomes, challenges such as limited resources and mentor–mentee mismatches were identified. The findings highlight the critical role of structured entrepreneurship programs in enhancing student startup readiness and provide practical implications for program design and policy development in higher education.
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