Author(s) :

Emmanuel Chao, Nsubili Isaga, Jerum Kilumile, Johakim John.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Business incubators (BIs) have been recognized as among the effective tools in providing assistance to most startups. The number of BIs have been growing tremendously in both developed and developing countries including Tanzania. study aims at identifying the emerging challenges facing BIs in implementing their activities in Tanzania. Studying the challenges facing BI is important as we get to know the potential areas that needs intervention hence enhance BI’s performance. The study was conducted in Dar es salaam and Iringa in eastern and southern highland parts of Tanzania respectively. The choice of the two regions was due to the fact that, these are among the regions with reasonably many BIs programs and startups. The study employed qualitative methods to answer the research question. Purposive approach was employed to select 15 BIs, the approach was employed as it allowed researchers to choose the suitable BIs which will easily provide answers. Data for the study were collected through in-depth interviews, and semi-structured questionnaires. Content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Results indicates that, BI centers are facing a lot of challenges which can be categorized into two groups: BI centers-based challenges (financial constraints, limited space and infrastructure, lack of collaboration among Labs), and incubates based challenges (Unwillingness, less commitment, and unfaithfulness). Therefore, it is important to consider the incubates based challenges, incubators-based challenges and working environment challenges when studying the challenges facing BIs. Keywords: Business incubators, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Startups, SMEs

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