Accelerating growth of businesses through networking services, incubation infrastructure and management mentoring: A perspective of startups in Kenya

Worldwide, startup businesses are essential for any country's economic development. Despite the rapid growth of start-ups, their likelihood of success and viability remain low. This trend is more observed in developing countries due to the low uptake of business incubation services such as Kenya. The aim of the current study was to determine the effect of networking services, physical incubation, and management mentoring on the growth of start-ups in Kenya. The study was based on the social network theory, the theory of the firm, the stochastic theory and the trait theory of entrepreneurship. A cross-sectional research design was used. A sample size of 227 respondents was selected from a total population of 567 respondents using proportionate stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed with multiple linear regression with the help of SPSS. The finding of the study indicated that there was a positive and significant effect between networking services, physical incubation infrastructure and management mentoring and growth of startups. The study suggests that startups should join associations like the Associations of Startups and SME Enablers of Kenya and the Association of Countrywide Innovation Hubs to access incubation infrastructure. This will allow access to investor networks, civil society programs, and government agencies, accelerating business growth. Additionally, business incubators can partner with universities for specialized research in areas like health, agriculture, and climate change through the triple helix model. Key Words:Startups, Networking, Incubation, Infrastructure, Mentoring