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Entrepreneurial ecosystems as a driver for growth of rural startup companies

Mini Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2024.

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Other Authors: Ntshakala, Thembekile
Format: Thesis
Language:English
Published: University of Pretoria 2025
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access_status_str Open Access
author2 Ntshakala, Thembekile
author_browse Ntshakala, Thembekile
author_facet Ntshakala, Thembekile
collection Thesis
dc_rights_str_mv © 2024 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria.
description Mini Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2024.
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institution University of Pretoria (South Africa)
language English
last_indexed 2026-06-10T12:38:52.072Z
license_str Other — see source repository
provenance_str_mv Harvested via OAI-PMH from UPSpace — University of Pretoria Institutional Repository
publishDate 2025
publishDateRange 2025
publishDateSort 2025
publisher University of Pretoria
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spelling oai:repository.up.ac.za:2263/101881 Entrepreneurial ecosystems as a driver for growth of rural startup companies Ntshakala, Thembekile ichelp@gibs.co.za Maloka, Nokuthula Joy UCTD Rural entrepreneurship Entrepreneurial ecosystems Startups Social networks Social capital Mpumalanga Province, South Africa Mini Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2024. This study examines the role of entrepreneurial ecosystems in supporting the growth and sustainability of rural startup businesses, focusing on Mpumalanga, South Africa. The study uses qualitative research methods to explore rural entrepreneurs' unique challenges, including limited access to resources, inadequate skills, and insufficient government support, while identifying key ecosystem components that could alleviate these obstacles. Findings reveal that resource accessibility, tailored mentorship, and localised training programs are essential for fostering rural entrepreneurship. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of building trust within local ecosystems to enhance collaboration and resource sharing among stakeholders. Practical recommendations are proposed to address identified challenges, advocating for strategic partnerships between government, financial institutions, and NGOs to provide financial support, skills development, and improved infrastructure. The research highlights the implications for policy and practice, suggesting that a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem can drive the growth of rural start-up companies. By addressing these insights, stakeholders can strengthen rural ecosystems, contributing to inclusive growth and sustainable development in underserved areas. Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) MBA Unrestricted Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) SDG-08:Decent work and economic growth SDG-09: Industry, innovation and infrastructure SDG-10:Reduces inequalities SDG-11:Sustainable cities and communities SDG-12:Responsible consumption and production 2025-04-08T07:51:09Z 2025-04-08T07:51:09Z 2025-05-05 2024-11 Mini Dissertation * A2025 http://hdl.handle.net/2263/101881 en © 2024 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria. application/pdf University of Pretoria
spellingShingle UCTD
Rural entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurial ecosystems
Startups
Social networks
Social capital
Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
Entrepreneurial ecosystems as a driver for growth of rural startup companies
title Entrepreneurial ecosystems as a driver for growth of rural startup companies
title_full Entrepreneurial ecosystems as a driver for growth of rural startup companies
title_fullStr Entrepreneurial ecosystems as a driver for growth of rural startup companies
title_full_unstemmed Entrepreneurial ecosystems as a driver for growth of rural startup companies
title_short Entrepreneurial ecosystems as a driver for growth of rural startup companies
title_sort entrepreneurial ecosystems as a driver for growth of rural startup companies
topic UCTD
Rural entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurial ecosystems
Startups
Social networks
Social capital
Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
url http://hdl.handle.net/2263/101881