A Phenomenological Exploration of Social Entrepreneurs' Experiences in Competency-Based Entrepreneurship Training for Business Sustainability

Abstract

Entrepreneurship, particularly social entrepreneurship, plays a critical role in fostering economic growth and addressing societal challenges. While much has been studied about the technical skills gained through entrepreneurship training, less is known about the subjective experiences of social entrepreneurs and how these experiences influence the sustainability of their businesses. Existing literature often overlooks the personal and emotional aspects of entrepreneurship, focusing instead on quantitative outcomes such as financial performance. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap by exploring the lived experiences of social entrepreneurs participating in competency-based entrepreneurship training programs. Using a phenomenological approach, this research examines how entrepreneurs make sense of their training and its impact on both their personal growth and business sustainability. In-depth interviews with 12 social entrepreneurs revealed that while the training boosted entrepreneurial confidence and social responsibility, its effectiveness in promoting long-term business sustainability was often limited by external factors, such as market conditions and resource availability. These challenges should be considered when evaluating the overall impact of training programs.  These findings highlight the importance of designing training programs that are adaptable to local contexts and address both technical and social dimensions of entrepreneurship. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding entrepreneurship training and offers valuable implications for future research and program design.