Improving the Mentoring Process for Social Entrepreneurship in Portugal: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Social entrepreneurship aims to find innovative and self-sustainable solutions to social problems. The mentoring process is a crucial component, yet relatively less addressed, of social entrepreneurship. This paper analyses the different perspectives towards mentoring of the main actors in the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Portugal, making use of interviews and focus groups and qualitative data analysis. The major challenges faced are identified and discussed. Recommendations to improve the mentoring process to new social entrepreneurs are withdrawn. Study findings are of value to all entities involved in the ecosystem.

Keywords:

• Social entrepreneurship
• social innovation
• mentors
• mentees
• best mentoring practices

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

Notes

1 Data from OECD Economic Survey of Portugal, February 2017. Poverty line is fixed on 60% of average disposable income in 2009 and adjusted for inflation and family size.