Abstract
Background: Economic growth and job creation are focus areas for small, medium and micro
enterprises (SMMEs), and effective business coaching for their owners plays a vital role in South
Africa. Unfortunately, SMMEs often fail because of a lack of proper financial understanding,
insufficient managerial talents and a lack of experience in critical functional areas.
Aim: This research aimed to explore the role that business incubator coaching plays in
supporting and developing SMMEs.
Setting: The research was conducted within the private and public business incubator sectors
in South Africa.
Methods: A qualitative, exploratory approach was followed and purposive sampling was
used to select 10 participants who were interviewed individually. Thematic analysis was then
used to analyse the data through abductive analysis techniques.
Results: The research indicated that the best practices associated with business incubator
coaching programmes include providing individualised guidance, setting clear coaching
objectives, feedback sessions and creating avenues for socialising. Business incubator coaches
can thus incorporate these practices when structuring their incubation programmes.
Conclusion: The research revealed that the best practices of business incubator coaching
programmes substantially affect the success of SMMEs. The coach’s characteristics and
experience are particularly important in assisting the SMME entrepreneur in reaching their
coaching goals. Effective business incubator coaching can ultimately enhance SMME
entrepreneurs’ business acumen and ultimately achieve sustainable success.
Contribution: This research adds to existing literature on business incubator coaching within
the South African SMME context.