The Impact of Support in Collective Entrepreneurship: The Case of the SISMIC Program in Québec

Abstract

In recent years, interest of the positive impact of collective entrepreneurship has been growing. Launched by the Chantier de l’économie sociale, SISMIC is one example of an entrepreneurial support program designed to capitalize on this potential. This article assesses the program’s outcomes based on a qualitative analysis of data gathered through interviews with participating entrepreneurs. The results show that entrepreneurial support promotes strategic thinking, builds confidence, and strengthens reputations. The program enhanced entrepreneurs’ knowledge, resources, and operational structure. The incubator has also provided new insights into the unique participatory governance processes and legal structures that define the social economy. Furthermore, the authors found that the synergy between coaching and financing support enables entrepreneurs to fully focus on their projects, easing their mental burden.

Keywords

• collective entrepreneurship, incubator entrepreneurial support, social economy