Contributions of entrepreneurial support in the understanding and financing trajectories of women entrepreneurs: Comparison between a gendered and a mixed incubator

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article proposes to open the black box behind women’s behavior toward financing by looking at the influence that incubation structures can have in their support role. Based on qualitative empirical research and 23 semistructured interviews conducted with women entrepreneurs supported by two support structures (one mixed and the other gendered), our results identify the major contribution of entrepreneurial support to the financing trajectories of women entrepreneurs. Our results present the good practices of these structures in the support and mentoring of women in terms of financing and allow us to question the contribution of gendered and nongendered support. Thanks to these results, we also present recommendations for practitioners; that is, public authorities and actors in the entrepreneurial ecosystem that accompany and support women entrepreneurs.