IMPACT OF INCUBATOR AND ACCELERATOR PROGRAMS ON STARTUP GROWTH (A CASE STUDY OF ILORIN KWARA STATE)
Abstract
Startup growth remains a persistent challenge in Nigeria's entrepreneurial sector, as many early-stage ventures struggle with leadership capacity, market presence, and technical skills. While incubator and accelerator programs are promoted as support mechanisms, there is an insufficient understanding of how specific services translate into measurable growth indicators, particularly in emerging economies. Hence, this study examines how incubator and accelerator services affect startup growth at the Ilorin Innovation Hub in Kwara State. Specifically, it sought to determine the influence of mentorship support on leadership skill development, the impact of networking opportunities on market expansion, the effect of training on technical competencies, and how market validation support contributes to competitive positioning. The study adopted a survey research design, examining a sample of 109 startups at the Ilorin Innovation Hub, with 93 valid responses used for analysis. Data was gathered using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings revealed that mentorship support significantly influences leadership skill development, with Experience Sharing (β = 0.370, p = 0.000) and Role Modelling (β = 0.314, p = 0.005) having a significant positive effect. Networking opportunities emerged as a significant predictor of market expansion, with Industry Connection (β = 0.308, p = 0.015), Investor Access (β = 0.253, p = 0.050), and Peer Collaboration (β = 0.273, p = 0.011) all showing a significant positive effect. Similarly, training significantly affects technical competency, driven by Skill Workshops (β = 0.303, p = 0.015) and Specialized Courses (β = 0.258, p = 0.030). Finally, Market validation support was a significant predictor of competitive positioning, with Customer Feedback Analysis (β = 0.435, p = 0.000) and Product Market Fit Assessment (β = 0.288, p = 0.005) showing significant positive effects. However, Mentor Guidance (p = 0.066), Practical Sessions (p = 0.074), and Pilot Programs (p = 0.655) were found to be non-significant. The study concluded that incubator and accelerator programs are critical for fostering startup growth by providing structured support that enhances leadership skills, technical capabilities, and market presence. It is recommended that the Ilorin Innovation Hub strengthen its customer feedback mechanisms, address weaknesses in pilot programs, prioritize skill workshops and specialized courses to maximize startup success.
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