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Does Entrepreneurial Education Matter for the Performance of Medium-Sized Venture Entrepreneurs?

Author

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  • Richard Arend

    (Department of Business Administration, School of Business, College of Management and Human Service, University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME 04103, USA)

  • Ali Unal

    (Department of Business Administration, School of Business, College of Management and Human Service, University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME 04103, USA)

  • Richard Bilodeau

    (Department of Business Administration, School of Business, College of Management and Human Service, University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME 04103, USA)

Abstract

We explore the question of whether entrepreneurial education matters for medium-sized venture performance. We do so to better understand the conflicting evidence indicating that, while such education appears to have significant positive micro-level effects, it has no significant macro-level effects. The growing investment in entrepreneurial education has increased intentions and start-up rates in treatment effects studies but has yet to make an impact on national start-up or survival rates. To address the contradiction, we apply a different empirical approach—one based on the capabilities view—where we survey venture entrepreneurs about their firm’s performance and their education in order to determine whether their skills-enhancing entrepreneurial training is or is not a key driver of success. We find that while that training significantly increases their confidence, when taken as a whole—as a multidimensional measure—that entrepreneurial education does not significantly influence venture performance. We discuss the implications for research, policy, and education.

Suggested Citation

  • Richard Arend & Ali Unal & Richard Bilodeau, 2025. "Does Entrepreneurial Education Matter for the Performance of Medium-Sized Venture Entrepreneurs?," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-24, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jadmsc:v:15:y:2025:i:3:p:75-:d:1598366
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