Learning to ride the high growth “Rollercoaster”: the role of publicly funded business accelerator programmes

Ross Brown () and Rachael Rees-Jones ()
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Ross Brown: University of St Andrews
Rachael Rees-Jones: University of South Wales

Small Business Economics, 2025, vol. 64, issue 2, No 12, 530 pages

Abstract: Abstract High growth firms (HGFs) are a vital determinant of regional economic competitiveness. This paper examines the effectiveness of a Welsh publicly funded business accelerator programme (BAP) designed to nurture HGFs via relational support measures. The paper teases out both the support requirements sought by high growth entrepreneurs, together with the perceived effectiveness of the programme’s offering. Hitherto, the literature has been silent in terms of the mental well-being and psychological resilience of founders of HGFs. This study discovered how mental well-being and psychological resilience of entrepreneurs was very acutely and detrimentally affected when experiencing periods of rapid firm growth. The research also uncovered a disconnect between the support needs of HGFs and those provided by BAPs. To help develop the capabilities and durability of entrepreneurs, “growth readiness” coaching together with psychological resilience training seem appropriate policy measures to help entrepreneurs successfully navigate turbulent episodes of high growth.

Keywords: High growth firms; Business accelerator programmes; Mental health; Public policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L26 L53 M13 R11 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s11187-024-00917-z

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