Abstract:Notwithstanding the growing interest in business incubation programmes and the benefits derived from such programmes, the path is beset by numerous challenges. This paper investigates the challenges faced by business incubators (BIs) as they strive to support their clients. The study utilized a qualitative approach to collect data by way of interviews to gain in-depth knowledge and understanding of the concept and challenges of business incubators. The data were collected using structured and unstructured in-depth personal interviews, which were carried out with the respondents of business incubators in the Western Cape. The research participants for this study were limited to the business incubators on the database of a local organization that promotes small and medium enterprises (SMEs) development strategy and programmes in the Western Cape Province. All five business incubators on the database were deemed suitable for the study. The results indicated that an average of twenty-five entrepreneurs graduated from the incubation programme in the last five years. Furthermore, lack of sponsorship, production space, advanced technological facilities (prototype) and expansion to different areas were found to be among the challenges hindering incubators.

Business incubators were designed to sustain the deep-rooted image of entrepreneurs being self-reliant and by offering a broad spectrum of tailored services; it seeks to raise the success rate of small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) significantly. BIs have the characteristics to be completely dedicated to the success of a small business in its initial stages but, followed through, it puts in place the tools to achieve long-term success: space, funding, legal, accounting, computer services and other prerequisites to running a business, make BIs a one-stop shop for SMEs. This study has been conducted to establish if there has been a fairytale ending to the symbiotic relationship or whether the business incubator, like the SME, has had to traverse its own set of challenges towards achieving a happy union. The paper adopted a quantitative research approach in which the questionnaire was utilized as the relevant data collection tool. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used to analyze the data, with descriptive statistics at the end. As much as limited funding was reported to be a significant challenge that incubatees faced prior to joining the incubation programs, the results point to the fact that the need for multiple skills was the central force that seduced/lured the incubatees into the programs, but the majority of the participating respondents declare a complete lack of regret. Instead, they fully endorse the merits of the union, stating that BIs exists to effectively meet the objectives of SMEs

Living with a physical disability can interfere with an individual’s ability to participate actively in economic and social life. It is imperative to comprehensively understand the entrepreneurial barriers hindering the development of entrepreneurs living with physical disabilities. In spite of the increasing research on entrepreneurship, there seems to be a paucity of studies that have investigated the entrepreneurial barriers that are faced by entrepreneurs living with physical disabilities in South Africa. This study set out to explore the entrepreneurial barriers that are confronted by entrepreneurs living with physical disabilities. In this study, data were collected within the Sebokeng Township, which is an African township located in the Vaal Triangle, south of Johannesburg in South Africa. A qualitative research approach was used to collect data for the study. The researchers gathered qualitative data by means of semi-structured face-to-face interviews and focus groups. The analysis of the qualitative data was conducted through the use of thematic analysis. The themes that emerged from the findings include lack of equipment and machinery, discrimination, business networking, hardships in obtaining start-up capital, knowledge of support centres for entrepreneurs living with physical disabilities, and lack of education and training. Each theme was discussed individually, followed by substantiating quotes. Most respondents stressed that the barriers they face hinder the survival and growth of their ventures. The paper suggested that in order to help entrepreneurs living with physical disabilities, the South African government must formulate some schemes that are most necessary for their improvement and betterment of their life.

Living with a physical disability can interfere with an individual's ability to participate actively in economic and social life. It is imperative to comprehensively understand the entrepreneurial barriers hindering the development of entrepreneurs living with physical disabilities. In spite of the increasing research on entrepreneurship, there seems to be a paucity of studies that have investigated the entrepreneurial barriers that are faced by entrepreneurs living with physical disabilities in South Africa. This study set out to explore the entrepreneurial barriers that are confronted by entrepreneurs living with physical disabilities. In this study, data were collected within the Sebokeng Township, which is an African township located in the Vaal Triangle, south of Johannesburg in South Africa. A qualitative research approach was used to collect data for the study. The researchers gathered qualitative data by means of semi-structured face-to-face interviews and focus groups. The analysis of the qualitative data was conducted through the use of thematic analysis. The themes that emerged from the findings include lack of equipment and machinery, discrimination, business networking, hardships in obtaining start-up capital, knowledge of support centres for entrepreneurs living with physical disabilities, and lack of education and training. Each theme was discussed individually, followed by substantiating quotes. Most respondents stressed that the barriers they face hinder the survival and growth of their ventures. The paper suggested that in order to help entrepreneurs living with physical disabilities, the South African government must formulate some schemes that are most necessary for their improvement and betterment of their life.

In Southern Africa, employees play a critical role in the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). As a result, SMEs’ effectiveness depends on the presence of virtuous workplace spirituality and procedural justice, which affects work locus of control, employee job satisfaction, and employee organisational commitment. The researchers looked at how work locus of control, employee job satisfaction, and employee organisational commitment were influenced by workplace spirituality and procedural justice among SME employees in Harare, Zimbabwe. The study data was quantitatively analysed. According to the results, workplace spirituality, procedural justice, and work locus of control all play a role in enhancing employee job satisfaction and commitment. The relationship between workplace spirituality, procedural justice, and employee organisational commitment was positively influenced by work locus of control and employee job satisfaction. The findings of this study are expected to provide valuable insights into the unique key determinants affecting work locus of control, employee job satisfaction, and employee commitment to the organisation.