Bridging Cultural Barriers to Youth Entrepreneurship: Assessing Community-Based Business Mentorship in Bekwarra, Cross River State

@article{1709068,
      author = {Pius Eneji Akah, Dorn Cklaimz Enamhe, Oru Tiku Takim, Pamela Zake Enamhe},
      title = {Bridging Cultural Barriers to Youth Entrepreneurship: Assessing Community-Based Business Mentorship in Bekwarra, Cross River State},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2025},
      volume = {8},
      number = {12},
      pages = {692-698},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1709068.pdf},
      abstract = {This study explores the transformative role of community-facilitated business mentorship in addressing socio-cultural impediments to youth entrepreneurship in Bekwarra Local Government Area (LGA) of Cross River State, Nigeria. Relying solely on qualitative methods, the study examines how local mentorship programs have influenced perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors among rural youth regarding entrepreneurship. Through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation, this research captures lived experiences and social dynamics that quantitative metrics often overlook. The findings suggest that culturally embedded mentorship serves as both an educational and social intervention, shifting norms, empowering marginalized groups (particularly women), and fostering a more entrepreneurial community ethos. The paper contributes to rural development literature by offering a grounded framework for integrating mentorship into local economic development strategies.},
      keywords = {Youth Entrepreneurship, Qualitative Analysis, Community Mentorship, Socio-Cultural Barriers, Rural Development, Nigeria},
      month = {June},
  }