Entrepreneurship training to promote start-ups and innovation in Bahrain

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate training and education support for entrepreneurship in Bahrain, using the case study of the Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP). Design/methodology/approach: The paper uses interviews, secondary sources and participant involvement on the part of one of the authors. Findings: The United Nation Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and other initiatives to promote entrepreneurship in Bahrain are discussed. The characteristics of implementation of entrepreneurship training and education are set out, identifying the importance of ‘hands on' practice and results orientation. 79 participants in the EDP were interviewed and their characteristics related to starting up a business discussed. Research limitations/implications: The main limitations include the need for further evaluation of the initiatives discussed and measures of external business environment. The sample size, the length of tracking of individuals and measures of external business environment are limited. Originality/value: These results set out the wider polices to promote entrepreneurship in a small Gulf country and some of the factors that influence their likely success.