ENTREPRENEURIAL SELF-EFFICACY AND PERSISTENCE: THE ROLE OF SOCIAL SUPPORT AND GENDER

The topic of social support has held a steady place in entrepreneurship over the years. While the literature addresses social support in various facets, peer-to -peer social support has yet to garner significant attention. This study evaluates the role of entrepreneurial peer support, paying close attention to gender differences. Specifically, both emotional and instrumental social support are examined to determine their influence on entrepreneurial self-efficacy and persistence. Small business owners are surveyed to evaluate the role of peer to entrepreneurial persistence. In addition, this study investigates the role of gender in how support is realized. The results could revitalize a stream of entrepreneurial research that draws back to the value of personal connections , and point to new opportunities for research in self self-efficacy and persistence.