Entrepreneurship programming has exploded in recent years. According to VoxDev, a research association, aid agencies along spend more than one billion dollars annually on entrepreneurship training, with mixed results.1 Classic “funnel” models, where potential entrepreneurs go through a rigorous selection process and are awarded cash and other resources have been found to be the most successful in terms of capital raising and business growth, however this model is suitable for very specific types of business models that have capacity to scale. 

The success of other programmes that offer intensive managerial or technical training as well as access to clients and other networks is more varied but may be essential to helping aspiring entrepreneurs evaluate different business models and product possibilities. What is the right balance between different types of programming and is there scope to improve how training is coordinated?