TY - CHAP

T1 - Experiences, Competences, Attitudes on the market for Start-up Counselling

T2 - Evidence from Germany

AU - Tegtmeier, Silke

AU - Schulte, Reinhard

AU - Wille, Carsten

PY - 2010

Y1 - 2010

N2 - This study analyses the start-up counseling practice in Germany based on an online survey covering 2,146 start-up counselors. The results reveal that competences, experiences, and attitudes are very heterogeneous, and a standard frame of reference for counseling services concerning start-ups and new ventures is missing. Because of missing quality standards and the marginal spread of individual degrees with trademarked occupational titles, there is considerable ex ante risk in engaging a start-up counselor from a customer focus. Individual seals of counseling competence could serve as signalling instruments. The survey shows remarkable interest in certification programs allowing reliable quality distinction.

AB - This study analyses the start-up counseling practice in Germany based on an online survey covering 2,146 start-up counselors. The results reveal that competences, experiences, and attitudes are very heterogeneous, and a standard frame of reference for counseling services concerning start-ups and new ventures is missing. Because of missing quality standards and the marginal spread of individual degrees with trademarked occupational titles, there is considerable ex ante risk in engaging a start-up counselor from a customer focus. Individual seals of counseling competence could serve as signalling instruments. The survey shows remarkable interest in certification programs allowing reliable quality distinction.

KW - Management studies

KW - Entrepreneurship

M3 - Article in conference proceedings

VL - 3

T3 - Inter-ICSB Online Publication

SP - 44

EP - 64

BT - Inter ICSB

A2 - Malinen, Pasi

PB - International Council for Small Business

ER -