Mentorship, Networking, and Knowledge Spillovers: Implications for Growth of Women-Led Startup Enterprises in Nigeria

Women-led startup enterprises in Nigeria continue to encounter challenges relating to limited access to mentorship, strategic networks, and entrepreneurial knowledge necessary for business growth and sustainability. This study examined the implications of mentorship, networking, and knowledge spillovers on the growth of women-led startup enterprises in Nigeria, with emphasis on revenue growth and employment generation. Using Rising Tide Africa (RTA) as a case study, the study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design within a quantitative explanatory framework. Data were collected from 392 respondents selected from a population of 1,135 stakeholders associated with Rising Tide Africa using the Taro Yamane sample size determination formula and stratified random sampling technique. Primary data were obtained through a structured questionnaire measured on a seven-point Likert scale. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis with the aid of SPSS. The findings revealed that mentorship had a positive and statistically significant effect on revenue growth (β = 0.150, p < 0.05) and employment generation (β = 0.118, p < 0.05). Networking opportunities exerted the strongest positive influence on revenue growth (β = 0.549, p < 0.05) and employment generation (β = 0.455, p < 0.05). Knowledge spillovers also significantly influenced revenue growth (β = 0.176, p < 0.05) and employment generation (β = 0.155, p < 0.05) in the individual regression models. However, the combined regression model showed that knowledge spillovers did not significantly predict startup growth outcomes. The study concluded that mentorship and networking remain critical drivers of women-led startup growth in Nigeria. The study recommended the strengthening of mentorship structures, networking platforms, and entrepreneurial support ecosystems to improve startup performance and sustainability.