FROM INCUBATION TO GROWTH: WIRAHEBAT’S ROLE IN FOOD STARTUP DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

This research seeks to examine how the effect of the Wira Hebat Business Incubation Program on the development of food startups with capital access as a mediating variable. The research employed a quantitative approach with an explanatory research design and used a saturated sampling technique involving 60 respondents who were food startup participants of the Wira Hebat Program in Garut Regency. Data was examined through Structural Equation Modeling Structural Equation Modeling based on Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) with SmartPLS 3.0. Findings indicate that business incubation positively and notably effect on capital access, and capital access influences significantly the development of food startups. Furthermore, capital access significantly mediates the relationship between business incubation and food startup development. These findings indicate that the success of business incubation is not only measured by the improvement of entrepreneurial capacity but also by its ability to bridge access to funding for entrepreneurs. Practically, this study highlights the importance of business incubation in strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem, particularly in the food and beverage sector. An effective incubation program should not only provide managerial training and mentoring but also ensure access to funding and sustainable business networks.