• Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.81-96
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• 2020

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of entrepreneurial mentoring as an effective support method to increase the awareness and entrepreneurial intention of university students. Therefore, the mediating effect of social support and entrepreneurial self-efficacy was demonstrated in the relationship between entrepreneurial mentoring and entrepreneurial intention. As a result of the analysis, the positive role of entrepreneurial mentoring was confirmed as an influencing factor to increase the intention of young prospective entrepreneurs to set up and increase their expectations for social support. Specifically, entrepreneurial mentoring had a significant positive effect on entrepreneurial intention, social support, and entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Social support had a significant positive effect on entrepreneurial self-efficacy and entrepreneurial intention, respectively, and partially mediated the relationship between entrepreneurial mentoring and entrepreneurial intention. Entrepreneurial self-efficacy had a positive effect on entrepreneurial intention, and entrepreneurial self-efficacy fully mediated between entrepreneurial mentoring and entrepreneurial intention. Through this study, it was proved that entrepreneurial mentoring is an important factor that positively influences entrepreneurial intention, social support, and entrepreneurial self-efficacy. In addition, by identifying the effect of social support on entrepreneurial self-efficacy, it was confirmed that the individual's self-confidence and efficacy increased when they recognized the belief or utilization of social support. Finally, by confirming that entrepreneurial mentoring has a positive effect on social support and that social support mediates between entrepreneurial mentoring and entrepreneurial intention, the entrepreneurial mentoring program raises the entrepreneurial intention to start a business and helps founders to social support. It has been confirmed that it can be used as a way to raise the awareness and effect of startup supporting policy in practice as well.