Virtual Business Incubators: A Support for Entrepreneurship in Rural Areas?

Abstract

This chapter examines the lack of entrepreneurial resources for venture development in rural regions and presents a study of how virtual business incubators (VBIs) can fill this gap and support rural entrepreneurial activities. The authors employ a single case study approach in which the empirical data builds on six interviews conducted with rural entrepreneurs and managers of VBIs. The data collection and data analysis follow the grounded theory approach set forth by Charmaz (2014). The main contribution of this research is the application of the VBI concept in the rural entrepreneurship context, with the aim of overcoming the challenges inherent to this context while conserving its benefits.