Business incubators: a process of creative destruction

For several decades now the Democratic Republic of Congo has been faced with increasing poverty among its population and a steadily rising unemployment rate due to job insecurity. In response to this precarious situation the majority of the population is initiating income-generating activities which today represent a real outlet for them. In most countries these entrepreneurs form the backbone of the economy and are generally supported by public authorities or private organizations to promote their growth. In fact observation tells us that young companies find it hard to survive due to a very sketchy knowledge of the field. The figures are less well known in the Congolese context but European surveys have shown that half of European companies do not survive within the first five years of their creation. Faced with this phenomenon of premature business death an alternative has emerged as a means of ensuring the longevity of a company: support from a business incubator.