6533b7d6fe1ef96bd12657a6

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Tunisian start up support systems : what challenges facing young graduates entrepreneurs? : Sfax case study

subject

description

In this dissertation we identify the determinants of the longevity and the probability of survival of small businesses created by young graduates benefiting from bank loans at enhanced rates. The focus is on the policy impact of public support for the creation of companies. The data are based on a survey conducted in 2013 under the tutelage of the University of Sfax (Tunisia) of a cohort of 160 companies five years after they were first formed. The response rate was 81.25%. After discussing the issue of the survival of newly-established companies and the factors that promote their survival, we use duration models specifically the Cox model (1972). This analysis allows us to shed light on a business is more likely to survive if the entrepreneur is a male who started his business within a year of graduating and comes from an entrepreneurial background, stimulating his entrepreneurial spirit. The improved longevity of small companies ensues from the similarity between the entrepreneur’s previous occupation and the activity of his own company, and from the initial start-up capital if it exceeds 30.000 DT. Aid granted by the State for new promoters (investment subsidy, grant, and reduction in social security contributions) does not help reduce the risk of entrepreneurial failure with the exception of State aid to support a portion of employees’ wages. On the other hand, a company benefiting from entrepreneurial training before creation and from support post-creation sees its probability of survival rise.