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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study the role of networking, creating community, product development and mentoring in the experiential and entrepreneurial learning process. A close look is taken at the experiential knowledge of entrepreneurs to understand and bridge the gap between local cultures and entrepreneurial communities: how to map and implement the tacit knowledge possessed by an entrepreneur, and what sources help trainees find attractive ideas for a new venture? Design/methodology/approach – After reviewing the key literature, a phenomenological approach has been applied. Data were collected using not only semi-structured interviews but also secondary data. Findings – Creative entrepreneurs consider it important that learning materials are provided according to the learner’s specialist business idea. They need and expect multi-layered support from peers/coaches/mentors and social/local/specialist networks to test the ideas and products and services directly in the community. Originality/value – As the conventional teaching methodology is inapplicable for creative and community entrepreneurs, the key factors of their venture-creation process focus on their personal experience, skills, capabilities and motivation.
Summatavet et al. (Thu,) studied this question.