Mentoring Patterns in Business Incubators: A Typology and Organizational Maturity Model from Spain

This research mapped mentoring typologies implemented by business incubators in Spain and examined the role of these typologies in fostering sustainable entrepreneurship. Using a quantitative multivariate approach, this study identified and classified mentoring models on the basis of 28 variables related to the mentoring process. The analysis drew on data from the Funcas 2025 survey of Spanish business incubators, which provided detailed information on mentoring practices across the participating incubators (initial responses: n = 100; final analytical sample after listwise deletion of missing values: n = 93). Principal component analysis was applied to extract the main latent dimensions underlying mentoring activities, and cluster analysis was subsequently used to group incubators into homogeneous mentoring typologies. The analysis identified three distinct mentoring profiles: (i) advanced mentoring, characterized by formalized programs with systematic evaluation, rigorous mentor selection, and continuous training; (ii) moderate mentoring, defined by partial integration into incubation services and the use of basic monitoring and evaluation mechanisms; and (iii) incipient mentoring, grounded ad hoc interactions, low formalization, and the absence of structured evaluation systems. Incubators with structured, continuous, and expert-driven mentoring systems were associated with higher entrepreneurial survival rates and stronger contributions to sustainable business development. From a public policy perspective, the findings highlighted mentoring as a strategic policy instrument for advancing Sustainable Development Goals related to Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), and Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11). The proposed mentoring typology provided an evidence-based framework to support differentiated incubation policies, improve the targeting of public resources, and design stage-specific mentoring interventions. By moving beyond uniform policy approaches, public authorities can more effectively strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems and promote resilient, innovative, and sustainable territorial development.