@article{CRSIJ26000265,
                  author = {Ozumba C.N , Dim Henry},
                  title = {Mentorship in Entrepreneurship : Building the Bridge Between Theory and Practice},
                  journal = {Cosmo Research and Science International Journal},
                  year = {2025},
                  volume = {2},
                  number = {1},
                  pages = {492-515},
                  issn = {3108-1584},
                  url = {https://cosmorsij.com/published/CRSIJ26000265.pdf},
                  abstract = {Mentorship has long been recognized as a cornerstone of professional development, yet its application in entrepreneurship remains a rich and underexplored intersection of theory and lived experience. This paper investigates the multifaceted role of mentorship in entrepreneurial ecosystems, examining how structured and informal mentoring relationships contribute to venture creation, business sustainability, and entrepreneurial resilience. Drawing on an extensive review of empirical literature, conceptual frameworks, and real-world case analyses, the study explores the theoretical underpinnings of entrepreneurial mentorship — including social learning theory, human capital theory, and network theory — and maps these against documented practical outcomes. The paper also identifies persistent gaps between idealized mentorship models and the realities faced by entrepreneurs in diverse socioeconomic contexts. Key themes include the mentor-mentee relationship dynamics, industry-specific mentoring models, digital mentorship in a post-pandemic era, inclusive mentoring for underrepresented founders, and institutional frameworks that support scalable mentoring programs. The research concludes with actionable recommendations for ecosystem builders, policymakers, educational institutions, and entrepreneurs themselves. This work argues that bridging the gap between mentorship theory and practice is not merely academic — it is essential for building entrepreneurial ecosystems that are equitable, innovative, and sustainable.},
                  keywords = {Entrepreneurial mentorship, theory-practice gap, start-up ecosystems, social learning theory, inclusive entrepreneurship, digital mentoring, human capital, business incubation, mentor-mentee dynamics, entrepreneurial resilience},
                  month = {July}
        }