Peer learning in solopreneurship training as a driver of professional networks

Abstract

This thesis focuses on a significant sector of the Finnish economy, namely the solopreneur, or sole proprietor, of which there were 180 000 such companies as of April 2020. Significant responsibility rests on the shoulders of one person in these companies, therefore this thesis explores how peer learning with fellow solopreneurs supports the formation of professional networks for these small business owners. The activities of one cohort of the Finland-based Solopreneur Academy training serve as a base for data collection in this thesis.

The objective of this thesis is to detail the effect that peer learning has on the formation of professional networks among solopreneurs. In doing so, it looks into the relevance of collaboration in the context of entrepreneurship. Specifically, this research surveys training participants in relation to their perspective on how peer learning supports the generation of professional networks. The research methods include an online survey and semi-structured interviews.

Results suggest that there is a positive correlation between peer learning and professional networking. The thesis will finally appraise to what extent peer learning drives professional network formation among solopreneurs and then make evidence-based recommendations for training providers and edtechs who seek to capitalise upon the growing number of solopreneurs.