An emerging theory of outsider assistance as a knowledge resource suggests that new ventures obtain a unique blend of tacit and explicit knowledge through the judicious use of outside assistance. Using data from a longitudinal study of one outsider assistance program at a point in time four to...

The effectiveness of guided preparation programs for the long-term performance of new ventures is investigated. Guided preparation is the entrepreneur’s research, planning, and other activities engaged in prior to startup, conducted with the assistance of an outside advisor. Many such forms of...