Background: Although emerging economies are transforming their social and political systems, they still, however, face multiple challenges ranging from corruption to a lack of infrastructures. Entrepreneurship might be an effective tool for providing solutions to such endemic problems. Hub organizations seem to have a great potential for supporting and facilitating entrepreneurship and are gaining popularity in emerging markets, particularly in Africa. Owing to the novelty of this topic, little research has been done so far to explore this form of organization.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the resources that characterize hubs in emerging markets and the impact they have on entrepreneurs, so as to deepen our understanding of the way in which these organizations function.

Method: A qualitative single case study method of an exploratory nature was applied using in-depth, semi-structured interviews. In total, 22 interviews were conducted with different stakeholders, namely entrepreneurs, hub management and board members as well as with external collaborators in order to gain a thorough understanding of the hub.

Conclusion: Through the study a comprehensive framework which shows how hubs function in emerging markets was developed. Firstly, resources that characterize these organizations as well as methods for developing them or acquiring new ones were identified. Secondly, the services that emerge from combinations of resources were explored in order to understand their impact on entrepreneurs. Finally, hubs were found to achieve their purpose of fostering entrepreneurship by supporting individuals through personal and business development and through financial benefits.