This study explores the perceived impact of Arcada University of Applied Sciences’ Entrepreneurship Hub (AEH) programs on student participants, specifically the pre-incubator Becoming an Entrepreneur and the subsequent incubator. Based on four semi-structured interviews with five students, the research adopts an inductive qualitative approach to understand how participation supported both entrepreneurial development and personal growth. The interviews, conducted via Microsoft Teams and thematically analysed, revealed ten thematic clusters, highlighting the value of practical coaching, mentorship, peer learning, and community building.

Participants described the pre-incubator as a transformative experience, enabling them to develop their business ideas in a low-threshold, supportive environment. The incubator extended this journey through tailored support, strong peer networks, and highly appreciated mentorship. The findings suggest that AEH plays a crucial role in empowering students and early-stage entrepreneurs, especially by fostering confidence, offering relevant knowledge, and sustaining long-term engagement in the entrepreneurial process.

The results also reflect the growing importance of entrepreneurship education as a core mission for higher education institutions. Rather than focusing solely on business outcomes, today’s entrepreneurship education supports personal development, self-awareness and reflection, allowing students to explore and act from their own strengths. As higher education institutions take on a more proactive role in fostering innovation and societal transformation, programs like AEH demonstrate the potential of learner-centred, inclusive approaches that combine practical experience with personal growth. These findings support the idea that entrepreneurship education not only enhances employability but also provides a meaningful and sustainable path for students to engage with the future of work and value creation.

Keywords: Entrepreneurship education, student incubators, mentorship, peer learning.