A Research Framework for Assessing the Impact of Business Mentoring on Long-Term SME Performance in Slovenia

This paper proposes a research framework to examine the long-term impact of business mentoring on the performance and sustainability of Slovenian micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating for more than 25 years. The framework is conceptually grounded in theories of entrepreneurial learning and developmental mentoring and aims to address a gap in the literature regarding the effectiveness of mentoring in mature firms. The proposed study relies on a mixed-methods design, combining secondary financial data from the BIZI. The SI platform with primary data gathered through structured surveys and semi-structured interviews. Profit per employee is identified as the key performance indicator for assessing financial outcomes. The framework includes three testable hypotheses related to the presence, perceived value, and structure of mentoring relationships. By outlining a straightforward methodological approach, this paper sets the stage for future empirical research and guides policy-makers and practitioners involved in SME support and mentoring programs.